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Stationery
How to Add Lead to a Mechanical Pencil Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Reloading Pencils
|
Replacing Lead in Multi-Pens
|
Using the Right Materials
|
Q&A
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Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 306,231 times. Learn more...
Mechanical pencils have many different designs (as do multi-pens, which also accept lead), so it is always helpful to save instructions regarding reloading. But if you’ve lost them, the methods of reloading are fairly standard, whether your pencil requires a preloaded cassette or individual pieces of lead. However, it is important to always load them with the correct size and amount in order to ensure the best use, so searching online for instructions about your specific design can be helpful.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Reloading Pencils
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1 Replace cassettes. Exact instructions may vary by model, but generally, start by pulling the eraser out of the pencil, which will draw out the old cassette. Give the old cassette a shake just to make sure that it really is empty. If so, insert a new cassette into the pencil’s open chamber. Once it clicks into place, reinsert the eraser after detaching the old cassette.
2 Add lead from the top. If your pencil doesn't use cassettes, try pulling the eraser out of the pencil. If it reveals the pencil's chamber when removed, feed the recommended number of lead pieces into the pencil’s chamber. Fit the eraser back into place when finished. Advertisement
3 Add lead through the tip. If the eraser isn't removable or doesn't offer access to the chamber, load it from the bottom instead. First, depress the eraser end and hold it in place. Fit the first piece of lead into the tip’s hole. Gently push it all the way inside the pencil. Repeat with each piece of lead until you fill your pencil.
Note that some pencils advance lead out of the chamber by clicking a button on the side instead of the eraser.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Replacing Lead in Multi-Pens
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1 Dismantle your pen. Find where the two halves of your pen screw together and twist them loose. Once the pen is opened, locate the lead dispenser inside. Pull it free from the lead holder.[1]XResearch source
2 Load lead into your pen. First, hold the top half of the pencil upside down, so the opening to the lead holder is facing up. Then feed the lead into the hole for the lead holder, one piece at a time. Remember to only load the recommended number of pieces, which will probably only be a couple due to the limited space.[2]XResearch source
3 Reassemble your pen. Fit the lead dispenser mechanism back into place. Screw the pen’s two halves back together. Give the pen’s pencil action a couple clicks to make sure it is operating smoothly.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Using the Right Materials
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1 Find out if your pencil requires cassettes. Expect mechanical pencils to be reloaded in one of two ways: with or without a cassette. Cassettes already contain lead and can be loaded straight into the pencil as one piece, while cassette-less pencils require you to feed each piece of lead into the pencil. Check the instructions to find out which method is needed.
Manufacturers often color-code their products so you can tell which type it is at a glance. Cross, for example, uses a black band around the base of the eraser to indicate that a cassette is required, and a yellow band to indicate that lead pieces need to be fed in individually.
2 Use the correct size lead.[4]XResearch source Check your pencil to see if the recommended diameter of lead (usually expressed in millimeters, such as “0.5mm”) is featured on its design. If not, refer to its packaging or directions. Only use the diameter specified. Avoid jamming your pencil with lead that is too thick, or being stuck with a wobbly piece of lead that is too thin.
3 Don’t overload the pencil.[5]XResearch source Expect overloading to jam your pencil. Refer to its instructions. Find out the maximum number of lead pieces that will fit inside. Some models may only fit two at a time, while others may hold up to nine.
4 Seek help when in doubt. If you no longer have the pencil’s instructions, search the internet for the manufacturer’s website. Once there, look up the exact model of your pencil to find out its specifications regarding cassettes, lead size, and capacity. Expect most companies to have instructions for reloading available.
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Community Q&A
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Question How do I get the wrong size of lead out of the pencil? Community Answer Take it apart and pull it out. If this fails to work, get a new pencil. However, it is of interest how you got the wrong size lead in -- if it is too small, it'll easily fall out upon removing the leads already in there. If it is too large, then it wouldn't have fitted in there in the first place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 35
Question Where do I buy 0.7 lead? Community Answer You can get it from most discount, office supply, or stationery stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 18
Question How much lead do I put in the pencil? astha modi Community Answer You should put 2-3 pieces of lead in your mechanical pencil. It might also say how much to add on your pencil package. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 25
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Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
If you're having trouble putting lead in from the top, you can hold down the cap and carefully insert the lead from the tip. Be careful not to break the lead.
Keep an eye on your eraser when you take it out. It's very small, so it can get lost pretty easily!
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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References
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELLwWUOXzc
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELLwWUOXzc
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELLwWUOXzc
↑ http://www.pilot.co.jp/support/pdf/4+1_2.pdf
↑ http://www.pilot.co.jp/support/pdf/4+1_2.pdf
About This Article
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 306,231 times. 88 votes - 59% Co-authors: 34Updated: November 14, 2025 Views: 306,231 Categories: StationeryArticle SummaryX
When adding lead to your mechanical pencil, make sure it’s the right size and amount. You’ll also want to check the instructions for your exact pencil since there are many different types. But, in general, start by pulling the eraser out of the pencil, which will draw out the old cassette. Insert a new cassette into the pencil’s open chamber and put the eraser back in. If your pencil doesn’t use cassettes, try pulling the eraser out and putting individual pieces of lead into the chamber. When you’re done, fit the eraser back on. For pencils that don’t have removable erasers, you’ll need to load them from the bottom instead. Push the eraser down and fit the lead into the tip’s hole. Gently push it all the way inside and repeat with each piece of the lead until your pencil is full. To learn how to replace lead in multi-pens, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 306,231 times. 88 votes - 59% Co-authors: 34 Updated: November 14, 2025 Views: 306,231 Categories: Stationery Article SummaryX
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1 Replace cassettes. Exact instructions may vary by model, but generally, start by pulling the eraser out of the pencil, which will draw out the old cassette. Give the old cassette a shake just to make sure that it really is empty. If so, insert a new cassette into the pencil’s open chamber. Once it clicks into place, reinsert the eraser after detaching the old cassette. 
2 Add lead from the top. If your pencil doesn't use cassettes, try pulling the eraser out of the pencil. If it reveals the pencil's chamber when removed, feed the recommended number of lead pieces into the pencil’s chamber. Fit the eraser back into place when finished. Advertisement 
3 Add lead through the tip. If the eraser isn't removable or doesn't offer access to the chamber, load it from the bottom instead. First, depress the eraser end and hold it in place. Fit the first piece of lead into the tip’s hole. Gently push it all the way inside the pencil. Repeat with each piece of lead until you fill your pencil. 
1 Dismantle your pen. Find where the two halves of your pen screw together and twist them loose. Once the pen is opened, locate the lead dispenser inside. Pull it free from the lead holder.[1] 
2 Load lead into your pen. First, hold the top half of the pencil upside down, so the opening to the lead holder is facing up. Then feed the lead into the hole for the lead holder, one piece at a time. Remember to only load the recommended number of pieces, which will probably only be a couple due to the limited space.[2] 
3 Reassemble your pen. Fit the lead dispenser mechanism back into place. Screw the pen’s two halves back together. Give the pen’s pencil action a couple clicks to make sure it is operating smoothly.[3] Advertisement 
1 Find out if your pencil requires cassettes. Expect mechanical pencils to be reloaded in one of two ways: with or without a cassette. Cassettes already contain lead and can be loaded straight into the pencil as one piece, while cassette-less pencils require you to feed each piece of lead into the pencil. Check the instructions to find out which method is needed. 
2 Use the correct size lead.[4] Check your pencil to see if the recommended diameter of lead (usually expressed in millimeters, such as “0.5mm”) is featured on its design. If not, refer to its packaging or directions. Only use the diameter specified. Avoid jamming your pencil with lead that is too thick, or being stuck with a wobbly piece of lead that is too thin. 
3 Don’t overload the pencil.[5] Expect overloading to jam your pencil. Refer to its instructions. Find out the maximum number of lead pieces that will fit inside. Some models may only fit two at a time, while others may hold up to nine. 
Community Answer Take it apart and pull it out. If this fails to work, get a new pencil. However, it is of interest how you got the wrong size lead in -- if it is too small, it'll easily fall out upon removing the leads already in there. If it is too large, then it wouldn't have fitted in there in the first place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 35 
Community Answer You can get it from most discount, office supply, or stationery stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 18 
astha modi Community Answer You should put 2-3 pieces of lead in your mechanical pencil. It might also say how much to add on your pencil package. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 25 
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