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Mechanical pencils<\/a> are a popular tool with students, writers, artists<\/a>, engineers, and architects thanks to their constant line width, durability, and precision.<\/p>\n However, as with all stationery<\/a>, things can occasionally go wrong with mechanical pencils. Luckily, issues can usually be resolved relatively quickly.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at what a mechanical pencil is, the issues you might face when using one, and how to fix one when it\u2019s broken.<\/p>\n A mechanical pencil is a pencil<\/a> with a free-moving lead propelled forwards by a mechanism. The user controls this action, triggered by a push button on the outside of the pencil.<\/p>\n The body of a mechanical pencil is usually constructed from plastic, metal, or a combination of the two.<\/p>\n A mechanical pencil that is broken can\u2019t deliver graphite to a page for one reason or another.<\/p>\n The most common reasons for this are a broken lead or a lead jam \u2014 both of which, you\u2019ll be pleased to know, can be fixed cheaply at home.<\/p>\n If your mechanical pencil isn\u2019t working, the first thing to check is the lead. A broken lead won\u2019t retract correctly from the mechanical pencil, meaning you won\u2019t be able to use it.<\/p>\n If you discover a broken lead, replace the broken pieces with a new stick of lead.<\/p>\n You probably have a lead jam if your lead isn\u2019t moving in either direction when you press the pen\u2019s push button.<\/p>\n A lead jam occurs when a lead stick gets stuck inside a mechanical pencil.<\/p>\n You can easily take some pencils apart to solve a jam, but with others, you\u2019ll need to work a bit harder to get it back into working order.<\/p>\n Mechanical pencils and wooden rulers are essential tools for architects<\/p><\/div>\n To clear a mechanical pencil lead jam, you\u2019ll need to source a thin, stiff wire or something similar but more robust than your pencil lead.<\/p>\n Your mechanical pencil might have a clean-out rod mounted underneath the eraser section, so check for that before sourcing an alternative. For example, Lamy mechanical pencils<\/a> feature a clean-out rod, as do the Caran d’Ache Ecridor<\/a> (except the XS), Madison, and Hexagonal tools.<\/p>\n If you own multiple pencils, it\u2019s worth checking them all for a clean-out rod, as they tend to be universal.<\/p>\n We stock eraser refills<\/a> that feature clean-out rods so that you can replace your spent erasers with the correct accessory.<\/p>\n You could even purchase an eraser refill to clear future lead jams in your pencils, as the refills are affordable and perfect for the job.<\/p>\n Firstly, remove all the lead you can from the pencil.<\/p>\n Take out the nose cone and check if the lead sleeve is attached. If so, gently insert your clean-out rod through the nose cone and lead sleeve to push any stuck lead pieces out.<\/p>\n Next, check the main pencil body to see if removing the nose cone and the lead sleeve has exposed a clutch mechanism.<\/p>\n A clutch mechanism resembles a pie chart as it\u2019ll be circular with sections in it, and a ring of metal or plastic will surround it.<\/p>\n If you have exposed the clutch mechanism, press the pencil\u2019s push-button while pulling the ring away from the mechanism\u2019s tip to open the clutch\u2019s prongs.<\/p>\n Now tip the pencil up to free any broken lead inside, then use your clean-out rod to ensure you\u2019ve removed all the lead.<\/p>\n Finally, empty the lead reservoir of all lead. Replace the nose cone, insert a new lead refill into the pencil, and use the push button to check it works.<\/p>\n Hopefully, you’ve cleared your lead jam. If not, or if this method isn\u2019t suitable for your pencil, then consider method two.<\/p>\n Hold your pencil with the tip facing upwards and press the push button to open the clutch mechanism inside.<\/p>\n Next, grab your clean-out rod and insert it into the pencil\u2019s tip. Move the clean-out rod around inside the tip as much as possible to clear as much trapped lead as possible.<\/p>\n Open the lead reservoir while holding the pencil with the tip facing upwards to empty it fully.<\/p>\n Insert a new lead refill, put the pencil back together, press the push button, and see if the jam has cleared.<\/p>\n Prevention is often said to be better than a cure, and that idea rings true for mechanical pencils.<\/p>\n Lead jams can occur when the incorrect lead size or type is used in a pencil, so you can prevent the majority of jams by double-checking you buy and use the correct lead.<\/p>\n If you use multiple mechanical pencils, they probably take different lead refills, which could confuse you. You\u2019ll notice the lead size in millimetres is often written on the body or clip of mechanical pencils, which should help.<\/p>\n A great way to avoid issues with your mechanical pencil is to opt for quality over all else.<\/p>\n Plenty of cheap mechanical pencils are on the market \u2014 and not all are bad \u2014 but it\u2019s worth researching before you commit to a purchase.<\/p>\n The cheapest pencils with thin hollow plastic barrels often break when dropped or gripped too hard.<\/p>\n The Lamy AL-Star mechanical pencil<\/a> (reviewed on our blog<\/a>) and the Lamy 2000 mechanical pencil<\/a> are always popular choices in our store. Read a review of the Lamy 2000<\/a> to learn more about it.<\/p>\n The best leads for mechanical pencils are those manufactured for each pencil.<\/p>\n Problems can sometimes occur when you replace branded leads with cheap universal alternatives, although most issues occur when you use the wrong lead size.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019ve tried all of our suggestions and are still having problems with your mechanical pencil, get in touch<\/a>, and we\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\nWhat is a mechanical pencil?<\/h2>\n
How to fix a broken mechanical pencil<\/h2>\n
Replace the lead<\/h3>\n
Clear a lead jam<\/h3>\n
What is a lead jam?<\/h4>\n
How to fix a mechanical pencil lead jam<\/h2>\n
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Method one<\/h3>\n
Method two<\/h3>\n
How to prevent a mechanical pencil lead jam<\/h2>\n
Buy a quality mechanical pencil<\/h3>\n
The best lead for mechanical pencils<\/h3>\n