Pencil Leads
Contrary to popular belief, pencil lead does not contain any discernible lead. Rather, the “lead” is a combination of ground down graphite and clay. This is mixed with water and pressed together in extreme heat, into thin rods. As graphite somewhat resembles lead, the name “pencil lead” has persisted to this day.
Pencil lead types
There are various pencil lead types, ranging from 9H (soft marking) to 9B (heavy marking). The main reason for this is different leads leave marks in different degrees of smoothness and darkness.
The lead you choose depends on the application. For students taking copious notes, we recommend leads between F and HB. This lead is dark enough to read and doesn’t smudge. For writing and sketching, B leads are the best choice. It produces quick, heavy lines with no friction. And, H grade lead is a fantastic choice for outlines, sketching, technical drawing and watercolours. As it is smudge resistant, H-grade is optimal for left-handers.
Mechanical lead types
The grading system for mechanical pencils is remarkably similar to that of pencil leads. Therefore, the above recommendations for pencil lead grades also apply to mechanical pencils.
Mechanical pencil refill guide
By following these steps, pencil lead refill is easy:
- Unscrew the barrel of your mechanical pencil.
- Holding the pencil upwards, remove the writing unit.
- Insert up to three lead refills
- Put the writing unit back in place, and;
- Reassemble your mechanical pencil
To find the best pencil lead and eraser for your next project, call or email the Bunbougu team today.
Uni Nano Dia Colour Lead - 0.5 mm
20
For every mechanical lover, breaking off pencil leads during writing or drawing is very annoying. Uni NanoDia Pencil Lead uses new nanometer technology to create stronger and high-quality lead. It helps users to effectively avoid breaking off leads during writing...
$5.80
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 0.5 mm
13
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear-resistant. It is excellent in...
$4.20
Uni Smudge-Proof Pencil Lead - 0.5 mm
4
The new Uni Dia Nano Smudge-free pencil leads have a lot of features to offer you a convenient use and smooth writing experience. The leads are infused with nano-diamond particles to increase their strength and darkness. The special lead formula enables...
$4.30
Uni Mitsubishi Lead Holder Refill - 2 mm
10
These leads are compatible with 2 mm Uni Mitsubishi lead holders. Each piece of lead is 130 mm in length and is fitted with a rubber stopper at the end. (The rubber stopper must be removed if the lead is...
$5.35
Uni Nano Dia Colour Lead - 0.7 mm
7
For every mechanical lover, breaking off pencil leads during writing or drawing is very annoying. Uni NanoDia Pencil Lead uses new nanometer technology to create stronger and high-quality lead. It helps users to effectively avoid breaking off leads during writing...
$5.80
Uni Nano Dia Low-Wear Pencil Lead - 0.3 mm
5
For every mechanical lover, breaking off pencil leads during writing or drawing is very annoying. Uni NanoDia Pencil Lead uses new nanometer technology to create a stronger and high-quality lead. It helps users to effectively avoid breaking off leads during...
$4.50
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 0.2 mm
1
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for 'Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network'. The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear-resistant. It is excellent in...
$4.20
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - HB - 0.3 mm
3
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Zebra DelGuard Lead - HB - 0.5 mm
2
These Zebra Delguard pencil leads are designed for the Zebra Delguard mechanical pencil but will fit any 0.5 mechanical pencils. They come in a protective plastic tube made of strong plastic. The pack contains 40 leads measuring 60 mm in...
$4.50
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 2B - 0.7 mm
3
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Uni Nano Dia Low-Wear Pencil Lead - 0.7 mm
1
For every mechanical lover, breaking off pencil leads during writing or drawing is very annoying. Uni NanoDia Pencil Lead uses new nanometer technology to create a stronger and high-quality lead. It helps users to effectively avoid breaking off leads during...
$4.50
Uni Nano Dia Smudge-Proof Pencil Lead - 0.3 mm
3
The new Uni Dia Nano Smudge-free pencil leads have a lot of features to offer you a convenient use and smooth writing experience. The leads are infused with nano-diamond particles to increase their strength and darkness. The special lead formula enables...
$4.30
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 2B - 0.3 mm
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 2B - 0.9 mm
2
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - HB - 0.9 mm
1
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Pentel Ain Stein Lead - 0.4 mm
STEIN is Pentel’s latest pencil lead technology which stands for "Strongest Technology by Enhanced SiO2 Integrated Network". The reinforced silica inside forms a honeycomb-shaped structure, achieving the highest level of strength. The lead is also smear resistant. It is excellent...
$4.20
Uni Nano Dia Low-Wear Pencil Lead - 0.9 mm
1
For every mechanical lover, breaking off pencil leads during writing or drawing is very annoying. Uni NanoDia Pencil Lead uses new nanometer technology to create a stronger and high-quality lead. It helps users to effectively avoid breaking off leads during...
$4.50
Uni Smudge-Proof Pencil Lead - 0.7 mm
1
The new Uni Dia Nano Smudge-free pencil leads have a lot of features to offer you a convenient use and smooth writing experience. The leads are infused with nano-diamond particles to increase their strength and darkness. The special lead formula enables...
$4.30
Pilot G Neox High-Purity BeGreen Pencil Lead - 0.3 mm
Refill your mechanical pencils with smooth, reliable Pilot Neox leads. Made of quality graphites with high purities, the lead is more sturdy than conventional leads. The strong yet smooth lead produces clean and crisp lines on paper. The highly recyclable...
$4.20
Pilot G Neox High-Purity BeGreen Pencil Lead - 0.7 mm
Refill your mechanical pencils with smooth, reliable Pilot Neox leads. Made of quality graphites with high purities, the lead is more sturdy than conventional leads. The strong yet smooth lead produces clean and crisp lines on paper. The highly recyclable...
$4.20
Uni Smudge-Proof Lead with Metal Case - 0.5 mm - HB
This pack includes 40 pieces of 0.5 mm HB lead in a premium refillable metal case. Featuring a delicate opening mechanism, the case opens and closes with a satisfying snap. To open the case, simply press a thumb against the...
$29.50
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - HB - 2 mm
The Staedtler Mars Carbon leads are high-quality 2 mm mechanical pencil leads that are specially bonded for breakage prevention. They are 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads.
$24.50
Out of Stock
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - Blue - 2 mm
1
The Staedtler Mars Lumochrom lead is coloured lead designed for lead holders. It is suitable for drawing and sketching, producing a 2.0 mm line. The lead is 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads of the 2H hardness...
$24.50
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - 2B - 2 mm
The Staedtler Mars Carbon leads are high-quality 2 mm mechanical pencil leads that are specially bonded for breakage prevention. They are 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads.
$24.50
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - Red - 2 mm
The Staedtler Mars Lumochrom lead is coloured lead designed for lead holders. It is suitable for drawing and sketching, producing a 2.0 mm line. The lead is 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads of the 2H hardness...
$24.50
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - 4B - 2 mm
The Staedtler Mars Carbon leads are high-quality 2 mm mechanical pencil leads that are specially bonded for breakage prevention. They are 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads.
$24.50
Pilot G Neox High-Purity BeGreen Pencil Lead - 0.9 mm
Refill your mechanical pencils with smooth, reliable Pilot Neox leads. Made of quality graphites with high purities, the lead is more sturdy than conventional leads. The strong yet smooth lead produces clean and crisp lines on paper. The highly recyclable...
$4.20
Pilot G Neox High-Purity BeGreen Pencil Lead - 0.4 mm
1
Refill your mechanical pencils with smooth, reliable Pilot Neox leads. Made of quality graphites with high purities, the lead is more sturdy than conventional leads. The strong yet smooth lead produces clean and crisp lines on paper. The highly recyclable...
$4.20
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead Holder Refills - 2H - 2 mm
The Staedtler Mars Carbon leads are high-quality 2 mm mechanical pencil leads that are specially bonded for breakage prevention. They are 130 mm in length. Each pack contains 12 leads.
$24.50
New
Pentel Ain Lead - Blue Lead - 0.5 mm
Enjoy a smooth and well-balanced writing experience with Pentel Ain Lead. Engineered with advanced manufacturing technology, it delivers consistent performance across key attributes — combining smoothness, strength and clean erasability in one reliable lead. The leads are housed in a...
$4.50
New
Pentel Ain Lead - 0.4 mm
$4.50
Pentel Ain Lead - 0.4 mm
Enjoy a smooth and well-balanced writing experience with Pentel Ain Lead. Engineered with advanced manufacturing technology, it delivers consistent performance across key attributes — combining smoothness, strength and clean erasability in one reliable lead. The leads are housed in a...
$4.50
New
Pentel Ain Lead - 0.9 mm
$4.50
Pentel Ain Lead - 0.9 mm
Enjoy a smooth and well-balanced writing experience with Pentel Ain Lead. Engineered with advanced manufacturing technology, it delivers consistent performance across key attributes — combining smoothness, strength and clean erasability in one reliable lead. The leads are housed in a...
$4.50