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.

Mechanical Pencils and 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...

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+ 4 Options
Pentel Graph Gear 500 Pencil
+ 4 Options
Item #: 20672
4.7 out of 5 stars
(108) number of reviews
The Pentel Graph Gear 500 features a metallic mesh grip on a slim, beveled barrel for precision and control. Other features include a top-click, stati...
+ 15 Options
Cretacolor Leads
+ 15 Options
Item #: 20446
4.8 out of 5 stars
(60) number of reviews
Create bold strokes like a graphite stick, with the clean control of a mechanical pencil. These extra-thick leads are designed for use in the Cretacol...
+ 5 Options
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Pencils and Set
+ 5 Options
Item #: 20654
4.7 out of 5 stars
(100) number of reviews
A superior pencil for the professional. It features a finely chiseled metallic grip inlaid with soft rubber pads. A dual-action retractor advances/ret...
+ 7 Options
Staedtler Leads
+ 7 Options
Item #: 22828
4.8 out of 5 stars
(61) number of reviews
Staedtler Leads can be used on paper and vellum, and it is an indispensible tool for precise drafting, drawing, sketching, and writing. The superior q...
+ 9 Options
Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil
+ 9 Options
Item #: 20686
4.9 out of 5 stars
(30) number of reviews
Pre-loaded with Pentel's Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, the Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil never needs sharpening and produces a sharp, dark line. Mis...
Sandpaper Block
Item #: 21517
4.9 out of 5 stars
(65) number of reviews
Out of Stock, Expected 05/07
Effectively keeps point on difficult-to-sharpen drawing pencils, charcoal, pastels, or crayons. 12 sheets of 1" x 4" fine sandpaper are padded and mou...
Staedtler Mars Technico 780 Lead Holder
Item #: 26808
4.9 out of 5 stars
(23) number of reviews
In stock online
Ideal for drawing, sketching, and writing, the Staedtler Mars Technico 780 Lead Holder holds 2 mm leads and features an integrated push-button sharpen...
+ 5 Options
Pentel Twist-Erase Pencil
+ 5 Options
Item #: 20752
4.8 out of 5 stars
(24) number of reviews
Twist-Erase provides the ultimate in writing comfort and control. It offers superior quality construction with a soft rubber grip, an ergonomic barrel...
+ 5 Options
Alvin Draft/Matic Pencils and Set
+ 5 Options
Item #: 20622
4.8 out of 5 stars
(74) number of reviews
Alvin's Draft/Matic fine-line mechanical pencils are designed to provide maximum professional convenience. This cushion pointed pencil has metal diamo...
+ 4 Options
Blick Studio Mechanical Pencils
+ 4 Options
Item #: 26811
4.8 out of 5 stars
Blick Studio Mechanical Pencils are a high-quality, economical choice for precise drafting, drawing, and writing. Crafted for durability, a long fixed...
+ 8 Options
Faber-Castell TK 9400 Drawing Pencil Lead
+ 8 Options
Item #: 20675
4.8 out of 5 stars
Intended for use with the Faber-Castell TK 9400 Clutch Drawing Pencil, these handy refill packs assure you'll never run out of lead. Each lead measure...
+ 2 Options
Pentel Hi-Polymer Colored Leads
+ 2 Options
Item #: 20603
4.2 out of 5 stars
(35) number of reviews
Hi-Polymer Leads are available in several popular colors.
Cretacolor Ecologic Wooden Lead Holder
Item #: 22991
4.8 out of 5 stars
(52) number of reviews
Out of Stock, Expected 05/07
The Cretacolor Ecologic Wooden Lead Holder fits 5.6 mm round graphite and chalk sticks in a shape designed to fit easily in your hand while you draw. ...
Blick Studio Lead Holder
Item #: 26812
4.9 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Offering all the qualities of a professional-quality lead holder at a great value, the Blick Studio Lead Holder is ideal for precise drafting, archite...
+ 2 Options
Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 83980
Expertly engineered for maximum precision, Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencils allow artists and architects to achieve the finest, cleanest lines. The beau...
Cretacolor Plastic Lead Holder
Item #: 22991
3.1 out of 5 stars
In stock online
This sturdy, economical plastic lead holder from Cretacolor has a shape that fits easily in your hand while you draw. It fits 5.6 mm round graphite an...
+ 4 Options
Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic Pencils
+ 4 Options
Item #: 82422
5 out of 5 stars
A longtime favorite of artists, writers, architects, and engineers, Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic Pencils are back and better than ever. Available in four le...
+ 7 Options
Kaweco Graphite Lead Refills
+ 7 Options
Item #: 26826
Kaweco Graphite Lead Refills keep your pencils filled and ready to write. Designed for smooth, break-resistant performance, these lead refills create ...
Koh-I-Noor Technigraph Lead Holder
Item #: 22967
4.3 out of 5 stars
Out of Stock, Expected 04/27
The Koh-I-Noor Technigraph Lead Holder is a precision drawing instrument with a classic barrel and knurled metal finger grip. It holds a wide range of...
Blick Mechanical Pencil Eraser Refills
Item #: 21085
4.9 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Compatible with all Blick Mechanical Pencils, these Blick Eraser Refills come in double-capped tubes containing five white, latex-free, non-PVC refill...
Art Alternatives Clutch Pencil Art Tin Set
Item #: 22231
4.8 out of 5 stars
(26) number of reviews
In stock online
The Art Alternatives Clutch Pencil Art Tin Set includes three strong, break-resistant 2B (5.6 mm) leads and a built-in sharpener that can be a lifesav...
+ 13 Options
Lamy Safari Mechanical Pencils
+ 13 Options
Item #: 26816
Lamy Safari Mechanical Pencils combine modern style with reliable performance for writing, sketching, or drafting. Crafted from durable plastic, each ...
Faber-Castell TK 9400 Clutch Drawing Pencil
Item #: 20675
4.9 out of 5 stars
(27) number of reviews
In stock online
Ideal for technical drawing, writing, and sketching, the TK 9400 has a hexagonal barrel with a round, ribbed grip for a sure hold.
Alvin Draft-Line Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 20600
4.8 out of 5 stars
(44) number of reviews
In stock online
These economical autofeed pencils feature a shock-absorbing reflex point for comfortable writing control with minimal lead breakage. The 4 mm-long sta...
Koh-I-Noor Toison D'or Lead Holder
Item #: 26800
4.3 out of 5 stars
In stock online
A sturdy metal barrel with a hexagonal shape gives the Koh-I-Noor Toison D'or Lead Holder the feel of a traditional wood-cased pencil. The 2 mm HB lea...
+ 3 Options
Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch Pencils
+ 3 Options
Item #: 26827
Not your average pencil, the Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch is big and built to last a lifetime. Machined from solid lead-free eco brass with gleaming alumin...
+ 3 Options
Caran d'Ache Technograph Leads
+ 3 Options
Item #: 20631
5 out of 5 stars
Caran d'Ache Technograph Leads are high-quality 3 mm leads specially designed for use with the Caran d'Ache Fixpencil. They are available in 3B, 6B, a...
Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 83982
In stock online
The Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil is a must-have for projects that require extraordinary precision. From complex technical drawings to delicate cross-...
Pentel Z2-N1 Mechanical Eraser Refills
Item #: 20603
4.8 out of 5 stars
In stock online
These white, latex-free erasers are ideal for use with all Pentel and universally sized mechanical pencils.
+ 2 Options
Rotring 600 3-in-1 Multicolor Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 83978
5 out of 5 stars
The Rotring 600 3-in-1 Multicolor Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil makes it easy for artists to switch from one high quality drawing tool to anothe...