What does 0.5mm mean?

Can different millimeters of lead fit into the same pencil?

What does lead grade mean?

Do colored pencils have different grades?

What is a lead holder?

What is a woodless pencil?

What is a kneaded eraser?

Millimeters
The mm after 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 etc. stands for millimeters. The higher the number the larger the lead will be. The smallest size we offer is 0.3mm and the largest size we offer is 5.5mm. Only one size of lead can fit into each mechanical pencil. For example, 0.5mm lead will be too small for a 0.7mm pencil because lead will slide through the gripping mechanism. By the same token, 0.7mm lead will be too large for a 0.5mm pencil and will clog the mechanism, or not go in at all. However a lead holder can sometimes grip different sizes of lead in a similar range.

Lead Grade
Lead Grade refers to the relative softness of the graphite. Lead grade generally ranges from a very soft 10B to a much harder 10H. Usually softer leads are used for drawing and sketching, while the harder leads are used for more technical projects.

Lead Holder
A lead holder or "clutch pencil" is a simple type of mechanical pencil that holds a piece of lead generally 2mm or larger. This type of pencil functions with a gripping mechanism which is engaged by a push button. This mechanism is visible at the front of the pencil. Many times lead holders will also feature a lead sharpener in the push button. These are often used by designers and other professionals.

Woodless Pencils
Woodless pencils are in actuality just a large piece of graphite formed in the shape of a pencil. People use woodless pencils for many reasons. One advantage over a conventional pencil is the width of line that can be achieved with its woodless counterpart. Another advantage is that the woodless pencil can be used until there is nothing left. A less messy alternative to the woodless pencil would be the lead holder.

Colored Pencils
Though the relative hardness of colored pencils may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer or from color to color this type of pencil does not come in various grades. Most colored pencils are of a similar hardness.

Kneaded Erasers
Kneaded erasers are made from a putty like substance that absorbs graphite or charcoal dust. These erasers do not wear away after use, but instead continue to absorb the graphite until they become discolored. The erasers can be kneaded to distribute the graphite evenly throughout. This will extend the life of the eraser. These erasers are also useful b/c they can be shaped to erase fine lines, etc. Kneaded erasers will not, however, fully erase dark graphite.

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