The Mechanical Pencil
Diego De La Guerra
English 21007
The City College of New York
March 13, 2023
Table of Contents
What is a Mechanical Pencil ?………………………………………………..3-4
The Overview……………………………………………………………………4-6
How does it work ?………………………………………………………………..6-7
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………7
References…………………………………………………………………………8
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 creator named Conrad Gesner invented the
mechanical pencil in 1565. 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. You may be wondering what’s the difference between mechanical pencils with lead
and the wooden pencils that need to be sharpened. That’s exactly it. The mechanical aspect of the
pencil avoids the need to continuously sharpen (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, 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. If you compare its thickness to 0.5mm lead, you will be able to see how thin
0.5mm is. Therefore, that size of 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 over
purpose of these types of pencils is to continue making everyday writing efficient and more
comfortable.
The Overview
Figure 1: Ratchet-Based Pencil
This type of Mechanical Pencil is known as a 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, with a lead width of 0.7mm. The overall writing
instrument has a length of 5.5 inches and a diameter of 0.5 inches. According to figure 1 above,
the primary components consist of:
● Lead Advance Unit:
This lead advance unit (figure 2) contains:
1. 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 2: Lead Advance Unit
● Lead Reservoir Tube: This specific tube (figure 3) 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 3: Reservoir Tube
● Body: Now let’s take a look at the overall body (figure 4). 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 4: Body
● Chuck/ Chuk ring: The chuck ring (figure 5) 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 5: Chuck/Chuck Ring
● Rubber Grip: The rubber grip (figure 6) 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 6: 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, while the instrument is in use.
Figure 7: Lead Sleeve & Tip
How does the Mechanical Pencil Work ?
When it comes to describing how the mechanical pencil works it is through a much complex
process that we might think of. Having said this we must have in mind that the following figures
are what makes the mechanical pencil functional. These figures are the lead advance unit,
Reservoir Tube, Body,Chuck/Chuck Ring,Rubber Grip, Lead Sleeve & Tip. This being said, we
can see how all these parts work together to fulfill its function. Let’s first start with the body. The
main purpose of the body is to hold onto the functions. The body holds everything together
within the mechanical pencil. This brings me to what we can find inside, which is the lead
reservoir tube. This allows it to hold the main purpose of a lead pencil which is the lead. Going
in depth the eraser has a special role since the eraser, when it’s pushed down it activates the next
function which is the chuck and the chuck ring. When the eraser is pressed down the chuck
activates when pressured down which allows the lead to come out from the next and final
important function. This brings me to the lead sleeve tip. Through this, it gives a stable
surrounding which surrounds the lead when released from the pressure of the chuck rings. This
being said, we may come across the clip which contributes to the mechanical pencil as a holder.
The mechanical also has another comfort function for the users and that is rubber grip. The
rubber grip not only provides the comfort the user needs but it provides a surrounding for the
body.
Conclusion:
After getting familiarized with this complex writing instrument, it becomes an easy tool to use.
With just a simple push on the eraser, a person can begin their desired task. 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. Now the mechanical pencil becomes 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-p
encils/
Lucy. (2021, August 11). A guide to mechanical pencils. The Pen Company Blog.
Retrieved March 13, 2023, from
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/
