The correct hardness and fill size will help you use a mechanical pencil more effectively. A pencil fill that is too small will make it difficult for you to write, but a pencil that is too thick will be difficult to use to make detailed drawings and thin lines. Knowing the different types of pencil fills and their uses can help you choose the right pencil fill.
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Part 1 of 2: Determining the Correct Fill of the Pencil
Step 1. Choose the right diameter
Different pencils require different thicknesses of pencil fill. The size required for a mechanical pencil is usually written on the surface of the pencil or on the clip. Because of their small size, diameters are generally written using a decimal millimeter size, such as 0.5 mm.
- 0.3 mm diameter is usually considered thin. This size is not suitable for writing or sketching, but it is suitable for drawing very small details.
- Diameter 0.5 mm is the most commonly used size. You can use this size for writing or drawing. This is a versatile measure that may be just right for your writing needs.
- A diameter of 0.7 mm is a measure of thickness. This large pencil fill is perfect for sketching and drawing that doesn't require detail. The contents of this pencil are also useful for drafting cursive handwriting.
Step 2. Use custom measures for specific purposes
In addition to pencil fillings of 0, 3, 0, 5, and 0.7 mm, thinner and thicker sizes are available from 0.3 mm to 5.6 mm. However, pencil fills above 0.9 mm require a special mechanical pencil. Very thin or thick pencil fills are generally intended for artists or drafters. However, they may be suitable for your needs.
Some pencil fill sizes, such as 2mm and up, may need to be sharpened, unlike other types of pencil fills. Follow the directions on the package to learn how to sharpen it best
Step 3. Determine the appropriate level of hardness for your type of work
Soft pencil fill will result in bold writing. The contents of this pencil are lighter and easier to stain writing media. Hard pencil fills will result in dark, sharp writing. The two most common levels of hardness are intermediate HB and H, but there are actually three main categories you can consider:
- Soft. The hardness of the contents of this pencil is indicated by a number followed by the letter B. The higher the leading number, the softer the contents of the pencil. The fill of the 4B pencil is very soft, 3B is slightly harder, and so on.
- Medium. At medium hardness, the letter B represents the softest type and will look like a Number 1 pencil. Medium HB will look like a Number 2 pencil. Medium F is similar to a Number 1½ pencil. The medium H is the hardest and is about the same as the Number 3 pencil.
- Hard. The level of hardness is represented by the letter H followed by a number. The higher the number, the harder the pencil fill. The H2 pencil is softer than the H3 pencil, and so on.
Step 4. Consider your writing style
Consider the pressure you use to write when choosing a pencil fill. The pressure you use when writing will affect the outcome of your writing or drawing.
- If you apply a lot of pressure, the thin pencil will break easily, while the softer will produce thick, odd lines. If you are that type of person, use a pencil fill of medium thickness and medium or high hardness.
- People who write with their left hand will find it difficult to deal with the hard contents of a pencil. If you are used to using a little pressure when writing, but are faced with a hard pencil, you will be forced to press very hard and may feel uncomfortable.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing the Right Mechanical Pencil
Step 1. Choose the right sleeve
The mechanical pencil sleeve is the part that protrudes from the pencil cylinder until the point where the pencil fills appear. There are three types of sleeves that you can choose from: fixed sleeves, sliding sleeves and no sleeves.
- The sleeve will provide a good field of view to see your writing/drawing area. This feature is important if you are going to make detailed drawings using pencil. However, you have to be careful when pocketing a pencil case. The end of the sleeve can puncture your thigh.
- The sliding sleeve can slide into the pencil cylinder body. If you like the features of a pencil case, but want to avoid the risk of being punctured, the sliding sleeve is the right choice for you.
Step 2. Prioritize the use of 0.5 mm pencil fill for easy replacement
Even if you prefer thicker or thinner pencil fills, keep a 0.5mm pencil fill ready. This is the most common size. If you run out and are in a pinch, you can easily find or buy a replacement.
When you use a mechanical pencil that is not commonly used, carry a spare pencil case with you so you don't have to hunt for special pencil refills when they run out
Step 3. Know the mechanism for releasing the contents of the pencil
The pencil discharge mechanism is a mechanical pencil way of ejecting the pencil content from the cylinder to the pencil tip. This mechanism is activated by a button, twist, or shake.
- There are two types of button mechanisms. The button is on the side of the pencil or at the top of the pencil combined with the eraser. Regardless of the type, you can eject the contents of the pencil by pressing the button.
- The twist mechanism is commonly used by older pencils. You can remove the contents of the pencil by turning the barrel of the pencil. Some have a continuous mechanism. The more turns, the more pencil fill comes out.
- The wiggle mechanism is activated by shaking the pencil vertically. This movement will push the contents of the pencil out.
Step 4. Use an indicator pencil
There are several models of pencils that can give an indication of the hardness of the pencil contents inside. If you change the pencil fill type while working on a different project, these indicators can help ensure that you are using the right pencil fill!
Step 5. Find a pencil grip that fits your hand
Most mechanical pencils use a soft, soft, rubber-like handle. Certain types of grips will suit certain types of hands. Some handles have special features, such as a rough texture to help you hold the pencil. Try before you buy to find the pencil that is most comfortable for you.
