The Mechanical Pencil
Diego De La Guerra
English 21007
Professor Julia Brown
The City College of New York
March 20, 2023
Table of Contents
What is a Mechanical Pencil ?………………………………………………..3-4
The Overview……………………………………………………………………4
Components………………………………………………………………………4-6
How does it work ?/Visual……………………………………………………….7-8
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………8
References…………………………………………………………………………9
What is a Mechanical Pencil ?
The evolution of the mechanical pencil has come a long way. This being said, we were introduced to various kinds of these types of pencils over the years and have been used in education and other professional settings. The mechanical pencil is a pencil that mechanically extends a solid pigment core made of graphite, called lead (History of the mechanical pencil, n.d.). It is used in mainly technical drawings, writing, and fine art. Although each mechanical pencil has a different appearance and features than other pencils, all mechanical pencils manage to still produce the same results. Compared to wooden pencils, mechanical pencils have leveraging capabilities such as avoiding the need to continuously sharpen, writing precision, and comfortable writing (Lucy, 2021). However, since lead is needed for the pencil to function, rather than carrying around a plastic sharpener, you would need to carry a pack of lead with a specific size designed for that particular pencil. Lead sizes vary between 0.5mm and 0.9mm. For a mechanical pencil to function and last longer, it needs a lead size specific to the number that is placed directly on it or on its clip. The thickness of 0.7mm lead allows for suitable sketching and will make general writing much easier (Mechanical pencil lead sizes & lead types, n.d.). Since the lead is a thicker variety it’s harder for the lead to run out because it wouldn’t be so easy to break. On the other hand 0.5mm lead has a higher chance of continuously breaking if too much pressure is applied. Additionally, the beauty behind the mechanical pencil is that it is also known to be a number 2 pencil, which is eligible for writing based tasks. Mechanical pencils fall under different categories such as ratchet-based pencils, screw-based, and clutch pencils. This implies that each pencil functions in their own way to produce the lead for a person’s ability to write neat and organized. In this description, a ratchet-based pencil will be the main focus. There has been a drastic shift from wooden pencils to the technical side of mechanical pencils and the overall purpose of these types of pencils is to continue making everyday writing efficient and more comfortable.
The Overview
Figure 1: Ratchet-Based Pencil #1
The Mechanical Pencil (figure 1) shown above is known as ratchet-based pencil due to the ability to mechanically propel the lead out of the lead sleeve (Mechanical pencil lead sizes & lead types n.d.). These are commonly used pencils today. The overall writing instrument has a standard size of 5.5 inches in length and a diameter of 0.5 inches. The eraser located at the tip of the pencil holds a diameter of 0.5 inches as well.
Components:
Figure 2: Ratchet-Based Pencil #2
- Lead Advance Unit:
This lead advance unit (figure 3) contains:
- Lead entry Port/Eraser Dock: It is the opening in which additional pieces of lead are placed and where the eraser rests. Due to the position of the eraser, it is impossible for the extra lead to fall out of the pencil when being used. Additionally, it is commonly known as the push button because it mechanically propels the lead one step at a time with a simple push inwards.
Figure 3: Lead Advance Unit
- Lead Reservoir Tube: This specific tube (figure 4) is located inside the pencil. It is in charge of holding additional lead pieces. The reservoir tube has openings on both ends and it extends from the eraser end to almost the writing tip.
Figure 4: Reservoir Tube
- Body: Now let’s take a look at the overall body (figure 5). If we think about the human body, it’s where our organs are stored and it serves as a barrier, which is why we cannot see them nor our bones. The mechanical pencil is the same thing. The body of the pencil serves as a barrier to keep the lead and reservoir tube intact for a smooth release. It also contains a clip, which allows individuals to have it wherever they go, by simply clipping onto a pocket or notebook.
Figure 5: Body
- Chuck/ Chuck Ring: The chuck ring (figure 6) is attached to the edge of the chuck. This is where the lead begins to leave the reservoir tube without it slipping because when combined, they end up grabbing the lead as soon as the lead advance unit is pushed.
Figure 6: Chuck/Chuck Ring
- Rubber Grip: The rubber grip (figure 7) plays more of an external role. It is a holding device designed to hold the mechanical pencil in a comfortable manner. The grip is commonly seen wrapped around the body of each mechanical pencil.
Figure 7: Rubber Grip
- Lead Sleeve/Tip: These two components depend on one another. Inside the tip there are mechanical rods that are being held and aligned with the lead sleeves. The lead sleeve does a great job at bracing lead from breaking, as it is existing.
Figure 8: Lead Sleeve & Tip
How does the Mechanical Pencil Work ?
The basic figures such as the lead advance unit, reservoir tube, body, chuck/chuck ring, rubber grip, lead sleeve & tip, work together to fulfill the mechanical pencil’s function. To begin with, the eraser must always be removed in order to access the lead entry port, to inspect the lead quantity the pencil holds. If there is not a sufficient amount of lead, then the appropriate lead size must be dropped inside the opening on the lead entry port before commencing any writing activity. The lead will maintain itself inside the reservoir tube. To begin writing, with the thumb of hand of choice, apply pressure on top of the eraser, which later engages the overall lead advanced unit, causing it to go up and down as pressure is continuously applied. The pressure applied is the only step required for a person, as a result of the functions of the internal components. Moreover, due to the push button mechanism, the lead advanced unit pushes the nearest opening of the reservoir tube towards the direction of the tip of the pencil. The spring attached to the chuck on the opposite side of the tube is then activated and compresses when pressure is applied. The ability to compress causes the chuck and chuck ring to grab and pull the lead pigment out smoothly, leading it into a straight path towards the tip of the pencil, where the mechanical rods align with the lead sleeve, providing a safe boundary for the lead to finally exit. The lead length that exits the sleeve solely depends on how many times the push button mechanism is pressed. The more it is pressed, the longer the piece of lead gets. The mechanical pencil also has a comfort function for the users and that is the rubber grip, which is placed between the thumb, index, and middle finger, as soon as the user reaches the desired lead length. Overall, while the pencil primarily depends on the internal functions, the outer main function, such as the body, holds and protects the internal mechanism.
Visuals:
- Here is a brief demonstration on how each component works together to fulfill its purpose:
Conclusion:
After getting familiarized with this complex writing instrument, invented by Conrad Gesner in 1565 (History of the mechanical pencil), it became an easy tool to use. Although Gesner invented the idea of the mechanical pencil, the push button mechanism originated in Japan, in 1915, due to Japanese inventor Tokuji Hayakawa (History of the mechanical pencil). The motive behind this mechanism was for an easier way to advance the lead. With just a simple push on the eraser, a person can begin their desired writing task due. The mechanical pencil is a very popular instrument and we see this when students pick out a pack of these types of pencils before starting their first day of school. We also see this in the work of art and architecture when sketching. The writing instruments vary in price, depending on the store it’s being selled in. With the proper lead size, the mechanical pencil will maintain its condition and continue delivering the best results. The mechanical pencil is a great investment for not only students but other professionals in various fields.
References
Connnie. (2023). The beginner’s guide to mechanical pencils. Love at First Write. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Mechanical-Pencils/pt/957#Using%20the%20Eraser
History of the mechanical pencil – inventor of mechanism. History of Mechanical Pencils – Invention and Inventor. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2023, from http://www.historyofpencils.com/writing-instruments-history/history-of-mechanical-pencils/
Lucy. (2021, August 11). A guide to mechanical pencils. The Pen Company Blog. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.thepencompany.com/blog/pencils/a-guide-to-mechanical-pencils/
Mechanical pencil lead sizes & lead types. Goldspot Pens. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://goldspot.com/pages/mechanical-pencil-lead-sizes-types
Richman, M. (2023, March 1). How do mechanical pencils work? Art New York. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.artnyfair.com/how-do-mechanical-pencils-work/
