Will the lead hold up to a heavy hand? Just out of bad habit that will never change, I press very hard usually resulting in flying lead.
816872
I too have a very heavy hand. These are good pencils, but I don't think you'll find them to be the miracle pencil you're looking for. It is definitely better than standard yellow #2's, but it is only a wood pencil and has it's limits. The lead does collapse under the pressure of a heavy hand with a freshly sharpened tip, but holds up well overall and I think you'll notice and like the difference. If you really want to fine tune it, why don't you get a set of nice graphite pencils in different hardnesses and see which you prefer, then go from there.
816873
This pencil likes a firm hand. A heavy hand will have you picking up the pieces. One of my favorite brand of writing utensils!
553895
As far as I know brass doesn't have lead in it. I've had and used mine for a while with no problems.
1344200
No, I just bought another pencil. The lead lasts a long time for me, fortunately!
1985246
I carry it in my front pocket all the time, and have never had any issues with the button being pressed when sitting down. I do have to be careful when re-inserting it into my pocket with the clip that I don't press the button, but I've never had an issue with an accidental press due to repositioning my body in any way. The travel on the button before it actuates is significant enough to prevent this.
422816
Yes. All you have to do is press the top as if you wanted more lead to come out and then push the lead in by using a table or another flat surface.
729431
A very sharp point will break with a very heavy hand but otherwise I press pretty hard and the pencil does fine. I love 'em!
1802282
Depends on how much pressure. If I use it lightly it's like as thick as .7mm lead but you can make it narrower. It can be much thicker too if you go slow and/or use good pressure
1769764
Lefty loosey as always. The knob should be able to back all the way out as well. Its pretty tough so some percussive persuasion is acceptable.
1982351
No, sorry I hit yes on accident.. thought it was "yes I would answer". Been using mine daily ever since I got it and have had no issues with the handle what so ever. In fact mine is still rather stiff and does not fall down.
2006162
Yes, mine started to fall apart also. You can push your finger through parts with no resistance at all.
862922
I haven't tried 3mm lead in my pencil but I doubt that the 3mm lead would be held securely in the mechanism
1378793
My art pen has been trucking even after several drops and constant abuse. It's been a little over two years now, freelance commission work full time. I am not someone who uses a whole lot of pressure when I press down though. So far, no problems other than the drop that killed it and caused me to get a replacement.
2148185
It's all about how you handle it. Consider it a collectible, made from plastic and metal cast. If dropped on its head I could see it possibly breaking. I personally haven't had any issues. It's dropped once or twice and it works just the same as ever. I did have to return the first one I'd ordered because the tip wasn't glued sufficiently. If was loose and sort of rattled around on its base. Had I dropped that one on hardwood floor I could totally see it breaking. But that's why I returned it. Just inspect it well, handle with care and you'll be okay. ☺��
1710637
I use the lead e very day and find it comfortable to hold or have it slide across my palm when I let her run. Of course when it gets wet, particularly in cold or icy conditions, I suggest using gloves. If you try hard, you can get rope burn with any material, but this lead is wide and pretty soft so I find it more comfortable to hold than any other lead I have used,
1008836
Yes, see answers below. Be advised you have to press pretty hard...I have to use my thumb. Mine is working very well too. I would purchase it again.
2113563
You may be grinding too fine. Plus, you should take your time when pressing. Twenty-five seconds to press is not too fast. I just lay both hands on top and let gravity do the job for me. And no, I don't have giant hands.
2269712
There is a sleeve that supports the very thin lead 0.5 mm. It is out when using the pencil to write. It does slide back in with the lead. I usually push the top, and then push the lead and sleeve back up into the tip. It does not retract by itself. I suppose I could leave it sticking out, but it would poke holes in my shirt pocket.