Mechanical Pencils Key Terms

Some key terms for buying and using mechanical pencils

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

For an office that wants a lot of writing power with easy restocking, good ecology and efficiency, mechanical pencils can be a great alternative to those old wood and paint models. Over the years, these refillable graphite tube pencils have become popular in a lot of different work places, not just for efficient stocking, but for branding opportunities. Knowing about some of the key terms for types of mechanical pencils is good for business buyers looking for either internal supply or gift choices.

Lead diameters

Mechanical pencils have different diameters of "lead" (actually graphite) that buyers can choose from. The lead diameter is the thickness of the graphite piece that users write with, and it influences the feel of using the writing point, as well as the resulting line on the paper.
Try: Find out more about lead diameters for mechanical pencils at Pencil Talk.

Lead grades

Another choice for a mechanical pencil is the lead grade. Two scales are common: the European HB scale, which indicates degrees of hardness and blackness, and the traditional numbered scale we know from wood pencils. Buyers should know about any lead grade requirements before buying. For example, when pencils are used to fill in computer scanned forms, a No. 2 lead is usually preferred.
Try: See more on lead grades for mechanical pencils at Dave's Mechanical Pencils.

Pocket safe

Mechanical pencils that sellers call "pocket safe" are models with retractable tips. Pocket safe mechanical pencils are less likely to cause problems, as this advanced feature protects clothing and pencil containers.
Try: See more on pocket safe mechanical pencils and other features for these high-tech writing instruments at Cult Pens.

Ratchet based mechanical pencils

The ratchet base has become a practical standard for mechanical pencils. This type of pencil works on the principle of incremental mechanical advancement of the internal lead piece. A ratcheting button pushes the lead forward slowly as it depletes.
Try: See more on ratchet based mechanical pencils and other varieties at Absolute Astronomy.

Replacement erasers

Lots of mechanical pencil users rely on replacement erasers to easily refit pencils when the original eraser wears down. These special eraser heads are customized to fit onto pencil tips.
Try: See visuals on replacement erasers at Pencil Things.

Liquid lead pencil

The liquid lead pencil goes a step further than its traditional hard graphite cousins. With the liquid lead pencil, the lead "flows" from the pencil tip, much like ink from a pen.
Try: See more on the liquid lead pencil and other styles at this page from WiseGeek.