Mechanical Pencils

Mechanical Pencils FAQ

Why should I use a mechanical pencil?

Wooden pencils have plenty of advantages, so we're certainly not opposed to using them, but there are some advantages to mechanical pencils that make them so popular.

• Unchanging balance. Wooden pencils change their balance as they're sharpened, and spend some of their time too short to use comfortably, but with enough use in them that you don't want to throw them away. A mechanical pencil stays the same all the time.
• Long lasting. A good mechanical pencil can last many years, maybe even a lifetime. Even cheap ones are usually good for a lot of use.
• Predictable line width. Especially when held upright, a mechanical pencil will always write or draw in the same width, where wooden pencils change with use.

Do I need to buy lead of the same brand as my pencil?

No, any lead of the same size should work just fine. It does have to be the right size - a 0.5mm pencil won’t work with 0.7mm lead, for example.

Which lead width should I use?

If you already have the pencil, you need the right size for it, which should be marked on it.

If you’re trying to choose a pencil, and you’re not sure what width to go for, it depends on your use. 0.5mm is the most popular for most things, but it does break fairly easily, especially if you’re a bit heavy-handed. 0.7mm is very popular for writing, because it’s a bit stronger. 0.9mm or wider can be good too, if you’re less concerned with a fine line, and want it to be a bit stronger.

Very fine leads like 0.3mm usually need a bit of care in use - such thin leads can snap easily if you’re not gentle with them. They’re great for fine drawing or small writing, though, and many people love them. There are even 0.2mm leads now, but they’re usually only available for specially designed pencils that can protect the lead in use, like the Pentel Orenz and Orenznero.

How do I clear a lead jam?

• How to clear a mechanical pencil lead jam

The little eraser is used up, can I replace it?

Usually, yes. Find your pencil, then see the ‘Refills & Spares’ section under it. Most of the big brands offer spare erasers, it’s just that most shops don’t sell them - but we’re not most shops!