A chalk line apparatus with a housing having a body with a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and laterally spaced sides. The body defines an internal space within which a spool is operatively mounted. A drive assembly is operable through an actuator to cause flexible line to be accumulated on the spool. The body has a front opening through which flexible line from the spool can be directed to externally of the housing. The body has a width between the laterally spaced sides and a length between the front and rear of the body. The body width tapers between the front and rear of the body over a majority of the length of the body.