Pencil Psychology #2
Mechanical Pencils Pencil Psychology Home
Mechanical Pencils Pencil Psychology Home
Mechanical pencils, unlike sharpened pencils, can't be sharpened. Instead, lead is "sharpened" by pushing a
button. Actually a very thin lead of graphite, clay and wax is fed through the tip. Other than that, they are just
like sharpener pencils made put of plastic. This site endorses the relatively expensive mechanical pencil, the
PaperMate Clear Point. It is a side-feed pencil with a large twist eraser and unique (although less-grippy) grip. It
also has a pen counterpart.
There are two types of mechanical pencils, the top-feed and the side feed. Top feed is where you push in on the
eraser, while side feed is a separate button on the side of the pencil. Also, mechanical pencils can only use a
certain diameter lead, the most common of which are 0.5mm and 0.7mm. I have, however, seen mechanical
pencils that go up to 2mm, which is regular pencil diameter. These sometimes have their own mini-sharpener in
the cap!
Mechanical pencils are sort of hard for psychology, but the differences with generic pencils are big.
button. Actually a very thin lead of graphite, clay and wax is fed through the tip. Other than that, they are just
like sharpener pencils made put of plastic. This site endorses the relatively expensive mechanical pencil, the
PaperMate Clear Point. It is a side-feed pencil with a large twist eraser and unique (although less-grippy) grip. It
also has a pen counterpart.
There are two types of mechanical pencils, the top-feed and the side feed. Top feed is where you push in on the
eraser, while side feed is a separate button on the side of the pencil. Also, mechanical pencils can only use a
certain diameter lead, the most common of which are 0.5mm and 0.7mm. I have, however, seen mechanical
pencils that go up to 2mm, which is regular pencil diameter. These sometimes have their own mini-sharpener in
the cap!
Mechanical pencils are sort of hard for psychology, but the differences with generic pencils are big.
| Save 'em erasers, save 'em pencils! For top feed mechanical pencils, sometimes one has to remove the eraser to put in the lead (Bic). Now, if you use your eraser until it's flush with the little eraser holder, you can't get it out. From then on, you can refill through the tip (hold down the button and slide in the lead), but that often breaks inside the tip, which can be a real problem. Or, devise some mini-corkscrew to pull it out. Remember, replace the eraser, or replace the pencil. Erasers can be pricey compared with the pencil itself. |
Pencil Psychology #2 Table Of Contents:
a. Basic guide
b. Leads
a. Basic guide
b. Leads