Auto-Advance mechanism

Some auto-advance pencils. Left to right: two different models of Faber-Castell Grip Matic, a Faber-Castell Poly Matic, a BIC AI, and two Maped Automatic (0.5mm and 0.7mm)

Auto-advance or auto-feed mechanical pencils don't need any action to advance the lead because of their particular mechanism: a spring loaded sliding sleeve (usually a plastic cone) pushes out more lead every time it is pressed and released from the paper. In order to work, it is required to write with a very little amount of lead coming outside the tip, and practically to drag the lead sleeve on the paper. Most of the time these pencils are also provided with a push button mechanism, and can be used in the classical way.

Auto-advance pencil models

Brand	Model name	Additional Features
Ohto	Auto Sharp
Ohto	Horizon	Double-knock mechanism with side button to retract the tip; metal body
Faber-Castell	Grip Matic
Faber-Castell	Poly Matic	Twist-extendable eraser
Maped	Automatic
BIC	AI	Shaker mechanism with lead lock when the lead sleeve is retracted
Pilot	Automac	Double-knock mechanism; metal body