Pens, Pencils and Markers

Ink and tip size decide how a pen writes

The ink type changes how a pen feels more than its brand. Ballpoint ink is thick and oil-based, dries quickly and lasts; gel is water-based and richer but may smudge for a moment; rollerball and felt-tip inks are thin and flow easily, and may bleed through light paper. Tip size is quoted in millimeters: around 0.5 gives fine lines for small notes, 0.7 is a general size, and 1.0 writes bold. Retractable models save caps, and erasable inks suit drafts, not records that must last.

Reading a pencil's number, lead and pack size

In the US numbering, a #2 pencil has medium HB lead, #1 is softer and darker, and #3 and #4 are harder and lighter. Pre-sharpened wood-case pencils sell by the dozen and in larger packs for classrooms; mechanical pencils need leads of the right diameter, so check the pencil's lead size before buying refills. Colored pencils and markers are sold in sets, and washable inks are the usual choice for children.

Questions about Pens, Pencils and Markers

Is a 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm pen tip better for everyday writing?

Choose 0.5 mm for small handwriting, forms and narrow ruling; 0.7 mm is a balanced all-rounder; 1.0 mm gives a smoother, bolder line that suits signatures and wide-ruled paper but can fill in small letters.

Does erasable ink last on documents?

Friction-erasable ink vanishes with the heat of rubbing, so strong heat can fade it too. Treat it as ink for drafts, planners and notes, and use a standard ballpoint or gel ink for forms or anything that must stay readable.

Which mechanical pencil lead size should I buy?

Use the size marked on the pencil, usually 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm, because a lead that is too thick will not feed and a thin one can slip and jam. Thinner leads make finer lines but snap more easily.