Adjustable plumb bob and line capable of automatic braking and retraction

An assembly for a plumb bob and line capable of automatic braking and retraction comprising:

• a substantially square, hollow, two-part housing, comprising a cover and a base, detachably or hingably joined and possessing walls with interior and exterior surfaces;
• a coiled band spring attached at one end to one interior surface of the housing;
• a spool attached to the opposite end of the band spring;
• a long flexible member having one end attached to the spool and the opposite end attached to a tapered plumb bob weight;
• a series of pulleys located within the housing through which the flexible member passes in order to guide the flexible member through the housing;
• a tension device through which the flexible member is thread, comprising in combination:
• two pegs mounted perpendicularly on a shared surface of a disc member with the pegs extending into the hollow of the housing and located in relation to one another such that the flexible member can be wound about each peg;
• and
• an adjustment dial, having substantially the shape of a star, attached in parallel relation to the disc member and located on an exterior surface of the housing, such that rotation and setting of the adjustment dial will cause corresponding rotation and setting of the disc member;
• an aperture in the housing having the same shape as the adjustment dial such that the adjustment dial can be rotated and placed in the aperture, thereby setting and maintaining the adjustment dial position;
• a slot in the housing running substantially the length of the housing and through which the flexible member exits the housing.