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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Cretacolor Plastic Lead Holder
Item #: 22991
3.1 out of 5 stars
Out of Stock, Expected 05/13
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...
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.
Rotring 800+ Stylus Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 83981
In stock online
Merge writing and digital creation with Rotring 800+ Stylus Mechanical Pencil. This streamlined tool is perfect for creators who shift between analog ...
Helix Compass Lead Refills
Item #: 56284
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Helix Compass Lead Refills are pre-sharpened, ready to use, and compatible with most standard compasses.
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...
+ 4 Options
Staedtler Mars Fineline Leads
+ 4 Options
Item #: 20677
4.9 out of 5 stars
Precision-engineered in Germany, these polycarbonate refill leads are kiln-fired for strength. They wear slowly for longer writing length and produce ...
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...
Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Refill Set
Item #: 83987
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Keep your ideas flowing with the Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Refill Set. Designed specifically for use with the Derwent Precision Mechanical P...
Cretacolor Ecologic Wooden Lead Holder
Item #: 22991
4.8 out of 5 stars
(52) number of reviews
Out of Stock, Expected 05/13
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. ...
+ 2 Options
Blick Premier Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 26813
4.5 out of 5 stars
(141) 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...
+ 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.
E+M Workman Clutch Pencil
Item #: 04881
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Enjoy the experience of sketching, drawing, and highlighting with this compact mechanical pencil made from FSC-certified beech wood. The E+M Workman C...
+ 12 Options
Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 2 Mechanical Pencils
+ 12 Options
Item #: 26820
4.8 out of 5 stars
Iconic design meets perfect functionality with Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 2 Mechanical Pencils. Inspired by a design dating to the 1920s, these aw...
+ 2 Options
Platinum Pro-Use 171 Mechanical Pencils
+ 2 Options
Item #: 26822
The Platinum Pro-Use 171 is no ordinary mechanical pencil. Engineered for precision and comfort, it boasts a fully adjustable lead sleeve length (0 t...
+ 2 Options
E+M Cube Lead Sharpener
+ 2 Options
Item #: 04888
5 out of 5 stars
This one-hole lead sharpener is a handy companion for the classroom, studio, home, or on the go. The E+M Cube Lead Sharpener is made from wood, shaped...
+ 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...
+ 15 Options
Koh-I-Noor Lead Refills
+ 15 Options
Item #: 20624
4.6 out of 5 stars
With Koh-I-Noor Lead Refills, you can keep your drawing tools operating seamlessly. The 2 mm leads come in a variety of hardness levels that can be us...
Tombow Mono Graph Lead Refills
Item #: 26823
In stock online
This Tombow Mono Graph Mechanical Pencil Lead Refill contains 40 high-quality HB graphite leads. A unique, eco-friendly case design allows you to easi...
Lamy Z18 Eraser Refills Pack
Item #: 83990
In stock online
Lamy Z18 Eraser Refills are designed for use with several Lamy mechanical pencil models, including Safari, Al-star, Vista, and Logo. Each refill inclu...
+ 6 Options
Kaweco Frosted Sport Clutch Pencils
+ 6 Options
Item #: 26825
Shop the Kaweco Frosted Sport Clutch Pencil at Blick. Precision pocket-friendly clutch pencils in vibrant, fruity colors. Semi-translucent resin with ...
+ 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...
Manuscript Callicreative Lettering Pencil
Item #: 04880
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
This versatile clutch-style pencil allows calligraphers and other artists to enjoy the flexibility of graphite while creating their calligraphy and le...
Rotring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 83983
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Designed with everyday use in mind, the Rotring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil is perfect for professionals who require reliable precision and durability...
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
Koh-I-Noor Mephisto Profi Mechanical Pencil
+ 2 Options
Item #: 20660
4.6 out of 5 stars
(25) number of reviews
Legendary Koh-I-Noor quality and craftsmanship is embodied in the Mephisto Profi mechanical pencil. It features a color-coded plastic barrel and smoot...
+ 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 ...
Pentel Graphlet Mechanical Pencil
Item #: 20679
4.8 out of 5 stars
In stock online
For use with rulers and templates, the Pentel Graphlet Mechanical Pencil has a 4 mm tip length, ridged hexagonal metal grip on a slim beveled barrel, ...
Nitram Sharpening Bloc
Item #: 22627
4.7 out of 5 stars
In stock online
The Nitram Sharpening Bloc is ideal for shaping and sharpening charcoal and other drawing media. It measures approximately 9" long x 3-1/8" ...
+ 13 Options
Pacific Arc Lead Refills
+ 13 Options
Item #: 26821
4.9 out of 5 stars
The ideal blend of affordability and quality, Pacific Arc Lead Refills are round 2 mm × 130 mm leads made of dense, smooth, premium Japanese graphite ...
+ 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...