Fill a large screw hole

Using a utility knife, slice a 1/8"-thick piece from the end of an unsharpened pencil. Apply wood glue around the edges and insert it in the screw hole. Let dry before topping with a coat of spackle.

Make a zipper slide easily

Rub the sharpened tip of a pencil over the zipper's teeth. The graphite's natural lubricants cover the metal with a slippery layer that keeps zipper sliding much easier.

Pencil Week #2!

A graphite tool that leaves marks in paper or other surfaces and often comes with an eraser attached. You can write, draw, erase... and perform alternative tasks with it...

Installing door’s hardware

When installing a double sided handleset on a door, place the hardware first. Then rub a sharpened pencil tip over the entire surface of the handle and swing the door shut. The pencil's dark graphite will transfer to the frame and reveal precisely where to place the matching piece.

Clean a door lock

To repair a door lock that is not working properly due to grime, rub the tip of a sharpened pencil over the teeth of the key, and then insert the key into the lock and turn the bolt. Graphite shavings coat dirt particles in the lock with a powdery lubricant that prevents dirt from causing the lock to stick.

Scuff marks on suede boots

To remove marks, lightly rub the eraser of a pencil over the discolored spots on your boots. Rubber creates abrasion that naturally lifts grime embedded in the fabric while fluffing up the soft fibers.

Remove sticky label residue

To remove sticky residue left by labels, rub the area strongly with the eraser on the end of the pencil. The rough action dislodges the adhesive so it can easily be wiped away with a wet sponge.

Improvise a photo holder

Group together 4 unsharpened pencils, and then wrap a rubber band around the eraser ends until pencils are firmly assembled. Pull the noneraser tips away from the center to form a freestanding support. Insert a photo between the erasers and place on top of a flat surface.