Mechanical Pencils

[BrandNew]

Hello guys

 

I just have a fairly simple question: What is the difference between a retractable tip and a fixed tip in regards to a mechanical pencil?

I ask this because TWSBI is currently running a special including a colored 540, and one of their mechanical pencils.

 

Thank you

Edited September 30, 2012 by BrandNew

[P.A.R.]

Mechanical pencils may have either a plastic or metal sleeve for the lead to advance through that keeps it from snapping while writing or using a straight edge for drawing.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS-tjt1GlHoO4hV-XvXkzwdJYIdNGaAb3AsmY25_PC2NDuXXXAFQQ

If this is the case with the pencils you're looking at, the option is between being able to retract that tip into the rest of the pencil or not.

 

For example, the Pentel GraphGear1000 retracts the sleeve...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op0Xz2zCb3o

 

While the Pentel Kerry uses a cap to protect you/the sleeve

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fennQr-xJiE

 

I hope that helps.

[Kugelschreiber]

In practical terms, one is 'pocket safe' and the other isn't. I don't think the sleeve being fixed or retractable affects the the performance of the pencil.

[nxn96]

Pencil leads can be pretty brittle and prone to breakage, and the thinner the lead size, the more of an issue this can be. Back when most mechanical pencil leads were 1.1 or .9 mm diameters, this wasn't so much an issue; but when you're talking .7 or .5mm lead, having a "sleeve" that collars the lead past where the mechanism "grips" the lead really does a lot to reduce the breakage problem.

 

Personally, I've always liked the retractable sleeves over the fixed sleeves, but keep in mind I'm one who tends to carry a writing instrument in a shirt pocket and as others have noted, the fixed .5mm sleeves can poke holes in a pocket.

 

Hope this helps.

[NedC]

Hate t be pedantic;) but both of those Pentels in P.A.R.'s post have fixed sleeves, the GraphGear 1000 has a retractable mechanism but the lead sleeve is a standard drafting type 4mm fixed sleeve, the Sharp Kerry is meant for writing and has a 2mm fixed sleeve and a convenient cap to protect it.

 

A sliding sleeve is just that, the sleeve, the tiny metal tube that supports the lead and protects it from abrasion by templates and straightedges is able to move within the pencils cone. this affords several advantages: the guide sleeve retracts as you write or draw with the pen and that means that the lead needs to be advanced less often which is more convenient and gives you slightly longer lead life. It also makes the pencil more pocket safe, you are both less likely to poke holes in your shirt pockets and bend the guide sleeve whilst carrying the pencil about. Are there any disadvantages to the retractable point you may asks? Indeed there are: Retractable guide sleeves cost a bit more to manufacture, they are typically less robust and more likely to be damaged when fully extended that a fixed sleeve, they may have a somewhat less precise feel, especially after years of use, when used in conjunction with templates and straightedges than fixed sleeve pencils.

 

This image shows the working positions of four types of common mechanical pencils.

From left to right: Fixed sleeve drafting pencils; Pentel 20 0.5mm, rotting Tikky 0.0mm, with yellow lead; capped fixed sleeve writing pencil, Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.7mm, Tombow Zoom 505; retractable fixed sleeve drafting/writing pencils, Nestler (possibly Platinum or Tombow) 0.5mm, Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.7mm; sliding sleeve writing pencils, Nestler (really a Platinum 0.5mm, Caran d'Ache 844 0.7mm; guide cone only–no sleeve writing pencil, again a Cd'A 844 older model in fluorescent yellow!

 

The same pencils with the points, be they sleeves or the whole point mechanisms, retracted to pocket safe positions.

 

All fully retracted and those that have caps, capped.

 

So, which do you want to buy? Ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. Will I regularly carry this pencil with me?

 

2. Do I typically write/draw with heavy pressure and a "death grip"?

 

3. Will it be used mostly for writing or freehand sketching?

 

4. Will the pencil be used for a lot of template work, flowcharts, office or home floor plans etc.?

 

5. Do I write with a normal, gentle grip and pressure and use a lead of appropriate softness when I desire darker/bolder lines?

 

6. Is this pen mostly for office work and will reside mostly in pencil cup or desk drawer of pencil pocket in a briefcase when not in use?

 

If you answered YES to more of the ODD numbered questions go for the sliding sleeve.

Edited October 2, 2012 by NedC

[Diggy]

Hate t be pedantic;) but both of those Pentels in P.A.R.'s post have fixed sleeves, the GraphGear 1000 has a retractable mechanism but the lead sleeve is a standard drafting type 4mm fixed sleeve, the Sharp Kerry is meant for writing and has a 2mm fixed sleeve and a convenient cap to protect it.

 

A sliding sleeve is just that, the sleeve, the tiny metal tube that supports the lead and protects it from abrasion by templates and straightedges is able to move within the pencils cone. this affords several advantages: the guide sleeve retracts as you write or draw with the pen and that means that the lead needs to be advanced less often which is more convenient and gives you slightly longer lead life. It also makes the pencil more pocket safe, you are both less likely to poke holes in your shirt pockets and bend the guide sleeve whilst carrying the pencil about. Are there any disadvantages to the retractable point you may asks? Indeed there are: Retractable guide sleeves cost a bit more to manufacture, they are typically less robust and more likely to be damaged when fully extended that a fixed sleeve, they may have a somewhat less precise feel, especially after years of use, when used in conjunction with templates and straightedges than fixed sleeve pencils.

 

This image shows the working positions of four types of common mechanical pencils.

From left to right: Fixed sleeve drafting pencils; Pentel 20 0.5mm, rotting Tikky 0.0mm, with yellow lead; capped fixed sleeve writing pencil, Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.7mm, Tombow Zoom 505; retractable fixed sleeve drafting/writing pencils, Nestler (possibly Platinum or Tombow) 0.5mm, Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.7mm; sliding sleeve writing pencils, Nestler (really a Platinum 0.5mm, Caran d'Ache 844 0.7mm; guide cone only–no sleeve writing pencil, again a Cd'A 844 older model in fluorescent yellow!

 

The same pencils with the points, be they sleeves or the whole point mechanisms, retracted to pocket safe positions.

 

All fully retracted and those that have caps, capped.

 

So, which do you want to buy? Ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. Will I regularly carry this pencil with me?

 

2. Do I typically write/draw with heavy pressure and a "death grip"?

 

3. Will it be used mostly for writing or freehand sketching?

 

4. Will the pencil be used for a lot of template work, flowcharts, office or home floor plans etc.?

 

5. Do I write with a normal, gentle grip and pressure and use a lead of appropriate softness when I desire darker/bolder lines?

 

6. Is this pen mostly for office work and will reside mostly in pencil cup or desk drawer of pencil pocket in a briefcase when not in use?

 

If you answered YES to more of the ODD numbered questions go for the sliding sleeve.

 

This is going to sound completely mental but I have been searching for a mechanical pencil for over 15 years and my recent trip through google images landed on this thread.

 

Can you tell me what kind of pencil is the 5th one in? The retractable tip? I believe it's a pentel? Could you give me more info on it?!

 

Thanks

[Pterodactylus]

I´ve also got such a retractible pencil.

Actually it´s my favorite pencil since many years, and I have it at least 25 years.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img18/8661/lq8v.jpg

 

Mine is only labeled "retro 05", no brand signs.

I also would appreciate informations if similar pencils are still available and who manufacture it.

Edited July 18, 2013 by Pterodactylus

[Diggy]

My god that's it!!!! I have been looking for years for another one!!! There is no brand engraved on the pocket clip? This is the pencil I have been searching for for almost two decades!

[Diggy]

My god that's it!!!! I have been looking for years for another one!!! There is no brand engraved on the pocket clip? This is the pencil I have been searching for for almost two decades!

 

So I've finally been able to track down the maker of this writing instrument. It's made by Staedtler and Retro 0.5 are the only model and markings on the pencil itself. It's hard to come by information on it. I have ... well had one in blue and now I can't find it. I'm hoping to find another one soon. Now that I know what kind it is I'll be hunting the fourms here to see if someone has one they want to part with!

 

Thanks so much for bringing my quest to a whole new begining!

 

Nathan

[Pterodactylus]

My god that's it!!!! I have been looking for years for another one!!! There is no brand engraved on the pocket clip? This is the pencil I have been searching for for almost two decades!

 

So I've finally been able to track down the maker of this writing instrument. It's made by Staedtler and Retro 0.5 are the only model and markings on the pencil itself. It's hard to come by information on it. I have ... well had one in blue and now I can't find it. I'm hoping to find another one soon. Now that I know what kind it is I'll be hunting the fourms here to see if someone has one they want to part with!

 

Thanks so much for bringing my quest to a whole new begining!

 

Nathan

 

 

Thanks for this info, the clip was missing on mine since 20 years, so the manufacturer info was lost for me also :clap1:

[fskn]

Sorry about the bump, guys, but just like Diggy up there I was brought here because of a Google image search for a mechanical pencil, the only difference being that I need to find that exact same black retractable metal tip mechanical pencil that's in NedC's photo. Before coming here asking for help I searched around a huge lot, but could not find absolutely no clue about neither the brand nor the model of that specific mechanical pencil.

Does anybody here know which one it is?

 

I had one about 20 years ago, but it got lost and I could never find another to replace it.

 

Thanks in advance, and again, sorry for the bump!

[Mike 59]

If no luck finding the 'Retro' then the Faber Castell Grip 2011 has a similar retracting point, in fact I think it's a well designed and made pencil altogether.

Also in my photo is a 1985 (ish) Staetler Mars 2mm leadholder, aside from the maker's name slighlty wearing off with use, is as good as it was on 'day one'.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Mike 59

[Chthulhu]

You have five hours to bid as of this post.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-vintage-BLACK-STAEDTLER-RETRO-0-5-mechanical-pencil-Japan-new-old-stock-/191549558258

[jcwc]

Sorry about the bump, guys, but just like Diggy up there I was brought here because of a Google image search for a mechanical pencil, the only difference being that I need to find that exact same black retractable metal tip mechanical pencil that's in NedC's photo. Before coming here asking for help I searched around a huge lot, but could not find absolutely no clue about neither the brand nor the model of that specific mechanical pencil.

Does anybody here know which one it is?

 

Have a look at NedC's post again. He named all the pencils shown in the photo.

[WriterProspect]

Be careful with retractable top pencils.

I found that a lot of models have the retractable top move when writing which made for an unpleasant annoying experience.

For this reason, I prefer a solid tip.