A mechanical lead pencil is a long-term investment, so you should do your research before investing money. From the usage purpose to refill mechanisms, everything matters. Follow this guide for experiencing a smooth and lasting journey with your mechanical pencil.
Things to Consider When Buying a Mechanical Pencil
Lead diameter
Mechanical pencils come with a variety of lead diameters. For example, if you use a pencil for writing, a 0.5 millimeter lead would be ideal. This size is suitable for most individuals, but if you write with a lot of pressure, a thicker size of 0.7 or even 0.9 millimeters is preferable. Similarly, a 0.3-millimeter lead size would perfectly catch those detailed designs if you want to channel your inner artist.
Refill mechanism
A typical lead refilling mechanism involves removing an eraser or cover located on the end of the pencil. Some pencils have more accessible lead feeding criteria like auto-feed, shaker, or side button mechanisms. Make sure you know how to refill the lead in your pencil, so you can keep writing.
Why Should You Choose Mechanical Pencils?
Mechanical pencils are superior to typical wood pencils for multiple reasons. Let’s briefly cover them.
No sharpening required
If you choose a high-quality mechanical pencil with a thinner tip, you get rid of the constant sharpening needs. On the contrary, wooden pencils require frequent sharpening. It does not matter if you are drawing or writing; a mechanical pencil offers a smooth writing experience, saving your time and effort.
Coherent writing
We all have used ordinary pencils during our time in school. Their writing quality changes depending on how you sharpen them. A line drawn with a recently-sharpened wooden pencil is way narrower than the one marked with a used tip. It degrades the overall look of your creation. Mechanical pencils are the opposite, as their writing quality remains consistent, no matter how often you use them.
Consistent size
Wooden pencils get smaller every time you sharpen them. Some individuals are uncomfortable working with shorter pencils, so they have to get a new one frequently. Mechanical pencils solve this problem, too, as their size remains the same throughout their usage.
Environment-friendly
This eco-friendly advantage correlates with the prolonged durability of mechanical pencils. You can comfortably use a single pencil for years. Only the lead is consumable. Wooden pencils, on the other hand, require more sharpening and do not last long. You may need a new one every two days. More pencils mean more wood cutting, posing a greater danger to our environment.
Mechanical Pencil FAQ
Q: How long do mechanical pencils last?
A: Mechanical pencils last for five to seven years, as you can refill the lead when it runs out. The durable plastic used in their manufacturing makes them an affordable writers’ tool.
Q: Which mechanical pencil sizes are standard?
A: The lead in mechanical pencils comes in varied sizes. The most commonly preferred size is 0.5 and 0.7 millimeters.
Q: Do mechanical pencils have erasers?
A: Erasers accompany most mechanical pencils, though you'll encounter the occasional exception that comes without one. These are sometimes hidden under a cap or push button, which you can pull to use the eraser. A few mechanical pencils have erasers that you can use by twisting the pencil’s body.
Q: Do mechanical pencils have real lead?
A: No, mechanical pencils do not house lead in its natural form. Instead, a safe alternative like graphite, clay, or plastic polymers is used.