Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Pencils – Break-Resistant Woodcase Set for Elementary and Middle School
Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Pencils – Break-Resistant Woodcase Set for Elementary and Middle School
Why you'll love it
- Reinforced lead resists snapping mid-writing, cutting down on frustration and lost work
- Bulk 72-count pack lowers the per-pencil cost versus buying small boxes
- Latex-free eraser is safer for children and users with latex sensitivities or school allergy policies
- Woodcase construction sharpens cleanly in standard classroom sharpeners
- Longer-lasting lead means fewer interruptions to sharpen during tests or meetings
- Trusted #2 hardness works for general writing, drafting, and standardized test sheets
Perfect for
- Filling out Scantron sheets and standardized tests
- Daily classroom note-taking and worksheets
- Homework and writing assignments at home
- Office paperwork, forms, and inventory counts
- Restocking supply closets at the start of a school or fiscal year
About this item
Get more out of your pencil with Paper Mate EverStrong #2 pencils! These woodcase pencils feature reinforced, break-resistant lead when writing, so they need less sharpening and last longer. The wooden pencils also feature 100% latex-free erasers.
- Product Dimensions: 5.38 x 1.25 x 7.81 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the eraser truly safe for kids with latex allergies?
Yes. The eraser is 100 percent latex-free, making it a safer choice for children with latex sensitivities and for schools that follow latex-allergy policies.
Is the lead safe if my child chews on the pencil?
The pencils use standard #2 graphite lead housed in a woodcase barrel, and the break-resistant design reduces splintering. As with any writing tool, pencils should not be chewed, and adult supervision is recommended for young children.
Will the woodcase splinter when my kid sharpens it?
The wood is engineered to sharpen cleanly in standard classroom sharpeners, producing a smooth point with minimal splintering compared to lower-quality woodcase pencils.
Can my elementary child use these for daily worksheets without the lead constantly snapping?
Yes. The reinforced lead is designed to handle the pressure kids tend to apply, so it resists snapping during homework, coloring pages, and writing practice.
Is the #2 hardness right for my child's standardized tests?
Yes, #2 is the required hardness for most Scantron sheets and standardized answer sheets used in elementary and middle school testing.
Is this a good back-to-school pencil set for a kindergartner or first grader?
Yes. The bulk 72-count pack is ideal for a starter school supply list, and the latex-free eraser and break-resistant lead are well suited to early writers.
Will the pencils fit in my child's standard classroom pencil box?
Yes. The pencils are full-size woodcase #2 pencils, which is the standard size that fits in virtually all classroom pencil boxes, pouches, and desk organizers.
Is this pencil safe to use in a classroom with allergy restrictions?
Yes. With a 100 percent latex-free eraser, these pencils meet common classroom allergy guidelines that restrict latex products.
Can I stock my home homework station with just one pack?
A single 72-count pack is usually more than enough to cover a full school year of homework, coloring, writing practice, and standardized test prep at home.
How does this pencil compare to a mechanical pencil for kids?
Woodcase pencils are often easier for young children because they do not require fine motor control to click lead, sharpen in any standard sharpener, and have a thicker barrel that is easier for small hands to grip.
Is this safer than novelty or decorative pencils with painted coatings?
Yes. The standard woodcase finish avoids the thick painted coatings sometimes found on novelty pencils, which can chip or peel. The break-resistant lead and latex-free eraser also make it a safer everyday choice.
How does the 72-count pack compare to small back-to-school multipacks?
A 72-count pack typically costs less per pencil than the small 5- or 10-count back-to-school packs, and it ensures you have a full semester's worth on hand without last-minute store runs.
My child breaks pencils constantly. Will this pack actually last?
The reinforced lead is specifically designed to resist breaking under typical kid-level writing pressure, so most parents see far fewer snapped pencils and a pack that lasts noticeably longer.
I am worried about lead exposure. Is #2 pencil lead harmful?
#2 pencil lead is actually graphite, not the metal lead of older products, and is non-toxic. It is considered safe for normal classroom and homework use.
Will the eraser leave black smudges all over my kid's homework?
The latex-free eraser is formulated to lift graphite cleanly with minimal smearing, leaving worksheets and writing pages looking neat.
How do I sharpen these pencils without breaking the lead?
Use a standard handheld or electric classroom sharpener and apply light, even pressure. The break-resistant lead is designed to hold up to normal sharpening, and the woodcase is engineered to whittle cleanly rather than splinter.
How should I store the 72-count pack to keep the pencils in good condition?
Store them flat in the original box or in a dry pencil cup away from moisture and direct heat. Keeping them horizontal prevents the lead from shifting to one side and protects the eraser tips.
Are these pencils pre-sharpened, or do I need to sharpen them before first use?
Pencils typically ship with a factory-sharpened point, but you may want to give them a quick freshening in your sharpener before the first writing session to match your preferred point style.
Do these pencils work in electric pencil sharpeners?
Yes. The woodcase barrel and standard size are compatible with most classroom electric sharpeners as well as traditional handheld models.
Are the erasers replaceable, or do I have to replace the whole pencil?
The erasers are built into the end of each pencil and are not designed to be removed or replaced. Once the eraser wears down, you can continue using the pencil with a separate eraser.
What is included in the box when I order the 72-count pack?
The box contains 72 Paper Mate EverStrong #2 woodcase pencils, each with a #2 lead and a built-in latex-free eraser. No additional accessories are included, and you supply your own sharpener.
Is #2 pencil lead safe for children to use?
Yes. #2 pencil lead is made of graphite, not the metal lead of older products, and is non-toxic. It is the standard safe choice for school-aged children under normal use.
Will the pencils yellow finish stain my hands or notebook pages?
No. The standard yellow coating is a light wood finish that does not transfer color to skin or paper, even with regular handling.
What is the difference between #2 and #1 pencil lead, and which should I choose?
#1 lead is softer and produces a darker line but smudges more easily, while #2 lead is a medium hardness that is darker than #3 but cleaner on paper. #2 is the standard for Scantrons, standardized tests, and everyday writing, which is why it is the most widely recommended grade for school and office use.