BIC Mechanical Pencils
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The BIC brand has been an essential in many households for decades, and BIC pens are a mainstay in homes and offices. If you’re looking to stock up on pencils, BIC mechanical pencils are a perfect choice for both durability and writing comfort. Read on below for more information about BIC pencils available at Staples
What Type of Lead Do BIC Mechanical Pencils Use?
The writing core of BIC mechanical pencils is made from a type of graphite, not actual lead. Despite this, the core of any pencil used to produce writing is still referred to as lead. There are two ways to differentiate types of pencil lead refills: hardness and size.
Hardness refers to how durable and thick the lead is. This is measured on a scale of one to four, with four being the softest. There are letters assigned to lead to indicate this. A pencil marked with a “B” is quite soft. If a pencil is marked “H” it’s very hard and “HB” means it’s somewhere in between. The softer the lead, the smoother and darker the writing will be. It will also be more resistant to breaking. A hard lead is more brittle and prone to breakage, but it will write more precisely with crisp, fine lines.
How Do I Decide What BIC Mechanical Pencil Lead Size I Want?
Lead size in a BIC mechanical pencil is measured in millimeters. Put plainly, when it comes to pencil lead, size indicates the diameter of the lead. This can also be thought of in terms of how wide of a mark the lead will make on the paper. Sizes range from 0.3mm to 0.9mm. This may not be something you have a preference about, but if you do, here’s a good way to decide which BIC pencil lead size may be right for you:
- 0.3mm - This size is very thin and not suitable for drawing or those with a heavy hand since it’s prone to breaking.
- 0.5mm - This is the most common size and is great for everyday writing.
- 0.7mm - This is also a standard lead size, though it’s a bit thicker than the 0.5mm, making it more suitable for sketching or pressing a bit harder while writing.
- 0.9mm - As the thickest of the options, the .9mm size is ideal for those with a heavy hand or if you need a lot of control when writing, as with crossword puzzles or detailed drawing.
Different BIC mechanical pencils require certain lead sizes. Most mechanical pencil packs will already come with a pack of refillable lead in the appropriate size. Be sure to check the size before purchasing refills.
What Are the Advantages of Using a BIC Mechanical Pencil Over a Wood Pencil?
Using a BIC mechanical pencil has several advantages over a traditional wooden pencil. First, it saves time. There’s no need to sharpen a BIC mechanical pencil. You simply use the lead until it runs out and then refill it. Since mechanical pencils are reusable, they’re also more environmentally conscious because they reduce your carbon footprint.
Many BIC pencils also have a soft gel grip to prevent hand cramps or skin abrasions when writing long hours, and the built-in pocket clips help you not lose them. The fact that the lead on a BIC mechanical pencil is retractable is also helpful. Because of this, you won’t run the risk of being stabbed or scratched when hunting through a backpack or purse for your pencil.