How to Refill a Cross Pencil

Cross, established in 1846, is America's oldest manufacturer of luxury writing instruments. Cross' current line of mechanical pencils come in two categories: cassette and cassette-less. To determine which type you have, remove the pencil's cap. If the band at the bottom of the eraser is black, your pencil requires cassette refills. if the band at the base of the eraser is chrome, then you need cassette-less or loose-lead refills.

Remove the cap that covers the eraser.

Pull out the black acrylic eraser gently.

Turn the pencil upside-down. The cassette will slide out.

Shake the cassette. If you hear lead rattling inside, it is not empty. Check for other reasons why your pencil's lead may not be dispensing.

Push the new, full cassette into the pencil's barrel until you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.

Replace the eraser and the cap. Turn the cap clockwise to place the pencil in the writing position.

Remove the cap that covers the eraser.

Pull out the black acrylic eraser gently.

Turn the pencil upside-down and shake it to make sure that there is no lead in the storage cavity. If there is still lead in the pencil, check for other reasons why your pencil's lead may not be dispensing.

Insert nine pieces of lead into the storage cavity.

Replace the eraser and the cap. Turn the cap clockwise to place the pencil in the writing position.