I absolutely love mine! I got one for my guys as well! We got some old timers who didn't think they would like it till they used it and then they loved it! Great pencil for any construction
I've used 1 of these for the last 3 years but I find they gunk up inside and stop working . I've recently changed to a halftafors pencil 10 times better and the sharpener is on the top so you don't need to access the bottom of the holster
@@andyperrett4015 I put the holster inside my pocket, clipped to the picket, I have to either rotate it in my pocket or take it off entirely to sharpen which is a pain
The best thing about these Pica pencils is the fact that they don't get lost. I just keep the holster in my pocket and it always goes back. I used to have loads of pencils everywhere because I would keep losing them. Now just one Pica.
Man I read the title and thought you where going to show us how to make that pencil DIY style. Can't say I'm not a little disappointed because I wanted to see how it was done. That being said I've ordered 5 of these
I use Pica few years now. I love it. Some people are wondering about this pencil, but when hear the price says that that's expensive. But in some period of time will pay off. I have different that type pencils from Pica, Lyra, Wurth, Sola. Pica and Wurth are the best ( probably made in same factory ).
I am an electrician and orange pica is the best marking tool, especially for motor mounting holes which are deep. pica is really long lasting, in daily use it has lasted for a year and a half.
I use these for all my marking when boatbuilding. They are excellent. Bright color makes them easy to spot on a cluttered workbench. Pencil lead is strong but marks well and the sharpener is perfect. The blue marker is my favorite, produces a dark, sharp, thin line every time.
I’ve used a staedtler lead holder for years. But I may have to look at getting a pica. The colored wax refills look great. The cap and integrated sharpener are also nice functional touches.
I've used a staetledter drafting lead holding pencil and pica markers for over 30 years as an electrician. The lead on the drafting pencils are 2.0mm up to almost 6mm if ya go with the Koh-I-Noor art style. Where most mechanical pencils are around 0.5-0.7mm. Great to keep with Write in the Rain pads and binders.
My sister bought me one of these and a filler pack. I didn't think I would use it much but, was very wrong. I keep this in my pocket all the time. Works hella better than a carpenter pencil or mechanical pencil. Because of the graphite size, it doesn't lose its edge very easy. I also find that it scribes a line closer to the square so I get better accuracy than with other pencils. I have had it for about 6 months and just went through the first graphite stick............ Normally, I go through two or three mechanical pencils by that time.
No one NEEDs this pencil but I really like mine. I use regular lead for wood work and white lead for welding marks. No more regular pencils for me. This is a guilty pleasure item, I like to recommend.
I have 3 of the Pica pencils. The lead is soft and doesn't stay sharp long. The smudge marks will transfer from your lines to your fingers and then all over your painted cabinet surfaces. With that being said I LOVE MY PICAS and use them daily!!! Just not on pre finished projects.
I’m going to go broke watching your channel. Been wanting a lot of the things you review. I like you technique and flow of the videos. I am trying to get better at RUclips. I may use a little of your approach in a few of my vids just to see if it could work for me. Thank you for these helpful DIY vids. Love it.
I've got one of these. The shief and the pencil are loose, just getting out of my van it falls out. Apart from that, fixing it with Teflon tape, they are really good
I get most of my lawn care advice from this guy, now he puts out a video on pencils? Thats so cool! Next video… best shaving razor for your coin purse. 😊
Dixon made their Reach that I have had for the last several years. They are pretty awesome. They also have a self-contained sharpener. The different inserts are neat. But Dixon also made Reach markers in different colors. So, there you go.
To add to my previous comment, I’ve used diy pencils in the past, sharpened them with a Stanley knife, ok for wood/lumber, but I’ve found the Pica is a bit more accurate when marking holes.
I think drafting pencil are made to be on paper not toention theyre extreamly fragile take the rotring series for example the biggest size you can buy is .7 mm (correct me if im wrong) but these pencils use the 2mm lead not .7 or .9
@@ayatotakema1194 old style wooden pencils . I used to use number 3 and 4 anything harder could actually cut into some woods . The number nine mechanical pencils were good but they had the odd habit of walking away .
As an electrician i have bought at least 10 of these, the sharpeners a bit hit or miss, either its great or annoying, They pencil also have a habbit of wearing out the sleeve and falling out after a lot of use ,they also hook on anything you may walk past and pull out of your pocket, but i still keep buying them
Apparently one of those issues has been fixed: NEW: Reliable hold in the long term Its new "Power Lock" mechanism inside is a milestone in the development: The duration of the lead holding power has been tripled The longevity of the product once more has been noticeably improved
I suppose that I have a bias toward pencils because I draw, but I do love the Staedtler mechanical for work (design-build). Broke too many, though, so I went back to pencils. I tried a Pica last year and found that it was not a good fit for me, ergonomics etc etc. Currently using an Ox, being square it seems to work better for me. All of them could increase the diameter of the stainless part, it’s not very often that I mark things through a narrow obstacle course..
But.... if you have the tip out at normal length and put it back into the shell it does break. A thing to remember when using it :') thats why I leave the shell off most of the time
Therese are also extra strong refills if you use IT always on tiles or stone! The normal pencil don't scratch surfaces The extra strong would scratch on some light surfaces!
I'm a working finish carpenter just started using these pencils 2 months ago. I just don't like the variation in line thickness that comes from a sharpened point. I think a half-mil mechanical pencil or single-bevel scribing knife are more accurate, as they can reference a straight edge rather than referencing the work. Putting lines on drywall that has differetial depth when not over a stud means the taper of the point move my line. Its nice in some places, but I probably won't buy another one.
The Lyra Dry Pro (LED) has replaced my Pica. It's also made here in germany. It has one major advantage, you can sharpen it without taking the sheath. Very convenient. Greetings from Germany.
Interesting, it looks like we can buy it here amzn.to/3BlGZPs but they must not officially sell them, they are quite a bit more I will have to check those out too sometimes. Its very easy to love pens and pencils, you use them all the time
hope you read my comments on german makes. germans just do it right. QUALITY IS THE BEST ! does germany take pride in all their products? it shows. kudos from america - the usa part hehe
Ordered the pencil and refiles but the permanent marker version they will not ship to my location? End of the earth? (I live in Maui, Hawaii) I can't get lithium-ion batteries sent here either thanks for the review
Thats so weird, no idea about the marker. Maybe something secret in it.
3 года назад+1
@@SilverCymbal A lot of things sold on Amazon by various merchants sometimes don't want to pay the extra shipping to Hawaii is my guess. About 10% of what I see here in Hawaii will not ship here - when we go back to St. Louis for the other half of the year everything ships there.
@ Every so often I also receive 6x6x8 box with similar sinister warnings. Specially delivered by ground. Haphazardly tossed inside that box, with random padding, is a small box measuring 1.5 x 1.5 x 5, containing 60ml (4.06 tablespoons) of a topical antibiotic (Clinamycin-foliculitus), that contains 50% (about 2 TBS) alcohol. I'm not supposed to pick it up at the pharmacy, they must mail it. But end up having to use UPS. Our tax dollars at work
@ they get weird about batteries. Last I saw they could fly power packs if they were installed in the equipment they operated. But possibly not battery packs on their own and definitely not individual cells. At least with passengers. I just assumed you were talking 18650s that's why I put that link in there for the Hawaii vape shop. Although that's what's in your battery pack for your power tool is- a stack of 18650s or possibly 21700s. Unfortunately they're spot welded to build the pack. I've never felt myself qualified to try a rebuild on one
Only thing I don't like about them is the smooth round body is a little hard to grip tight without it squeezing out from my fingers like a watermelon seed. Fixed it by wrapping one turn of electrical tape. Wish they would have rubberized it straight out of the factory. But then I guess the price would go up and even more people would be complaining about the cost.
I personally like the green cap on the older model better. I could get it out of the sleeve from the tool belt, while wearing gloves and without looking. The new cap is bigger and the ridge is exposed. At least a few times a day it caught on something and I dropped the cap.
Agreed! I also don't like the ridge on the black part, though that's apparently supposed to hold it better in the sleeve?! I do very much like the fact that the new sleeve is actually deep enough to hold the pencil and a sharpened tip. With the old one the extra click needed to sharpen it made it too long and the freshly sharpened tip would break instantly..
As I'm reading back my reply I just realised that that might well be the reason for the annoying black ridge. It keeps it from being inserted too deep. Someone else mentioned not liking these as they drop from the sleeve after prolonged use. Now I'm wondering whether my previous one was worn and thus needed to be inserted too deep. And instead of fixing that by making the sleeve a tad deeper they've now introduced designed obsolescence by forcing it to not hold anymore as it wears.
How is this new? Been using these pens for 15 years (since i got into the electrician profession) and i agree they are absolutely great, quite expensive tho.
I could accuse these in my day to day work. Those flat contractors pencils never stay sharp and have a ton of problems. Sharpies have problems too just wondering if the ink cartridge is durable at all.
Thanks for watching please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE - Pica Dry Pencil: amzn.to/3wNJeri / Permanent Marker (3 pack): amzn.to/2W4WCe0
I really don’t have much of a use for these, which is exactly why I NEED them!
I absolutely love mine! I got one for my guys as well! We got some old timers who didn't think they would like it till they used it and then they loved it! Great pencil for any construction
That's great to hear, everyone seems to have that reaction just like you said. Then once they use it, you never get it back!
I've used 1 of these for the last 3 years but I find they gunk up inside and stop working . I've recently changed to a halftafors pencil 10 times better and the sharpener is on the top so you don't need to access the bottom of the holster
@@andyperrett4015 I put the holster inside my pocket, clipped to the picket, I have to either rotate it in my pocket or take it off entirely to sharpen which is a pain
The best thing about these Pica pencils is the fact that they don't get lost. I just keep the holster in my pocket and it always goes back. I used to have loads of pencils everywhere because I would keep losing them. Now just one Pica.
Man I read the title and thought you where going to show us how to make that pencil DIY style. Can't say I'm not a little disappointed because I wanted to see how it was done. That being said I've ordered 5 of these
I don’t need this, but I want it.
I just got done binge watching your channel!
I use Pica few years now. I love it. Some people are wondering about this pencil, but when hear the price says that that's expensive. But in some period of time will pay off.
I have different that type pencils from Pica, Lyra, Wurth, Sola. Pica and Wurth are the best ( probably made in same factory ).
Thanks for info on the different brands; I like being able to comparison shop.
I am an electrician and orange pica is the best marking tool, especially for motor mounting holes which are deep. pica is really long lasting, in daily use it has lasted for a year and a half.
I use these for all my marking when boatbuilding. They are excellent. Bright color makes them easy to spot on a cluttered workbench. Pencil lead is strong but marks well and the sharpener is perfect. The blue marker is my favorite, produces a dark, sharp, thin line every time.
Saw these used on a Scott Brown Carpentry video, definitely a cut above the old flat pencil.
I use mine daily at work. I love it!
I’ve used a staedtler lead holder for years. But I may have to look at getting a pica. The colored wax refills look great. The cap and integrated sharpener are also nice functional touches.
I’ve just bought a Pica pen, a local contractor was using one here in UK, I was sold on it straight away, excellent idea.
Didn’t think a pencil would be interesting but you crushed it . Kudos on getting cool content
For those in the UK - the Tracer pencil and pen are pretty much identical and readily available at Toolstation branches.
Thanks for the UK input - much appreciated!
I never knew I needed this until I watched the video. I received it today and it will be a regular in my tool bag going forward. Thanks for the video.
One of my favourite tools. Didn’t know they do sharpies as well. Ordered.
WOW! I need those for when I draw up blueprints! Thanks for sharing! And have a great day!
They are very nice to use. It's nice to see someone making something specifically for project/construction work.
What? Who are you drawing blue prints up for without a draft pencil? Wile Coyote. That lead is way to thick.
I've used a staetledter drafting lead holding pencil and pica markers for over 30 years as an electrician. The lead on the drafting pencils are 2.0mm up to almost 6mm if ya go with the Koh-I-Noor art style. Where most mechanical pencils are around 0.5-0.7mm. Great to keep with Write in the Rain pads and binders.
You draw better than I do. When I draw a stick man, he falls down.
Lol
My sister bought me one of these and a filler pack. I didn't think I would use it much but, was very wrong. I keep this in my pocket all the time. Works hella better than a carpenter pencil or mechanical pencil. Because of the graphite size, it doesn't lose its edge very easy. I also find that it scribes a line closer to the square so I get better accuracy than with other pencils. I have had it for about 6 months and just went through the first graphite stick............ Normally, I go through two or three mechanical pencils by that time.
No one NEEDs this pencil but I really like mine. I use regular lead for wood work and white lead for welding marks. No more regular pencils for me. This is a guilty pleasure item, I like to recommend.
Thanks for this video. Im a Pipefitter and can’t wait to stop using sharpies.
i have been using them for some time and i love them 🙂
I’ve used these for years! Fantastic pencils!
Thats awesome, I wish I heard of them sooner, I thought it was a voltage detection pen the electrician was using.
I have 3 of the Pica pencils. The lead is soft and doesn't stay sharp long. The smudge marks will transfer from your lines to your fingers and then all over your painted cabinet surfaces.
With that being said I LOVE MY PICAS and use them daily!!! Just not on pre finished projects.
I’m going to go broke watching your channel. Been wanting a lot of the things you review. I like you technique and flow of the videos. I am trying to get better at RUclips. I may use a little of your approach in a few of my vids just to see if it could work for me. Thank you for these helpful DIY vids. Love it.
I have used these for years and I have the pen version. They are great pieces of kit.
I've got one of these. The shief and the pencil are loose, just getting out of my van it falls out. Apart from that, fixing it with Teflon tape, they are really good
Got one too doesnt do that… get a new one
Pretty darn cool, can't wait to get my hands on my own set. Appreciate the video and Amazon links.
They are a nice upgrade that you can use all the time. The most fun you have with a writing instrument
I get most of my lawn care advice from this guy, now he puts out a video on pencils? Thats so cool! Next video… best shaving razor for your coin purse. 😊
Ooh this could be fun.
Next video.. best window cleaner for zero gravity.
100% agree…I prefer Hultafors (Exact concept) but the sharpener is more confidently located. And their refill holder has a better design.
Really need to get my hands on a few packs for Art. 🖌️
I love mine. I've had it for months now.
Dixon made their Reach that I have had for the last several years. They are pretty awesome. They also have a self-contained sharpener. The different inserts are neat. But Dixon also made Reach markers in different colors. So, there you go.
Very useful informative video, thank very much.
To add to my previous comment, I’ve used diy pencils in the past, sharpened them with a Stanley knife, ok for wood/lumber, but I’ve found the Pica is a bit more accurate when marking holes.
Real world product. Great find! Ordering soon!
Seems like a vast improvement on the old drafting mechanical pencil
I think drafting pencil are made to be on paper not toention theyre extreamly fragile take the rotring series for example the biggest size you can buy is .7 mm (correct me if im wrong) but these pencils use the 2mm lead not .7 or .9
@@ayatotakema1194 old style wooden pencils . I used to use number 3 and 4 anything harder could actually cut into some woods . The number nine mechanical pencils were good but they had the odd habit of walking away .
I wish they made one that had a metal case. A nice looking one.
Wolf: Sell me this pencil
This guy: 😎
I love that movie
I have one of these, and had to watch the video to understand why it's any better than a regular pencil....
The bunny love it 🤣
Wow these are great!!!
I have never seen a pencil like this before. Thanks RUclips for reading my mind on what I need
Super cool product!
very nice, must try
As an electrician i have bought at least 10 of these, the sharpeners a bit hit or miss, either its great or annoying,
They pencil also have a habbit of wearing out the sleeve and falling out after a lot of use ,they also hook on anything you may walk past and pull out of your pocket, but i still keep buying them
Must mean they're worth it if you keep buying more
Apparently one of those issues has been fixed:
NEW: Reliable hold in the long term
Its new "Power Lock" mechanism inside is a milestone in the development:
The duration of the lead holding power has been tripled
The longevity of the product once more has been noticeably improved
Thanks for explaining!
I suppose that I have a bias toward pencils because I draw, but I do love the Staedtler mechanical for work (design-build). Broke too many, though, so I went back to pencils. I tried a Pica last year and found that it was not a good fit for me, ergonomics etc etc.
Currently using an Ox, being square it seems to work better for me.
All of them could increase the diameter of the stainless part, it’s not very often that I mark things through a narrow obstacle course..
Dixon makes the pencil version and sells it at Lowes allbeit the pica looks more refined
Such a cool tool man I like them great idea
But.... if you have the tip out at normal length and put it back into the shell it does break. A thing to remember when using it :') thats why I leave the shell off most of the time
They made a revised version, which fixes this issue.
Gonna snag one of these. Great video yet again!
I really appreciate that, I think you will love using them
@@SilverCymbal gets here in two days, made sure come here and use your link:) first time for everything, haha.
@@mooser321 I really appreciate it. Thank you
Therese are also extra strong refills if you use IT always on tiles or stone!
The normal pencil don't scratch surfaces
The extra strong would scratch on some light surfaces!
Awesome. Pencil link takes me to marker though.
Pretty cool, good review. But nothing beats a good wood pencil
You have a second channel!? 😊 Love the pencil!
Oh yea, want those!
I don't know if it's the same brand but Lowe's carries one of those it's neon yellow
Definitely going to get this! As a metal artist this will be so much easier to use compared to using a sharpie.
I had something similar to those not that brand exactly and they are pretty good Every Day Carry
That's great Sometimes its the little upgrades like this are the best.
Thanks!
You might like the silver streak mechanical pencils if you do any kind of metal work.
haha we had similar pencils in the 80s here, similar principle just not so fancy
Awesome products
Been in industry a long time and have never heard of these, thanks am ordering next.
I’ve been looking can’t find them in the store so I guess it’s an online only I have to get some Great job God bless
nice info.I'll have to pica one or two up for myself.thanks.mad dog.west cork
As an engineer, i carry a filt tip marker by them (thin tip) and a rottring.
Are they able to mark on glass surfaces/ material?
Yes they are
“Pencils and markers are only going to get so exciting” -and yet here I am watching this video from beginning to end and considering another purchase
I had to watch twice..
DIY pencil. I was expecting you to build a pencil.
Looks nice and I want one but how exactly is it automatic?
This was the Best Ratzefummel i've ever had
I'm a working finish carpenter just started using these pencils 2 months ago.
I just don't like the variation in line thickness that comes from a sharpened point.
I think a half-mil mechanical pencil or single-bevel scribing knife are more accurate, as they can reference a straight edge rather than referencing the work.
Putting lines on drywall that has differetial depth when not over a stud means the taper of the point move my line.
Its nice in some places, but I probably won't buy another one.
If the metal tube on the tip had one flat side to reference I'd have no complaints then.
The Lyra Dry Pro (LED) has replaced my Pica. It's also made here in germany. It has one major advantage, you can sharpen it without taking the sheath. Very convenient.
Greetings from Germany.
Interesting, it looks like we can buy it here amzn.to/3BlGZPs but they must not officially sell them, they are quite a bit more I will have to check those out too sometimes. Its very easy to love pens and pencils, you use them all the time
hope you read my comments on german makes. germans just do it right. QUALITY IS THE BEST ! does germany take pride in all their products? it shows. kudos from america - the usa part hehe
Use it every day
Nice!
i found one in a roof i was doing a termite inspection on. Wondered what it was. Now im off to buy new leads for it.
I'm sold
Honestly I use a lead holder for drawing they are far better then standard mechanical pencil
I think I've spent $16.99 on pencils total over the past 50 years. I'm good.
I just checked my pencil purchase spreadsheet. I'm up to $18.27 in 46 years. How did this happen?
Can it be used effortlesly for writing?
Interesting name. Wonder what they taste like
Ordered the pencil and refiles
but the permanent marker version they will not ship to my location? End of the earth?
(I live in Maui, Hawaii)
I can't get lithium-ion batteries sent here either
thanks for the review
Thats so weird, no idea about the marker. Maybe something secret in it.
@@SilverCymbal A lot of things sold on Amazon by various merchants sometimes don't want to pay the extra shipping to Hawaii is my guess. About 10% of what I see here in Hawaii will not ship here - when we go back to St. Louis for the other half of the year everything ships there.
Haz-mat quantities of solvent perhaps, Batteries 100m away (guess) eciggity.com/batteries/
@ Every so often I also receive 6x6x8 box with similar sinister warnings. Specially delivered by ground. Haphazardly tossed inside that box, with random padding, is a small box measuring 1.5 x 1.5 x 5, containing 60ml (4.06 tablespoons) of a topical antibiotic (Clinamycin-foliculitus), that contains 50% (about 2 TBS) alcohol.
I'm not supposed to pick it up at the pharmacy, they must mail it. But end up having to use UPS. Our tax dollars at work
@ they get weird about batteries. Last I saw they could fly power packs if they were installed in the equipment they operated. But possibly not battery packs on their own and definitely not individual cells. At least with passengers.
I just assumed you were talking 18650s that's why I put that link in there for the Hawaii vape shop. Although that's what's in your battery pack for your power tool is- a stack of 18650s or possibly 21700s. Unfortunately they're spot welded to build the pack. I've never felt myself qualified to try a rebuild on one
Whoa! Bought to toss my inkzalls in the 🗑
I am sold
I use those for 8 years now you are so late my friend but perfect product
$45 for the pencil, leds and the wax. It isn't bad when you get the set. But if you just buy the pencil it's $17
Only thing I don't like about them is the smooth round body is a little hard to grip tight without it squeezing out from my fingers like a watermelon seed. Fixed it by wrapping one turn of electrical tape. Wish they would have rubberized it straight out of the factory. But then I guess the price would go up and even more people would be complaining about the cost.
I personally like the green cap on the older model better. I could get it out of the sleeve from the tool belt, while wearing gloves and without looking. The new cap is bigger and the ridge is exposed. At least a few times a day it caught on something and I dropped the cap.
Agreed!
I also don't like the ridge on the black part, though that's apparently supposed to hold it better in the sleeve?!
I do very much like the fact that the new sleeve is actually deep enough to hold the pencil and a sharpened tip.
With the old one the extra click needed to sharpen it made it too long and the freshly sharpened tip would break instantly..
As I'm reading back my reply I just realised that that might well be the reason for the annoying black ridge. It keeps it from being inserted too deep.
Someone else mentioned not liking these as they drop from the sleeve after prolonged use.
Now I'm wondering whether my previous one was worn and thus needed to be inserted too deep. And instead of fixing that by making the sleeve a tad deeper they've now introduced designed obsolescence by forcing it to not hold anymore as it wears.
In NZ we sell carpenter pencils and they do exactly this and we pay cents for them
Thw flat pencils ? No they don't ...
Sold!!!
These are perfect for electricians because you can reach tiny holes and mark them which you cant do with a regular pencil
How is this new? Been using these pens for 15 years (since i got into the electrician profession) and i agree they are absolutely great, quite expensive tho.
I could accuse these in my day to day work. Those flat contractors pencils never stay sharp and have a ton of problems. Sharpies have problems too just wondering if the ink cartridge is durable at all.
Yeah, a carbon steel sharpener right under the drainage hole, brilliant 👏
The Hultafors mech pen is 10 times better
Unfortunately I lose pencils, pens, and sharpies almost daily
Does it come with pen?