This is the time of year when school is winding down, some people are looking ahead to graduation, and some are getting ready for spring finals or SATs. You want to do your best on the test and get credit for all the right answers you give. You also don’t want the machine to mark you wrong if there are smudges on the paper.

Choosing the right lead hardness level is kind of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It has to be JUST RIGHT! A #2 lead is commonly recommended because it is a medium hardness level. The #3 or #4 is harder and the marks won’t be consistent. The #1 is too soft and it may smudge.

Pentel has an equivalent to the #2. It is our HB Hardness Lead.

Just as Goldilocks likes: pencil lead that’s not too soft and not too hard. It’s JUST RIGHT. Pentel HB Lead is also guaranteed to scan. It is smooth, dark, and break resistant so it really holds up under pressure.

If you were taking an important test, wouldn’t you want a pencil that’s on your side? No getting up in the middle of the test to sharpen your pencil or run out of eraser. Our Pentel automatic pencils hold more than a test’s worth of lead and a larger eraser than is in most wooden pencils. And if you’re taking one of the long tests your hand won’t get fatigued as our barrels are designed for balance and comfort.

We have a number of different leads – go to: http://www.pentel.com/lead. For a look at our different styles of automatic pencils go to: http://www.pentel.com/automaticpencils. Our erasers are non-abrasive and won’t scuff or smear the writing surface and remove the lead markings cleanly and completely. Go to: https://www.pentel.com/erasers.

Good luck on your tests and eat your porridge before it gets cold!