We construct an action of the free group $F_n$ on the homotopy category of projective modules over a finite dimensional zigzag algebra. The main theorem in the paper is that this action is faithful. We describe the relationship between homotopy classes of paths in the punctured disc and complexes of projective zigzag modules and explore the connection between gradings on the zigzag algebra and monoids in $F_n$. We use this connection to give homological constructions of the standard and Bessis dual word length metrics on the free group.
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