Introduction to Mechanical Pencils

A mechanical pencil is a type of pencil with an internal mechanism that propels a thin

graphite stick-like object, often referred to as lead, through the tip of the pencil for use. The lead

is based inside the center and not connected to pencil itself making it replaceable. A mechanical

pencil was made for the more finer things that require good precision, but also is very convenient.

In Great Britain, 1822, Sampson Mordan and John Isaac Hawkins patented the first mechanical

pencil with lead that was propelled forward and replaceable (History of Mechanical Pencils,

2013, para.3) (see figure 1). However, earlier designs and prototypes of the mechanical pencil

can be traced back as far as 1565. Ever since then, the mechanical pencil has seen more and more

innovations. Different companies have their own take/design of the mechanical pencil, but it is

all the same concept just different inner workings. Now we have the modern-day mechanical

pencil, which is popular, especially with school students.

Technical Description

As said before, all mechanical pencils have an inner mechanism that pushes lead through the

tip of the pencil for use. Two of the most common mechanisms are the push-button mechanism

and the twist mechanism.

Push-Button Mechanism:

With the help of a spring there is a “push-button which when pressed extends the predetermined length of the lead stick through the tip” (The Mechanics of a

Mechanical Pencil, 2020, para. 5).

Twist Mechanism:

The twist mechanism has a section of the pencil, either the top or the tip of

the pencil, that you are able to twist that extends the lead any desirable amount.

Conclusion

The mechanical pencil can be known as different things around the world like propelling

pencil in the UK and pen-pencil in India. Although it has different names, one thing for sure is

that it is a convenient alternative to the normal wooden pencil. With a replaceable lead and no-

need to sharpen gimmick, it is very popular among everyday people and people with specific

niches. It may not have seen a lot of change throughout the years, but where can you go from

perfection. It is overall just a handy piece of equipment.

Reference Page

1.

http://www.historyofpencils.com/writing-instruments-history/history-of-mechanical-

pencils/

2.

https://endlesspens.com/blogs/the-sunday-scribble/the-mechanics-of-a-mechanical-pencil

3.

https://markhillcollects.blogspot.com/2009/04/sampson-mordan-pencils.html