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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+ 2 Options
Blick Premier Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 26813
4.5 out of 5 stars
(136) number of reviews
Blick Premier Mechanical Pencils offer all the benefits of more expensive drafting and drawing pencils at an exceptional Blick value. Featuring a slee...
+ 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...
+ 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...
Sandpaper Block
Item #: 21517
4.9 out of 5 stars
(65) number of reviews
Out of Stock, Expected 04/30
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...
+ 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...
Cretacolor Ecologic Wooden Lead Holder
Item #: 22991
4.8 out of 5 stars
(52) number of reviews
Out of Stock, Expected 04/01
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...
+ 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...
+ 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...
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.
+ 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 ...
+ 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-...
+ 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...
Caran d'Ache Fixpencil
Item #: 20631
4.5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
One of the world’s premier clutch mechanical pencils, the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil for 3 mm lead is ideal for a range of drafting and drawing techniques...
Caran d'Ache Fixpencil Black Code Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 20631
In stock online
The Caran d’Ache Fixpencil Black Code is a refined take on the classic mechanical pencil, crafted with a sleek aluminum barrel for a modern feel. The ...
Pilot G2 Mechanical Pencils
Item #: 26803
5 out of 5 stars
Out of Stock, Backordered with an indefinite expected date
The Pilot G2 Mechanical Pencil has a super-strong 0.7 mm No. 2 HB lead that resists breaking and promotes smooth writing. Contoured rubber grip. End c...
+ 4 Options
Lamy Al-Star Mechanical Pencils
+ 4 Options
Item #: 26818
4 out of 5 stars
Extraordinarily light yet exceptionally robust, this Lamy Al-Star Mechanical Pencil offers elegance and performance for daily writing, sketching, and ...
Koh-I-Noor Gioconda 5.6mm Graphite Leads
Item #: 22793
4.6 out of 5 stars
In stock online
These high-quality graphite leads are ideal for use in mechanical pencils and lead holders. Suitable for drawing, sketching, and other artwork, the 4B...
Pentel Automatic Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 22445
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Eight bold colors in one amazing refillable pencil! Great for drawing on high cotton or linen fiber paper, the Pentel 8 Color Automatic Mechanical Pen...
+ 2 Options
Lamy Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills
+ 2 Options
Item #: 83989
Stay sharp and write on with Lamy Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills, crafted to keep your favorite Lamy mechanical pencils performing at their best. Each...
Lamy 2000 Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 26817
4 out of 5 stars
In stock online
The Lamy 2000 Mechanical Pencil seamlessly combines style and function for a writing experience unlike any other.
Alvin Pro-Matic Lead Holder
Item #: 20626
4.4 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Ideal for classroom use. This sturdy, all-metal 2 mm lead holder features 4-way vice-grip jaws and a degree-marked window dial on the barrel.
Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Set
Item #: 83987
In stock online
Perfect for professionals, the Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Set is engineered for accuracy and control. The sleek metal barrel offers a comfort...
Caran d’Ache Sunset Sky 849 Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil Set
Item #: 82505
In stock online
Incredible writing awaits with the Caran d’Ache Sunset Sky 849 Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil Set! These Swiss-made instruments complement each o...
+ 2 Options
Caran d’Ache Germanier Special Edition 849 Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 84034
The Caran d’Ache Special Edition Germanier 849 Mechanical Pencil is a high-octane fusion of Swiss precision and bold, avant-garde design.
Lamy Z10 Eraser Refills Pack
Item #: 83990
In stock online
Lamy Z10 Eraser Refills are made to fit perfectly inside the Lamy 2000 mechanical pencil. Each pack includes three erasers and a built-in cleaning pin...
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...