By Emma Jarvis · Cross UK
A Cross mechanical pencil is built to last a lifetime — but even the finest pencil needs a fresh supply of lead now and then. Refilling it takes a couple of minutes once you know how, and it's one of the questions we're asked most often. Here's everything you need.
In this guide
Which type of Cross pencil do you have?
Cross mechanical pencils use one of two refill systems, so it's worth checking yours before you buy refills.
- Loose-lead pencils — you drop individual leads into a storage chamber inside the barrel. Most current Cross pencils, including the Classic Century, work this way.
- Cassette pencils — the leads come pre-loaded in a small cartridge (a "cassette") that slots into the barrel as one piece.
The quick way to tell: pull off the top cap and look at the band at the base of the eraser. A chrome or silver band means a loose-lead pencil. A black band means a cassette pencil.
Which lead size do I need?
Cross pencils take 0.5mm, 0.7mm or, on some older models, 0.9mm lead. The wrong size is the most common reason a pencil won't feed properly — lead that's too thin will slip, and lead that's too thick will jam. Check your original packaging, or use our Refill & Replacement Parts Finder to match your pencil to the right refill.
| Your pencil | Lead size | Refill |
|---|---|---|
| Loose-lead | 0.5mm | 8710 — 15 leads |
| Loose-lead | 0.7mm | 8742 — 15 leads |
| Cassette | 0.5mm | 8405 — lead cassette & eraser |
How to refill a loose-lead Cross pencil
- Remove the cap and eraser. Pull the top cap straight off the pencil — don't twist it off. Then gently pull out the small eraser to reveal the lead storage chamber underneath.
- Clear any old lead. Twist the mechanism until any remaining stub has been pushed out of the tip. If a short piece is stuck, feeding in a new lead will usually push it out.
- Insert the new lead. Drop the new leads into the open chamber, making sure they're the right size for your pencil. The reservoir holds several spares, so you can load a few at once.
- Replace the eraser and cap. Push the eraser back into place, then refit the cap.
- Engage and lock the lead. Twist the cap clockwise until you hear a click or feel resistance — this feeds the new lead into the gripping mechanism and locks it in place. Twisting anti-clockwise retracts it again.
- If the lead doesn't catch straight away, hold the pencil upright and press the tip gently onto a hard surface (a sheet of paper on a desk is ideal) while turning the cap. Once the lead takes hold, it will extend and you're ready to write.
How to replace a lead cassette
- Remove the cap. Pull the top cap straight off to reveal the eraser.
- Remove the old cassette. Gently grip the black eraser holder and pull it out — the cassette comes with it. If it doesn't come away easily, turn the pencil upside down and let it slide out.
- Check it's really empty. Give the old cassette a shake. If you can hear lead rattling inside, it isn't empty — see troubleshooting below.
- Insert the new cassette. Push it into the barrel until you hear a click, which tells you it's locked in place.
- Refit the cap and twist it clockwise to put the pencil into the writing position.
Troubleshooting common problems
The lead won't come out
Twist the cap clockwise to make sure the pencil is in the writing position. Then check there's lead inside — remove the cap and eraser and look into the chamber, or shake the cassette. If it's empty, it's time for a refill.
The lead is too short or slips back when you write
Twist the cap clockwise to advance the lead, pressing the tip lightly against a sheet of paper as you do. On a cassette pencil, remove the cap, hold the pencil point-down and press the eraser until it clicks — repeat several times to feed a fresh lead through.
The lead won't retract
Usually two leads have stacked end to end inside the mechanism. Gently pull the protruding lead out of the tip, then hold the pencil point-up and give it a light shake. Refit, and twist to feed a single lead through.
The lead keeps breaking
Check you're using the right size — lead thinner than your pencil is designed for won't be held firmly and will snap. Extend no more than a millimetre or so at a time, and ease off the pressure when writing.
Tips to keep your pencil writing smoothly
- Use genuine Cross leads. They're made to the diameter and length your mechanism expects, so they grip and feed reliably.
- Retract the lead before putting your pencil away. A quick anti-clockwise twist protects the tip — and your pocket.
- Never force the mechanism. If something feels stuck, stop and check for a jammed or stacked lead.
- Keep spare leads to hand. A tube of refills in your desk drawer means you're never caught short.
Still having trouble?
If your pencil still won't feed lead, the mechanism itself may need attention. Cross writing instruments are covered by our Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, and our Customer Service team is always happy to help — just get in touch.
