Lead holders have the same thick tips of traditional wooden pencils
without ever becoming an unwieldy stump.
This makes them great choices for artists or those who prefer broader strokes.
In this video, we’ll tell you about lead holders and share our favorites.
Let’s begin.
Considerations
Mechanisms
Lead holders extend lead like mechanical pencils.
They can do so in a few ways.
Incremental Advancement
Like mechanical pencils, this method dispenses lead in fixed increments.
Drop Clutch
This mechanism loosens the lead holder’s grip so the lead can slide out.
That means you can adjust the lead to your preferred length,
but you also have to make sure it doesn’t completely fall out.
Twist
As the name suggests, twist mechanisms extend lead when twisted, like lipstick.
This is much less common than the other two types.
Barrel Diameter
Since lead holders dispense thicker pieces of lead,
they generally have larger barrels than both wooden and mechanical pencils.
This can actually help relieve fatigue from tight grips.
Barrel Material
Lead holders can be made of metal, wood, or plastic.
Metal and wood provide a nice, substantial weight
while plastic is lightweight and more affordable.
Lead Size
Most lead holders hold lead of 2 mm diameter,
but lead sizes can go all the way up to 5.6 mm.
Larger lead sizes offer more coverage and greater variation in line widths.
Now we’ll show you some of our recommendations for 2 mm lead holders. 2 mm
Top Choice
The Staedtler Silver Series Lead Holder has a clean, professional appearance
and a sturdy and lightweight all-metal body.
The convenient indicator also lets you keep track of the lead grade you’re using.
Budget Pick
The Uni Mitsubishi Lead Holder offers dependability at an affordable price.
Although the barrels are made of plastic,
the metal details and rich dark brown color keep it looking sophisticated.
The lead holder is color coded by lead grade
and also comes in red lead.
Everyday Carry
The Koh-I-Noor Notebook Lead Holder is perfectly sized for portability.
It’s short and slim but still feels solid
thanks to an all metal construction.
The push button also unscrews to reveal a lead pointer
for sharpening on the go.
Multi Pen
The Pentel Super Multi 8 Lead Holder is loaded with an impressive 8 colors,
which are labeled and visible through the window on the barrel.
To switch colors, just turn the clip.
The lead holder uses a drop clutch mechanism,
so make sure to extend the lead carefully.
Premium Option
The Rotring 800 Lead Holder Clutch Knock System is weighty and substantial
yet slim and balanced.
Its precise construction speaks to Rotring’s celebrated craftsmanship.
They’re well-known for drafting pencils,
so it’s no surprise that their lead holders are also of exceptional quality.
Wide Barrel
It’s easy to mistake the Ohto Wooden Mechanical Pencil for a traditional one.
Wooden pencil fans will love the shiny coating and familiar pink eraser
while anyone can appreciate the comfortable grip the thick barrel offers.
The lead holder comes in a selection of classic pencil colors.
If you need something larger than 2 mm, try some of our following recommendations. Specialty Size Recommendations
3.2 mm
Featuring the Kaweco Sport’s iconic octagonal body,
the Skyline Sport Clutch Pencil is travel friendly thanks to its lightweight plastic
and compact size.
This lead holder features a drop clutch and is also available in attractive colors.
4.0 mm
Made for drawing and sketching, the Pilot Croquis Rotating Lead Holder’s ergonomic body
is great for long periods of use.
The narrow middle section encourages a natural hold
and the lightweight plastic prevents fatigue.
It’s also one of the few lead holders that use a twist mechanism.
5.5 mm
The stout, angular body of the Colte Sketch Pen exudes a strong rustic appeal.
It has a comfortable weight and is easy to hold.
The pencil comes in three real wood finishes
and a matching egg-shaped lead pointer to keep your lead well-sharpened.
That’s it for our best lead holders.
Did we mention any of your favorites?
Be sure to also check out our blog for a more in-depth look at our top picks.
You can find all of these products at JetPens.com.
Thanks for watching!