How Pencils Are Made

The history of pencils can be traced back to pre-historic times when chalky rocks and charred sticks were used to draw on surfaces as varied as animal hides and cave walls.

Then, graphite sticks wrapped in string were used for writing purposes. Later, the graphite was inserted into hollowed-out wooden sticks and, thus, the wood-cased pencil was born. Even in our increasingly high-tech world, each year roughly 2 billion low-tech pencils are sold in the U.S. and 14 billion are sold worldwide.

So how are pencils made in factories?

Welcome to Factora!

Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore the captivating world of creation and unveil the secrets behind how things are made.

Each video is a mesmerizing showcase of the intricate processes that bring everyday objects to life. From the manufacturing of technological marvels to the creation of delicious culinary delights, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to reveal the artistry and ingenuity that go into making the things we use and enjoy.

Whether you're passionate about engineering, design, or simply curious about the world around you, our channel offers a captivating blend of education and entertainment.

#factora #factory #howthingsaremade

[goldabernstein]

When I was a kid, my mom gave me my own hand crank pencil sharpener. I was happy. To this day, there's nothing more gratifying than sharpening a pencil.

[CJBradley]

In the digital age it pleases me to know so many of us are still using pencils. I have hundreds and use them every day but I'm a sucker for a new sets.

[WWTormentor]

It’s hard to believe that when my dad started school in 1941, he got a small 4” piece of a pencil that my grandfather would put a hole at the end and put a string though it and hang it on my dads neck. That pencil was supposed to last the entire school year, because they were so hard to come by and so expensive. It’s amazing how abundant and cheap they are that kids but dozens of them during back to school shopping these days.

[paparoysworkshop]

When I was a kid, I thought that they drilled holes into the wood and pushed the lead in. I would carefully remove the wood off of a pencil lead then shape a new piece of wood, drill a hole in it so I could make my own pencils. It never worked out too well.

I also used to carefully cut open burnt lightbulbs, reattached the filament, then try to draw out the air and seal them back up. That too never worked out too well. But some would work at a much lower voltage.


The few times I "sort of" succeeded in my experiments would be the highlights of my days. I guess you could say I always tried to reinvent the wheel. 😁

[Jeff-xyfv]

This factory is located in Pencil-Vania!

[Mr.XYZ]

My first job was at Reeves Industrial Equipment, Orlando Florida. I was 21, in college evenings and and worked during the day. One of the engineering projects we did was a pencil yellow paint machine @4:20 we did for Berol Co. In Mexico. Its exactly like the one shown. There's paint in the hopper one pencil is always in the hopper. A chain with push tabs pushes one after another. Then onto a 100 foot belt conveyor to dry. Then back into the pencil hopper for another coat of paint. This is repeated 6 times. Brings back memories. Now I'm retired from a vast machine design experience.

[josephgaviota]

I still write a grocery list to take to the store.
And I write myself little notes on "sticky notes" to remind me to do things.
I love me some pencils. I'm still using _round_ Magic Muffler pencils, from a So. Cal. muffler shop, found in my dad's shop when he passed. I cherish those pencils because the remind me of dad, and of the "old days" when every Magic Muffler shop had one or more '56 Chevy's.

[CP-vqcz]

Things I learned today;

a) Cedar is used because it's a wood that doesn't warp.

b) Cedar slats arrive at the factory already treated so that the wood doesn't warp.

[robertmac]

Who would have thunk something we take got granted, something so utterly simple as the lowly pencil would take such an involved process to make???

[frenchnavy]

When i was six and got pencils from my dad and they were Ticonderoga, now i get pencils for my daughters and those are still Ticonderoga.

[tonym]

what really amazes me is that someone had to invent all those machines to make the pencil, wow!

[mrdarbab]

i saw in a cartoon that they put a whole tree through a grinder to make a single toothpick. Glad this works better.

[mariahcarey]

I kept braking my mechanical pencils so I started buying wood pencils and it’s been the best decision yet. ❤

[andreschusan]

You can lead a horse to water but a pencil needs to be lead.

[aaronying]

Pencils are just so amazing and simple, love their feel

[thmichcav]

Many pencils are equipped with erasers…which are designed to smear the paper irreversibly, rip holes where you don’t want them, or have no effect on the graphite line at all….

[bouffant-girl]

A short pencil is better than a long memory

[MrONELAST]

A Pencil, writing history for 172 years and still growing.

[caroldixon]

Back in 1990, my college art professor got me hooked on Prismacolor color pencils. I gave up painting and have used colored pencils ever since. Love them.

[ColineRusselle]

Ironic that something written with pencil on a good quality paper will probably outlast almost all digital files made today.