Interesting Fact about Mechanical Pencil for Kids

by Pooja Late so cut

A mechanical pencil is a type of pencil that the graphite lead isn’t connected to the outer casing as the normal pencils used are. The lead is made of a thin stick of wax, graphite, and clay. This denotes that the lead can extend as it wears away taking off the need for sharpening. Not all mechanical pencil are made of graphite, some make use of recycled industrial carbon for this process.

What are the different sizes in mechanical pencils?

Virtually all types of mechanical pencils can be refilled by the lead that is available that are made for the pencil. The lead range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm in diameter. Instead of a sharpener, a 'pointer' is used to sharpen the lead. These pencils have different lead thicknesses and sizes that are easily available and HB and B hardness leads are the most often used as separate leads tend not to have as many grades available as a standard pencil. This pencil would be a good choice for drawing and sketching. Many mechanical pencils come complete with an eraser. This is also replaceable and easily available.

Brief History of mechanical pencil

Sampson Mordan and Gabriel Riddle, in England, invented the mechanical pencil in 1822. It was more of a refillable lead holder than a mechanical pencil, as users carried uniform pieces of lead in their pockets to use when necessary. Then slowly the pencil companies modified and gave us the best lightweight with extraordinary clear lead to use.

What are the advantages of a mechanical pencil?

The lead is so thin that it's always sharp.
Allowing precise and uniform strokes without the hassle of constant sharpening.
They are also environmentally friendly, saving wood and eliminating the wood shavings of a traditional pencil.
With a Mechanical Pencil, you can change the lead type or color when it suits you. There is also no need to sharpen the lead.

What are the disadvantages of a mechanical pencil?

A mechanical pencil is more mechanically complicated than a standard pencil, which means it may break easier.
Mechanical pencils will be more expensive initially than standard pencils.
Mostly mechanical pencils will only hold one particular lead width; you may have to spend money buying various pencils to accommodate all the different types of lead you intend to use.

Finally, mechanical pencils are best for standard office work, like writing, drawing, etc. You push a button and it gives you a good, standard amount of lead to do your work perfectly.

Author’s Bio

Harrison Paul in this post looks at the evolution of mechanical pencil. He further explores some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the used of these pencils.