Why are builders pencils flat

Unlike traditional pencils, which are usually rounded or hexagon-shaped, carpenter pencils are either elliptical or rectangular-shaped. They are also extremely durable and perfect for use on the job site. The stronger, thicker lead can be used for marking a variety of building materials including wood, gypsum, plasterboard, stone, and concrete. Professionals such as drywallers, framers, insulators, painters, roofers, joisters, and trim workers use them along with many woodworking hobbyists.

It is different than simply using a regular pencil which is too brittle and fine or a pen that often skips or bleeds. Not only does the lead last a long time, but it also does not break easily and is cheap for purchase. Two wooden halves were carved with a groove down the middle. This is essentially the same method used today — a graphite lead is placed between two pieces of wood one piece with a narrow groove carved down the middle to hold the lead in place and then the wood is glued together.

This makes the tool more versatile, allowing it to also be used as a standard width spacer for many construction projects.

Essentially, the dimensions allow the pencil itself to be used as a quick and easy measuring tool or guide. My assumption is that it's so they don't roll away. According to wikipedia , it's so they don't roll away A carpenter pencil carpentry pencil, carpenter's pencil is a pencil that has a body with a rectangular or elliptical cross-section to prevent it from rolling away.

Carpenter pencils are easier to grip than standard pencils, because they have a larger surface area. The non-round core allows thick or thin lines to be drawn by rotating the pencil. Thin lines are required for high precision markings and are easy to erase, but thick markings are needed to mark on rough surfaces.

The lead is strong to withstand the stress of marking on such surfaces. The pencil is robust to survive in a construction environment, for example when placed in a bag together with heavy tools.

The core is often stronger than in other pencils. Carpenter pencils are also used by builders, because they are suitable for marking on rough surfaces, such as concrete or stone.

This shape and lead density aid in marking legible lines with a straight edge that are clear and easy to follow with a saw blade.

The flat pencil is one of the oldest pencil types. The first versions were made by hollowing out sticks of juniper wood. A superior technique was discovered: two wooden halves were carved with a groove running down them, a plumbago stick placed in one of the grooves, and the two halves then glued together—essentially the same method in use to this day.

The "flat so it doesn't roll" theory is also supported by this article on Carpenters Pencils at PencilPages. A carpenter's pencil has at least two essential characteristics which distinguish it from other types of specialty pencils. First, the shape of a carpenter's pencil prevents it from rolling, even when placed on a steep sloping roof.

The most popular shape seems to be a flat, octagonal style. Secondly, the lead must be strong enough to make a heavy mark and to withstand the stresses of carpentry, which frequently requires marking on very coarse surfaces. The leads are usually wide and flat. The shape of the pencil also allows the lead to be rectangular. Which allows you to easily draw lines of various thicknesses, simply by rotating the pencil. The shape allows for a larger volume of "lead", which increases the strength and reduces breaking.

If you know the dimensions of your pencil, you can use it to make quick inaccurate measurements. It can also be used as a spacer, or standoff. The rectangular shape allows for two different dimensions, as opposed to a single one with a round pencil. Click here to shop for Carpenters Pencils at Amazon.

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Mechanical pencils work just like your more traditional lead pencil, but with the extra benefit of not needing to be sharpened. Most of these types of pencils are around 7 inches mm long and just a quarter of an inch 6. Which makes them handy as a quick measuring instrument. Its well worth taking the time to take a tape measure to your own carpenters pencil when you have a moment. Sharpening both ends of the pencil can save time later on if one end breaks.

If the nub breaks off you can simply switch around to the other end and keep on working. If you are working on very rough timber, then the next time you sharpen your pencil try give it a blunt edged point. This stops the carpenter pencil lead from snapping and breaking when you draw it against rough or old wood textures.

Use the width of the pencil to mark off exactly where you need to saw so that you make the perfect cut. Carpenters pencils are so handy that this simple utensil has helped woodworkers like yourself create everything from small box crafts to large houses.