Mechanical Pencils and Accessories

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Drafting Supplies

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Mechanical Pencils, Lead Holders, & Accessories


Why do some people prefer a mechanical pencil over a traditional graphite pencil? For many, the reason is as simple as the lead always being sharp, so you never need to stop what you're doing to sharpen it. And because the lead isn't bonded to the casing, it can be advanced — so the pencil body is never used up, and you always have a fresh lead in hand. Others like having a rubberized or knurled grip for a firm hold. And for others, it's the knowledge that even the smallest diameter leads can be securely held and advanced with just the push of a button.


Whatever your motivation, Blick is pleased to carry a large selection of mechanical pencils for technical drawing, sketching, writing, and note-taking, many with innovative lead advancing systems and convenience features such as replaceable erasers and handy clips. If you like the flexibility of a lead holder, you'll find models for smaller diameter graphite leads (2 mm), or for large diameter leads, charcoal sticks, or chalk (up to 5.6 mm), which are great for sketching, highlighting, and shading, plus lead holders that adjust to hold a variety of diameter leads. Shop for lead pointers (for sharpening), and eraser and lead refills for your favorite mechanical pencil or lead holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What size lead should I choose?

    Mechanical pencils require leads in a variety of sizes, and each pencil can only use the size for which it was designed. Dick Blick carries both pencils and lead refills for sizes 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm, as well as for 2 mm and 5.6 mm lead holders (drafting pencils).

  • Are the "leads" harmful?

    Although pencil leads once contained lead, an element that is toxic when ingested, all modern pencils and pencil leads are made with graphite, a naturally occuring form of carbon that is not toxic or harmful. Powdered graphite is fired with a fine clay binder to create leads of varying width and hardness.

  • Which size refills are easiest to find?

    The 0.5 mm lead size is the one most commonly used for ordinary writing. Most fine writing instruments, mechanical pencils that are designed for a general audience rather than for graphic artists, require this size of lead.

  • How do graphic artists use the different sizes?

    It is common for graphic artists to own several mechanical pencils, each with a different color of barrel, to create both fine and coarse lines. Each pencil is loaded with a different thickness and hardness of lead. Several colors of lead are also available.

  • What is a drafting pencil?

    A drafting pencil or "lead holder" is a mechanical pencil that uses the much larger 2 mm leads. The point can be sharpened as necessary with a lead pointer. We recommend a lead pointer as an extra accessory.