STAEDTLER Mars Lead Pointer - Precision Mechanical Pencil Sharpener with Auto-Stop for 2mm Pencils - Rotary Action with Dust Wiper & Adjustable Cone

I didn't realize how much this would change things up. I've been using the built in sharpener on my 780 for years. I was satisfied enough with the point but hated having to clean it all the time. I bit the bullet on this and it produces a MUCH better quality tip - see pics for a before and after with the tip. It's easy to use, quick, convenient. The sharpener also has a "tip clean" which is a small cotton (or similar) tube that is similar to a cigarette filter that you can poke the tip into and clean off any dust. It comes with two replacement tip filters. If you order the 12 lead replacement packs that have the section for replacement toppers, you can take out the topper and put the spare tip cleaners in there.

It works very well and meets the need

Compact, pocket sized, easy to use. Fits round-style pencils (not hex) with 2mm leads. Was wondering what the grinding material was. Looking inside you can see a metal ratchet-style gear on top. It appears that what you see is just the top gear of a whole stack of thin gears extending down about half an inch. This presents a grinding surface that is effective and durable. You rotate clockwise to sharpen, and some say run it reverse to polish the point. You can keep the shavings for a nice graphite powder that can be used for shading in drawings, rather than having to purchase any. Follow the directions for using the two point length gauges built into the cap. You get two extra point cleaners in the package.

When it comes to selecting the ideal lead pointer for your drawing and sketching needs, the Staedtler 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads is a top contender. This blue lead pointer is designed to provide the perfect point for your 2mm lead pencils, ensuring a clean and precise mark every time. With its innovative rotary action, sharpening your pencil has never been easier or more efficient. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, the 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads is an essential tool for your kit. Its compact size and convenient tub packaging make it easy to store and transport, while its reliable performance ensures that you can focus on your art without having to worry about your tools. If you are looking for a high-quality lead pointer, the Staedtler 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads is a wise choice that will not disappoint.

A very neat little gimzo that works great once you get the hang of it. Staedtler does not do a good job of putting instructions with their products -- perhaps this is because they make professional drafting gear and assume everyone already knows how to use their tools. However, it's easy to figure out. You release the lead into the little holes that match the angle of the tip you want (sharp for lines/writing, broad for drawing/shading), I assume these are traditional 23° and 30° tips. Then, you feed the pencil into the large hole, making sure the lead has threaded through the internal chute. Then you gently grip the pencil with two fingers and use it as a crank (like a ice cream maker or a kitchen mill) to engage the sharpening burr. Once you no longer feel the lead scraping the grinder, your lead is done. It is important to know that this is designed to fit the German Staedtler 780 and 788 Leadholders. Or, rather, it's a traditional design and as such they designed those pencils to be compatible -- these are designs from probably 50+ years ago, so it's hard to know which came first. That said, I imagine it is more-or-less compatible with most traditional slim leadholders. Regarding German/Japanese pencil compatibility: One of the things that has come up in the comments on this product as well as many of the Japanese Staedtler products is that this Staedtler 502 Lead Pointer is not compatible with anything wider than the 780 and that includes being "incompatible" with the popular Japanese 925 25-20 and 925 35-20... you will see that many people discuss how to sharpen those in the reviews. First, I will say, there are many stand-alone 2mm sharpeners. If you really want a standalone sharpener, the Staedtler "egg" or "oval"-shaped sharpener from Japan (513 85DS BK), which fits 2mm and 3mm leads However, I can tell you, as I literally just used this 502 sharpener to sharpen my 925 25-20. The simple solution is to make the lead flush with the sleeve, then click the pencil 16-20 times, and then thread the pencil into the grinder, and go for it. You will have to experiment on the angle, the longer the lead the sharper the tip. Start at 16 and work to 20 clicks. If it is too long you will likely snap your lead. I can confirm that this works with HB leads; different degrees may have different results. If you want to be 100% certain, then buy a cheap 780 and use it as a sharpening body, or buy the egg sharpener.

It sharpens my 2mm lead well whether its blue, read, or gray so yeah.

EXCELENTE PRODUCTO.

It works great! Bravo!