I have a very nice mechanical pencil, however the lead has jammed and I'd like to get it out. The mechanism is enclosed in a stainless steel case that I can't open without breaking the pencil.
I have tried a couple of ways to get it out, using metal wire to dislodge the lead and heating the pen to expand the metal, but it's not worked.
I've come to /lab/ to ask: Is there anything that would break down the graphite inside this pencil without damaging the case or the mechanism? Is there anything else I can use to salvage the pen?
Take it to a jeweller or specialist pen shop - they do still exist in large cities. Ask them to take out apart and see if it can be fixed. Don't attempt it yourself; you'll probably damage it permanently like a fat-handed twat.
I'm surprised a few sharp taps wouldn't be enough to dislodge or at least break the blockage. I would take the advice of >>3430 before you start pouring perchloric acid all over the shop.
