A recent post by xcel reminded me that I need a mechanical pencil. Ideally the same size as a normal pencil and ideally ~15 USD (200 ZAR) since anything above that price has a habit disapearing from my desk.

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[–] 2 points 6 months ago (1 child)

The Staedtler lead holder is a perfect BIFL product. I had mine for years until I somehow lost it. I couldn't find a Staedtler at a store near me, so I ended up buying one from a brand called Alvin. I hadn't heard of it before, but it feels like it'll also last forever. Has a metal body and everything. https://alvindrafting.com/products/pro-matic-metal-lead-holder

Other upside of a lead holder: no more little broken 0.5 mm pieces ending up all over the room.

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  • [–] 1 point 5 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

    Oh god, Staedler. My dad had one for 40 years and I used it for two (and somehow leads have to be put in the bottom to actually be used). After it died I got a newer Staedler one and I somehow permanently jammed it in the few months I actually used it.

    Maybe the shitty AliExpress leads I use harm the mechanicals of the pens or something?

    Edit: The old one works after multiple cleaning sessions.

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