Mechanical pencils are a great everyday tool for artists, students and professionals alike. No need to worry about broken or dull lead with a mechanical pencil. You’ll get all the benefits of using a traditional pencil with a mechanical pencil with a couple of added benefits as well. One of the best things about switching to a mechanical pencil is that it can be used almost infinitely. If your favorite pencil runs out of lead, it can just be refilled. It doesn't need to be a sad stub being thrown in the trash like traditional pencils. Refills are also more economical than buying a new pencil every time one is no longer usable. You can't go wrong with a mechanical pencil so grab a set today.

How does a mechanical pencil work? A mechanical pencil is easy to use once you know how it works. Different mechanical pencils may work a little differently. The first thing to know is where the lead dispensing button is. Press the button to make more lead come out as needed. Don't dispense too much lead otherwise it’s more likely to break. You only need a little at a time. The button is most commonly either found on the grip or the eraser. When the lead runs out, simply unscrew the tip of the pencil and add more lead inside.

Is 0.5 or 0.7 lead better? The quick answer is that both have their uses. People who have a tendency to press hard on their pencils do better with an 0.7 mechanical pencil. It's considered to be the best mechanical pencil for writing. The lead is thicker and therefore a little stronger making it less prone to breaking. A 0.5 lead pencil is the best mechanical pencil for drawing. The lines are thinner and a bit crisper.

How do I choose a mechanical pencil? Choosing a mechanical pencil is a personal choice based on preferences and how it's intended to be used. Thinner lead choices will result in crisp lines. It's easier to draw with but is also more prone to breaking so be sure you move your hand with care. There may be a bit of a learning curve to working with thinner leads. Thicker leads are ideal for everyday uses such as notetaking or working on puzzle books. The lead will last longer and create thicker lines that are easier to read.

The best mechanical pencils are determined by what you need them for. They're ideal everyday tools that may be more expensive for getting started but significantly lower cost in the long run. Plus, the lead is always at the diameter that you want to work with so you don't have to worry about it getting dull. You won’t need to think about keeping a sharpener nearby because mechanical pencils never need to be sharpened. Make the switch to a mechanical pencil, you won’t be disappointed!