I am not going to be gaslit into thinking this is never a problem! I have always had a problem with drawing a straight line using a ruler with a mechanical pencil because the sleeve always interact with the edge in some ways.
The only solutions I have found: extend the lead uncomfortably long so it risks breaking, flip the straight edge and hope that the sleeve will not interact with the edge, use a wooden pencil instead.
I am not an architect or woodworker or artist, just a stationery enthusiast, and I only use plastic rulers. No metal rulers thanks.
Just wondering what you guys do when drawing straight lines I suppose. What ruler (model/brand), what pencil/writing instrument, what context, and so on.
The lead pipe guide isn’t the most essential element in this case. Maybe you need a better ruler. Because they’re most definitely not all created equal!
A nice professional aluminum ruler will have a crisp edge to aid with drawing straight lines.
A drafting straight-edge (not necessarily a “ruler”) usually has a beveled edge. Best to begin practicing using a clear set square (e.g. this) with no markings rather than a straight “ruler”.
Start with the smallest lead protrusion you can get away with, then find your ideal length over time. Also, twirl the pencil as you’re drawing the line to keep the led from becoming chiseled and producing an uneven line.
The problem I have is the difference of width between the lead and the pipe guide and this interacts with the ruler in a bad way sometimes and that triggers me lol.
Ah yes I think beveled edges are my problem. Those linked rulers look fancy and I think those ones might actually work for me better, or any ruler with a “squared” edge. Super pricey but probably well worth it, might ask for them this Christmas.
Edit: But thinking more deeply, I might have decided too soon that it might be better lol. I can imagine how the lead-pipe width difference might still affect drawing a line with a squared edge.
The way I was taught, was to just compensate with using a ruler ”one lead sleeve thickness” from where I wanted the line and I never heard of any other way.
Or using the side of the ruler where the edge isn’t flush to the paper and using the pencil at the required angle to draw directly under the ruler’s edge.
But yes, always the guide pipe / lead sleeve in contact with the ruler.
If you get a drafting triangle (any type/degrees that might suit you) with what is called an “inking edge”, that should go a long way in solving your issue. The inking edge has the tool’s bottom plane ( either side) stop short of the tool’s leading edge on all of its sides, thus having the plane you draw along up off the surface you are drawing on. The pipe can ride along the elevated edge, or switch to 2 mm lead and be done with the issue ( soft LOL). Those triangles really work…Usually clear plastic so you can see what is what, as well…
i think another trick is to just not extend the lead so much, like just enough, half a click or something - there is a sweet spot of lead extension where using a ruler would be safe
Not seeing your actual drawing motion makes it difficult to give very specific advice, so I can only share what has worked from my own experience.
I used a professional drafting table for a long time. The movable ruler on a drafting table is considerably thicker than almost any ruler you would normally use, yet it was still possible to draw perfectly straight lines without any trouble.
If drawing a straight line is the problem, the solution is actually quite simple. Keep the pencil at roughly a 45 degree angle to the ruler. As long as the pencil has a lead sleeve around 3 to 4 mm long, drawing a straight line is surprisingly easy., drawing a straight line is quite effortless. The amount of lead extended is not particularly important either, as long as the pressure is controlled well enough to avoid breaking the lead.
There is, however, one important condition: avoid using a writing oriented mechanical pencil.
A larger lead sleeve can easily collide with the edge of the ruler and cause the pencil to shift or tilt, which makes it much harder to maintain a clean line.
If you really prefer using a particular pencil that was designed primarily for writing, then unfortunately there may not be much that can be done about the problem. Sometimes the tool is simply fighting against the technique.
I used to just position the MP perpedicular to the page and there is a chance of some disaster (quoting you “lead sleeve can easily collide with the edge of the ruler and cause the pencil to shift or tilt, which makes it much harder to maintain a clean line.”)
Yes I am a noob, but I will try using the 45 degree angle trick and see if that solves my problem.