Abstract: A chalk line retraction device is formed of a hollow casing defining a chalk line aperture therethrough. A chalk line reel carrying a chalk line is mounted for rotation within the casing and is keyed to a spur gear. The spur gear is engaged with a ring gear of much larger pitch diameter. The ring gear is coupled to a movable end of a spirally wound band spring. The other end of the band spring is anchored to the casing. The gearing arrangement provides a mechanical advantage such that a relatively long movement of the chalk line produces a corresponding short movement of the movable end of the band spring, thereby allowing a chalk line of considerable length to be taken up on the chalk line reel.