With the advent of computer-aided design programs, drafting by hand is becoming a lost art. However, drafting pencils are still in great demand among designers, artists, and other specialists who value reliable and quality writing instruments. WoWPencils is going to explore why these tools still remain so popular.
Definition of Drafting Pencil
What is a drafting pencil? What makes this writing device different from average representatives?
Drafting pencils are typically manufactured from durable materials like aluminum or brass and have a rugged design. Most of them feature a textured grip for comfortable drawing and better control.
All of them come with a narrower and longer lead sleeve (mainly metal) which makes it convenient to use a pencil with a ruler, template, or lettering guide. This gives a better and unimpeded view of the pencil tip and the page for precise writing and when doing technical drawings. When not in use, these lead sleeves retract in order not to poke through pockets.
The leads of these drawing tools have different hardness grades, and many engineers and designers keep multiple leads on hand. Most of them come with adjustable indicators to keep track of grades and for rapid identification.
In addition to traditional lead sizes (0.5, 0.7 mm), these drawing tools come in extra sizes (0.3, 0.4, 0.9 mm).
These writing instruments feature a small eraser for precise corrections, while corrections of a larger scale are usually done with a separate (professional) eraser on hand.
As a rule, drafting pencils are used for hours every day. This may cause an occasional lead jam. Most brands develop writing tools with an attached rod to clean out a broken piece of graphite stuck in the pencil sleeve.
How It Can Be Used?
As its definition says, drafting pencils are commonly used by designers, draftsmen, architects, and artists. They are superior at technical drawing, writing, and sketching. They can also be used by professionals, students, and any drawing enthusiasts for precise and detailed works.
What Is Difference Between Drafting and Regular Mechanical Pencil?
There are no strict rules which are used to qualify an automatic pencil as a drafting one, but they have slight peculiarities. The following list shows the main differences between a regular mechanical and a drafting one.
| Drafting | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Can hold a variety of lead sizes (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm) | Usually available in 0.5 and 0.7 mm lead sizes |
| Feature a longer sleeve (3-5 mm) for convenient use with a ruler or stencil | Do not always come with long sleeves (typically, 2 mm) |
| The sleeve is usually tubular | The sleeve may have any form, mainly conical |
| Exhibit a more solid construction and more durable components (metal with high-quality plastic parts) | Not necessarily metal |
| The click mechanism dispenses less graphite per click | The click mechanism dispenses more lead per click |
| Designed for drafting | Designed for general use (writing, drawing, and others) |
| Feature an indicator of the lead grade | Do not necessarily have this indicator |
| Come with a knurled or ridged non-slip grip | The textured grip is not a common feature |
| May include a rod to clean out graphite jams | Do not come with a rod |
| Provide ideal balance of feeling and weight |
There is a large number of expensive and legendary drafting tools along with more affordable variants for those customers who are on a tight budget but still need a quality and durable writing device.
Summing Up
Designed initially for architects and engineers, drafting pencils are used now by any person who likes high-quality automatic writing instruments. They allow you to do your work as best as possible. If you care for these tools properly, they can serve you for a lifetime. This pencil is certainly worth being added to your collection of writing tools.
- What Is the Difference Between… – https://www.quora.com/
- Mechanical pencil – https://en.wikipedia.org/