USING THE TUB SHARPENER

How to correctly use the Staedtler 502 Tub Pencil Sharpener or Lead Pointer.
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Draw With Mike is a division of MikeSibleyFineArt.com - the Graphite Pencil Studio.

[@nevafiumara2199]

LMAO! I'm so glad I found this. I'm also totally embarrassed to admit the fact that I've had mine for years and had no idea why sometimes it worked and other times it didn't. I would just use sandpaper. The fact there was a hidden sharpener on the top of the pencil was even funnier. :D I'm actually looking forward to using them again.

[@drawwithmike]

Well, I'm glad I made somebody's day! I wasn't joking when I said I have a copy and paste answer to emails asking about the 502. No need to feel embarrassed, you're in good company :)

[@sheilasinghal2922]

I felt totally the same! I was like a monkey with a typewriter, trying to figure out how to use the stupid thing by poking the leads into various holes, and even taking it apart to see if that would reveal how to use it. I was just using sandpaper, too. I knew about the sharpeners in the caps, but although my vintage Eagle has a (slightly rusty) sharpener, the vintage Staedtler doesn't.

[@zmeebojazz8774]

Thanks I was about to return mine or throw it into a box of defeats.

[@drawwithmike]

And you won't be the first to do that :) I made this video because I'm asked so often about how to use it. Happy to have helped.

[@dannybrown82]

My defeat box is huge.

[@TinyShoken]

These are the best types of videos on KZbin, straight to the point, clear and precise instructions. Thanks for this, like others I was ready to throw in the towel before finding this video XD

[@drawwithmike]

To be honest, I was so fed up with watching rambling video that cutting out the fluff was a deliberate decision. I'm very happy to hear that you agree - THANK YOU :)

[@LeighAnnNC]

thanks.... I would never have figured this out....

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Leigh, and thanks for commenting. I'm asked so often about the tub sharpener that I HAD to make a video :)

[@kathym6603]

Your presentation makes me dream about all the things we could learn if someone explained them this well.

[@drawwithmike]

Kathy..... 'thank you' seems to be too weak a response :) But thank you. You've made my day. And I'll continue to try to be as clear as I can be in my videos.

[@LinhTTo]

Just found your channel and was very grateful for your clear instructions on how to use it properly... :)

[@zhalpd7017]

Appreciate the help, was really anxious about snapping my leads and didn't know if I was using the sharpener properly. Thanks for the tutorial

[@nancyharby7971]

I was lucky enough to find a whole set including 2 Staedtler clutch pencils and tub sharpener at my local thrift shop. I never would have figured out how to do this without you. Big thanks!

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Nancy. And well done! That was some find. I've used nothing but Staedtler clutch pencils for the past 40 years, and I've never felt any need to revert to wood-cased. But I also remember how long it took me to work out how to use the sharpener! :)

[@DreamerGirlForever]

I’ve had this sharpener for a while and hadn’t figured out how to use it. This video helped immensely. At first I still couldn’t get the barrel in the bigger hole, then realized it goes at an angle instead of straight down. My lead now finally has a nice sharp point. Thank you for the video!

[@drawwithmike]

Happy to help. :) You might find you snap the lead a few times - it does take a little getting used to. But, as long as you don't force anything - keep it gentle - it should work wonders for you.

[@LadiesandGentlemenHRH]

Perfectly explained. Blew my mind when you took off the end of the pencil to reveal a mini sharpener! Thank you for making this video.

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Tara. There's no way I'd NOT have made this video. I really am asked about using the 502 so often. :)

[@NyuNeon]

incredibly helpful, thank you so much. I never even knew there was a sharpener built into the actual lead holder either wow.

[@viajedeldragonresplandeciente]

Hi Mike! Excellent video. I loved the graphics and the explanation. Everything was very clear. Thank you so much :D

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm still learning animation and editing but I'm gradually getting there :) And I'm glad you found it useful.

[@DamianMoose9]

Just wanted to give a big thanks! I’ve had my pencil and sharpener for a few months and finally set down my iPad to learn how! Your narration and detail is fantastic. You’re the best!

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Christian! Maybe I've just got an enquiring mind? :)

[@joeblankenship377]

I had stopped using my lead holder because all I had to sharpen was the push button cap. It was fine, but I hated having that graphite dust in there. Finally got one of these sharpeners and I'm amazed at how sharp it can get! Like a needle!

[@drawwithmike]

Sharp? Definitely needle sharp! I've even been known to stab myself and then dig the broken point out of my finger :) However... the first thing I do with my needle sharp point is snap the tip of the point off. I always work with a chisel point, which is far more versatile and doesn't constantly need to be resharpened.

[@greekveteran2715]

There are some portable really tiny sharpeners for 2mm leads, made from tthe well known brands like M+R, Faber Castell, KUM etc, which can provide the same needle sharp points on your leads. They cost 0.30 cents and the only negative I found, was the fact, that they are tiny and they weigh literally nothing!! Good neas is, that they come with a small hole in the end, that you can use a small cord and tie them on your gear!!! I recommend the M+R, works perfect, costs nothing!

[@senhueichen3062]

The more I use, the better it gets...Such a wonderful design by Staedtler.

[@amexjam55]

I been wanting to buy one these sharpeners but with many reviewers on it being confused or complaining on how to use it, I was reluctant. But thanks to your video I see that it's really easy to use. Thanks!

[@drawwithmike]

It does its job perfectly - but be aware that it can take some time to learn how to use it well. Best advice: feed the point in slowly as you turn the barrel. Push and you'll break the point.

[@user-qk6gn2ei2h]

Thanks for this...have just bought one of these and was trying to work out what the two holes actually did. Your video was straight to the (excuse the pun!!) point!! And the extra tip about the white foamy thing in the middle...had no idea! The power of KZbin delivers again.

[@drawwithmike]

There you go... saved you hours of wonder... job done! 😉

[@sheilasinghal2922]

Thanks for this! So comprehensive and helpful. I don't know why the packaging has no instructions, but I now want to break the lead so I can sharpen it all over again, haha! And genius idea about saving the graphite powder. 😊

[@drawwithmike]

You'll have plenty of opportunities - believe me! :o) And, if you try the powder idea, just make sure you pick out all the broken points first.

[@sheilasinghal2922]

@@drawwithmike Hahaha! I'm sure I will! And thanks for reminding me about the broken points. 😊

[@AMO17]

I just got this sharpener yesterday and had no clue how to use it. Thank you for this video! I was mad that the end of my lead was looking like a slotted screwdriver head lmao

[@drawwithmike]

You're not alone! There's nothing intuitively obvious about using it... hence the video. And a heck of a lot of experimenting, many years ago. 😉

[@sfeigh]

Thanks for the post Mike. It's a great help.

[@JoeyPerezthethird]

I never knew about the extra sharpener on the lead holder! Thanks Mike

[@greekveteran2715]

Some lead holders have sharpeners on their cups. Faber Castell TK 4600, is another example! In many people's opinion, that's also the best portable 2mm lead holder out there, with the TK 9400, being the one you keep at home or office!!

[@PetersonJoseph]

I can't believe I needed this tutorial, but here we are! Thank you!

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome. And you're not alone, either... it took me ages to work out how the thing worked when I purchased my first one over thirty years ago. But I'm glad I persevered, because it's excellent at doing its job... once you tame it :)

[@hikaridemon]

I just bought my first drafting pencil and sharpener today. This helped out so much!

[@drawwithmike]

I'm pleased to hear that. You won't be disappointed in the pencils: same weight, same length; same balance. No need to keep relearning, as you have to with wood-cased :)

[@cmmbsnyder55]

Thanks for the informative video. I used those pencils in drafting and new knew. I have two of those sharpeners. Getting into sketching now. Good info to know!

[@drawwithmike]

You'll find those pencils ideal for drawing generally - if for no other reason than (unlike wood-cased) they remain constant. I know EXACTLY how my pencils will perform every time I pick one up. They have constant length, weight, and balance. And having two sharpeners is definitely a bonus! :)

[@lasarith2]

Thanks, just using this as a refresher, since it been a while since I used mines.

[@dboconnor57]

THANK YOU! That was short and informative. Well done sir.

[@triciafritz7154]

Mike I'm taking a drawing class to freshen my skills. I had this mechanical sharpener from 22yrs years ago. Finally I get to use it. And know how to use 😆 Ooohh and the sharpener on the mechanical pencil...so know I know. Wow. I learned 2 things today. Thanks 😊

[@drawwithmike]

Excellent, Tricia! And I'm happy to have helped you :)

[@stevekobb3850]

Thanks, Mike. That was extremely helpful.

[@drawwithmike]

Thank you. Steve. Happy to be of service.

[@ncjunkgoian]

Thank you so much, I was looking for a clear explanation of the 502...kept rechecking the packaging for instructions 🤣

[@drawwithmike]

The packaging... been there, done that. It doesn't help, does it.... :) I'm happy I could help.

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

I just bought one of these and it came today. I LOVE it.

[@drawwithmike]

Good! :) Once you get used to using it there's nothing better for sharpening a clutch pencil - at least with minimal mess.

[@ElshehaB]

This channel gives me exactly what I need

[@WoodenItBeGrand]

Fantastic detailed & informative review. Thanks for taking the time.

[@drawwithmike]

Thank you!

[@padams7588]

Excellent. Thanks so much for this informative and instructive video. Well done!

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks for the thanks. :) It's not an easy animal to tame, but once you understand it, it's relatively easy to use.

[@roxannevicious]

This was so helpful and so wonderfully explained! Thank-you!!!

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Roxanne. In the days before KZbin, I had a copy and paste email answer, because I was asked so often about using the 502. But the video makes explaining its use so much easier.

[@roxannevicious]

@@drawwithmike I feel like they should make the instruction on the packaging clearer, but there was little to nothing! Wonderful that you spent the time answering all those emails, and making this video -- I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to figure it out on my own, honestly! Hahaha! Thank-you again!

[@TheCheladenise]

I needed this video because I could not figure out why my lead kept breaking. I have went through two tubes of lead in a month. THANKS!

[@drawwithmike]

At least I've saved you some money - not to mention frustration :)

[@creativecolours2022]

This barrel sharpener is literally indestructible. I have and still use one that I bought back in 1985. That was not a sharpener purchase. That was an investment! lol

[@drawwithmike]

Agreed! I have a few of them, but one I still regularly use is from the late 80s. It's a German made light blue one. I think the later dark blue ones are Chinese made, although they work just as well. ..

[@Mr_Matrix]

A very helpful tutorial! Now I can get the most out of my sharpener! Thanks! 😃🙏

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Mr M :)

[@ItsAllJoe]

Thank you so much!!! I broke my lead so many times because I had no idea how to use this! This is great

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome. It's so easy to get the thing wrong! :)

[@Chedderfish]

This was so helpful! I have a 902 I was gifted and didn't really know what some of the features were. It seems to essentially be an electric version of this.

[@drawwithmike]

I haven't heard of the 902... and I can't find any mention of one anywhere. Hang on to it - it might have a rarity value! :)

[@Chedderfish]

@@drawwithmike what's your email and I can send you photos?

[@drawwithmike]

@@Chedderfish Yes. Thanks! [e-mail]

[@Chedderfish]

@@drawwithmike Sent you an email! There is a part I still don't understand which I took a closer photo of but you'll see, it's like the electric version of this.

[@drawwithmike]

@@Chedderfish The photos didn't survive the trip… but the video did! Thanks! What a machine! Obviously obsolete, but I'm wondering why, because it's both useful and well-built. From what I can see, compared to the 502: -- It has the same two "drawing!" and "writing" holes for the correct length of lead -- The same fibre insert for cleaning the point -- A similar central hole, but the cutters revolve around the lead. In the manual 502 the lead travels around a fixed central cutter. That just leaves the feature on the side. This is a guess, but it looks as though it's used for forming custom points. For example, instead of sharpening the point, you could use that rotating grindstone to wear a flat on each side to create a chisel point. And you can use it to sharpen clutch pencils that won't fit the central hole because they are thicker than Staedtler models.

[@dereklewinson3018]

I'm SO glad I found this! Thx!

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Derek. I'm happy you found it useful.

[@margaretgallagher2962]

Thank you, I just couldn’t figure it out! Very helpful!

[@MaskedManMikeMD]

Thank you so much!!! I was excited to find a lead pointer but I was so confused!

[@drawwithmike]

That I understand :) Once you get the hang of it, you'll wish you had one much earlier.

[@stacyegan5719]

I totally broke my pencil lead the first time I used one! This video helps clarify its proper use, thank you.

[@drawwithmike]

Until you learn to NOT push the lead into the sharpener, I think that’s the most common complaint I hear. And it took me a while to learn, too.

[@patdey2457]

brilliant explanation - thanks a million!

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Pat. Just happy to help :)

[@striperseeker]

wow a simple instruction paragraph on the paperboard container would have saved a lot of time. Thank you for the instructions!

[@drawwithmike]

Agreed! Why Staedtler ASSUME you'll instinctively know how to use it defeats me. :)

[@saukoon]

Thanks Mike. I was wondering how to use the two holes since young.

[@drawwithmike]

Me too! :) It took me quite a time to work out what they are for.

[@EternalKing_Unrivaled]

Thank you so much, mate. This was really helpful.

[@drawwithmike]

No problem. :) And I understand, because I can still remember my confusion 40+ years ago.

[@EternalKing_Unrivaled]

@@drawwithmike 🤝🏻♥️

[@meyerobyn]

I've always wondered how this works! thank you.

[@drawwithmike]

So have the many folk who have emailed me over the years. Hence, the video. Pleased to have helped, Robyn :)

[@Nickelguy1]

Wow, I've had mine thirty years and I finally know how to use it!! Ha ha ha ! Thanks for the info!!!

[@drawwithmike]

And I've been answering queries about its use for 30 years :) Although, to be fair, I found out how to use it by trial and error... especially a LOT of error!

[@disgust4941]

Phew thank you! I’ve had my dad’s one of these for ages and had no clue what it did haha

[@drawwithmike]

Odd, isn't it, how Staedtler expect you to know what it is and how to use it. 🙄

[@Ph8lan]

Thanks buddy I needed this!

[@villesanti1]

These pencils are amazing.

[@drawwithmike]

Agreed, Nelson. They don't shorten and change weight with use. They maintain their balance, length and weight, and every time I pick one up I know EXACTLY how it is going to perform.

[@ulfyn2143]

Got mine a couple days ago and it feels so nice to draw with and I got a couple different leds to use for sketching then shading and doing outlines. It was worth it

[@lsbargaoanu]

Brilliant, so useful, thank you very much!

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Stefan. Happy to be of help.

[@stuman2780]

Wow! GREAT TIPS! Thanks

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome :)

[@cozysouth]

Thanks! I just bought this but had no idea how to use it.

[@drawwithmike]

It really should come with instructions! :) But I'm happy I could help.

[@Foxburrito_c14]

Thank you so much, I've been breaking my head trying to figure out how a fedra 4900 works, and it's exactly the same!

[@drawwithmike]

Happy to help. :) Although I still think it was Staedtler's job to do that. 🙄 And thanks for mentioning the Fedra 4900, which I've never heard of, but this video might help other Fedra owners now, too.

[@bluegreensubmarine]

Wonderful video thanks!

[@Cheyenne-hr1we]

THANKS THIS HELPED ALOT!

[@mkdnoelanii]

This tutorial should be included with every tub sharpener! I couldn’t figure out how to use this thing for the life of me. As much as I love Staedtler, seriously couldn’t they bother to write out any instructions at all? They just said “just have fun, figure it out!”🤣🤣

[@drawwithmike]

It took me quite a while to figure it all out. And then - early Internet days - I had a copy and paste answer for anyone needing help... and there were plenty of those :) So, I'm glad to have video available now, because it makes the explanation so much easier.

[@esmailiyou]

Best tutorial on the internet

[@drawwithmike]

Thank you!

[@tbirdlow266]

Thank you Mike, you explaine very good

[@drawwithmike]

Happy to hear it was helpful! Thank you.

[@ChristianThwaites]

Very helpful! After I'd almost given up and broken lots of leads

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Christian. Well, I hope I saved at least a few broken leads. :) And breaking mine is how I discovered how to use it properly. It really should be supplied with full instructions.

[@MatthewTyreeKS]

Thank you! I was racking my little brain trying to deduce the use of the 2 little holes!

[@drawwithmike]

Oh, I understand that! It took me some time to work out what they were for :)

[@paullittle9187]

You're a lifesaver.

[@drawwithmike]

You're very welcome, Paul... :)

[@nkguenther1]

Thank you! Now if I could only fix my Mitsubishi sharpener. I can’t find any lead stuck anywhere, have taken it apart, probed, shook it, no luck. It used to do such a great job with soft art pencils.

[@drawwithmike]

Good luck with that! :) At least the Staedtler sharpener is simple - just two parts.

[@captaingyro3912]

Very well done!

[@majicMix911]

I finally now know how to use this damn thing! Thanks!

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks. My work is done! I can retire gracefully :)

[@PasCorrect]

Thank you so much for this video! I just got an "ATI" sharpener and was very confused. Question! What is the little white sponge thing in the middle hole? My sharpener came with two extra sponges, but I have no idea what they're for.

[@PasCorrect]

WAIT never mind, I just realized you answered that question already! Not sure how I missed that. OK, 10/10 video confirmed :)

[@drawwithmike]

Those white sponges (that look liker cigarette filter tips) are for cleaning the dust off your lead after you've sharpened it. Just poke the lead into it to remove the graphite dust. I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@milespadilla1575]

Helped a bunch thanks

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Miles. I've been asked how it works so many over the years that it was a video I HAD to make :)

[@lukepletz9075]

Thanks Mike!

[@taakomagnusen2037]

About to order 5 of these Technico 780 lead holders and the 502 lead pointer, but I havent found any videos of people drawing with them; you're the only one so far! I am worried about how useful these lead holders are for shading with the edge of the pencil, is it possible to use the side of the exposed graphite to shade larger areas?

[@drawwithmike]

Using the edge - by which I'm assuming you mean the side of the lead - is probably not impossible, but I don't think it's advisable either. Instead, use a chisel point. A chisel point has a sharp edge for drawing thin or sharp-edged lines, and a flat face for drawing broad, soft-edged lines that merge together. I use chisel point at all times; the flat face for shading skies, for example; and the edge for sharp detailing. Rather than try to describe it, have a look at this video (complimentary access): sibleyfineart.com/video_access.htm?iil And this might help you with your decision to use clutch pencils (which is what I've been using for many years: sibleyfineart.com/video_access.htm?iiv

[@taakomagnusen2037]

@@drawwithmike thank you so much, i very much appreciate the advice! I'm sold on clutch pencils, going to get 5 of them!

[@drawwithmike]

@@taakomagnusen2037 You won't regret it. Two of mine are over 35 years old, and the others are almost as old :) I do have wood-cased pencils too, but only for making the videos. When I'm drawing, I only use clutch pencils / lead holders.

[@bigfrozon3]

Thank you so much🙏🏿

[@valeriyabutterfly9076]

Thank you so much. Now, I know how to use this weird sharpener

[@drawwithmike]

You're very welcom :)

[@mshelthy]

Thank you so much!

[@nickhonesto9099]

Thank you so much for this video

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome, Nick. It was needed, wasn't it :)

[@nickhonesto9099]

Is very useful again and thank you again

[@DocetOfficial]

The sharpener at the top blew my mind

[@drawwithmike]

Although it's not something you'd often want to use... I'm always surprised by how many artists don't actually know it's there at all! :)

[@DocetOfficial]

@@drawwithmike I can’t tell you how many times I used sand paper to sharpen my pencil because I forgot this sharpener 😂

[@drawwithmike]

@@DocetOfficial Well, it's a bit messy in use, and the point is sharp but not as long as the 502 produces... but if you've nothing else, it most certainly works.

[@themisterchristie]

I wish I knew what happened to my old blue Staedler and shapener, had this exact same sharpener

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

Thanks Mike! 👍🏽

[@drawwithmike]

You're very welcome. It can be a sod to easily work it out for yourself :)

[@vsaturated]

Thank you !

[@georgegasmatron1]

Thank you very much!

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome! :)

[@krishna280681]

Hi Mike ... we need to sharpen a lead with cylindrical end first separately and insert in the 502 sharpener ?

[@drawwithmike]

No. Just insert the blunt end into the sharpener and use the pencil to turn the top. BUT... feed the pencil down gently as you turn. If you push down, you'll break the lead. That sounds awkward but is easy to do once you get used to it.

[@krishna280681]

Thank you Mike for the immediate help....

[@senhueichen3062]

It also works on other brands of 2mm holder, though not as perfectly as on Staedtler's.

[@drawwithmike]

That's true. I use Faber Castell clutch pencils for my 2H and 4H leads. It works perfectly with those.

[@senhueichen3062]

@@drawwithmike haha, I need to practice more...

[@mech7707]

How do you refill the cloth thing with a clean one?

[@drawwithmike]

Just stick a pin in it and pull it out. I don't know if you can buy replacements. If not, use the filter tip from a cigarette.

[@prod.seajay]

Hey I have a question, I've gotten one of their pencils, and I am super curious, is this actually lead? Or graphite, cuz I donf want real lead

[@drawwithmike]

Graphite. It's NEVER been lead. Graphite was originally thought to be Plumbum - Latin for Lead. They were mistaken but the name remained in use. Graphite has no connection with lead. It's a form of carbon, along with soot and diamonds.

[@Starzplatinum]

Thank you

[@rollicker3139]

I've been using this sharpener for years and was wondering if it was possible to get replacement fiber inserts for it. Would you happen to know if these are available anywhere? I've looked all over the place and can't find any.

[@drawwithmike]

I've never seen refills either, however... many years ago when I was a student I used to be a smoker and rolled my own cigarettes. Then I began to include filters. And those filters are quite probably the exact size you need. I used to use Rizla filters, but I can't find a source for you that aren't "slim". But I did find this: mysmokingshop.co.uk/rolling-filters/zigzag-filter-tips/zigzag-regular-filter-tips/zigzag-regular-paper-wrapped-filter-tips-1-bag-of-100. I am 99% certain they'll do the job. Personally, I never use the fibre and stick my pencil into a piece of Blu-Tack (or kneadable eraser) after sharpening.

[@rollicker3139]

@@drawwithmikeThanks! I appreciate your all your help, I'll look into those filters. Keep up the good work!

[@someperson9999]

I own one of these, but I have no idea where to buy the refills for the fiber insert. Do you know where I can buy them

[@drawwithmike]

I don't know where you can buy them, but... They remind me of cigarette filters when I used to roll my own many many years ago at college :) Personally, I rarely use that fibre insert - I always just poke my pencil tip into a ball of Blu-Tack. Or a kneadable eraser should do.

[@Autospiral]

Thanks for this. I kept pressing and breaking my leads.

[@drawwithmike]

That’s very understandable, but it's the worst thing you can do. Broken lead guaranteed! Just feed it in gently as you turn.

[@greekveteran2715]

Please,Is this the BEST sharpener for 2mm lead holders? is the similar M+R better than this? I need the best, any advice would be much appriciated. Thans in advance

[@drawwithmike]

I'm sorry, I'm not in a position to answer that. I've been using the Staedtler 502 for over 35 years and have used no other type.

[@Thewaterspirit57]

Will this also work for Non staedtler branded mechanical pencils? Planning on getting a Lanzn set thats has led specifically for drawings with colored cores.

[@drawwithmike]

From personal experience, I can only vouch for Staedtler 780 and 733, and Faber Castell clutch pencils. I've never tried the 502 with waxy coloured pencils. Personally, I think the waxy leads will be problematic, BUT I've no reason to expect it to not work with Staedtler coloured leads. . If you try it, and it's OK, please let me know.

[@Thewaterspirit57]

@@drawwithmike Right then.

[@paulessenson7920]

Thanks, broke the tip twice before searching on youtube lol.

[@drawwithmike]

You're not the first and won't be the last :) I even do it myself sometimes. The secret appears to be to GENTLY lower the lead into the tub as you rotate it. Push and you will most probably snap the point off.

[@disruptive_innovator]

Mine arrived on a blister card. No instructions. Thanks for this video.

[@drawwithmike]

You're welcome. I've had so many pleas for help over the years that I had a "copy and paste" answer for emails. But videos a much better vehicle for explaining its use.

[@maamusart183]

thank you.

[@kaycooper1559]

Thanks. What's the name of that green mechanical pencil/lead holder?

[@drawwithmike]

It's a Faber Castell. It, and it's twin (I have two, holding H and 2H leads), are about 35 years old - and might no longer be available. I'm a 100% Staedtler man these days :)

[@lvbailey1]

Thank You ❣️

[@darkridearts]

Thank you. I was so confused. No directions or anything with this

[@drawwithmike]

I completely understand. It's really not easy to use until you know how... and then it's relatively simple.

[@Vango07]

Hi, Mike, does the integrated of the TK 4600 get dull by time?

[@drawwithmike]

If I knew what the TK 4600 was, I'd happily answer your question :)

[@Vango07]

No problem (; I appreciate your response.

[@agold1702]

Sorry if this question has already been asked and answered but it looks like this model may not work with non-Staedler pencils, is this correct? My NicPros don’t seem to drop down into the larger hole…

[@drawwithmike]

There's your answer. :) The only qualification is if the pencil/lead-holder will fit into the main hole. I use both Staedtler (780, but applies to 788's too) and Faber Castell clutch pencils without any problems.

[@ador9110]

Thanks mike 🥺

[@robertjennings5558]

I'm buying it. Thanks

[@drawwithmike]

You won't regret it.... after you've got used to it :)