Stretching Lead

by Roger
(FL)

How much do you need to stretch lead, and do you stretch it different amounts for different applications?

Answer

Hi Roger,

When you stretch lead it stretches fairly easy for a short time, then stops. You can actually feel it stop. That's when you stop stretching. Don't try for a little bit more. The lead can actually break if you try to over stretch it.

There is no formula for how many inches a six foot piece of lead should gain when it's stretched. It's simply a feel of stretching, then not stretching.

No you don't stretch it differently for different applications.

A lot of the newer leads don't need to be stretched. They have been hardened with the addition of antimony and copper. If your lead stays pretty straight when you hold it up, it doesn't need stretching. If it droops like a piece of string, stretch it.

Sue