Mason String holder

[J_E_F_F]

we use mason string now and then for setting up projects around our property, and we try to reuse it whenever possible.
I can't rewind it well on the original tube, I've used sticks, and a few other things, but my wife is now vetoing all my current and past ideas.

I've even tried the ones that come with the built in holder, and that didn't work well enough either.


I was looking at kite string holders on amazon, but it seems they are made for really small hands.
Is there a good tool option for rewinding/reusing mason string?
Yes I know and understand it will cost more than 10 brand new rolls lol

 

[mogandave]

Fishing handline reel

 

[J_E_F_F]

that might fit the bill, thanks. I ordered one to try. Hoping it holds quite a bit, as mason string is a lot thicker than most fishing line.

 

[dutchgray]

I take a piece of 1x3, 12" up to about 18" long, cut a V in each end about 2" deep, off centre so when you wrap the string up on it you get about an inch with no string on one side to hold on to.

 

[KnurledNut]

A chalkline with a 3:1 or 6:1 gear ratio would work well and doesnt cost much. Change the string out for the mason line.
I also have one with the hook swapped out for a plumb bob.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Growing up with kites you learned how to wind the string. A little practice and it's fast and neat, start in the middle and wind end to end as you roll the stick.

 

[lilredex]

This is the one I have used for a number of years, works well.

The line winder - Fine Homebuilding

A tightly stretched string is one of the most accurate tools available for getting a straight line on a building. Most of the masons and carpenters that I’ve seen wrap […]

www.finehomebuilding.com

 

[lardy1]

It's more about how you wind it than what you wind it on.

 

[mogandave]

I’ve seen guys use coffee cans for fishing line.

One hand inside the can and the other on the line.

 

[oldwino]

I’m with Dutchgray. I have about a dozen holders like that. I do save the yellow plastic reels for shorter lines

 

[bscman]

I've been using a piece of3/8 rebar lately.

Call mE nuts but it unwinds easily and you already have the rebar to pound into the ground for your first stake. When finished, chuck it into a low speed cordless drill and wind it back up (carefully!!!).

 

[finn]

The yellow plastic one works for me, but I don’t use long lengths very often.

I also have a green painted piece of pine with a vee cut in each end. I suspect it came from my grandfather. Don’t know if it’s home made or store bought. Probably from the thirties, or forties, though.

 

[Al Borland]

Chalkline holder is probably the simplest. I tried an orange electrical cord holder from Home Despot, sorta worked, but...
Lack of patience means the string goes bye-bye. Only a couple, maybe ten years to retirement - can't spend that time just winding $5 worth of string.
Get off MY LAWN!!!

 

[J_E_F_F]

@mogandave Seemed to work out well, thanks.
Not sure if a new full roll will fit, but a lot sure will.
I grabbed a couple 9" reels from basspro https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/114822

before


after

 

[Wyoming09]

Maybe here; https://intothewind.com/kites/accessories.html

 

[Skiff Builder]

3/8 dowel in your cordless drill/ driver?