How to sharpen a pencil with a nail file?

How to sharpen a pencil with a nail file featured

Choose a Good Quality Nail File

Before you begin sharpening your pencil with a nail file, it’s important to choose a good quality nail file. Look for a file that has a fine grit and is made from a durable material such as metal or glass. This will ensure that you are able to smoothly and effectively sharpen your pencil without causing any damage to the file or the pencil.

Hold the Nail File at a Steady Angle

When sharpening your pencil with a nail file, it’s important to hold the file at a steady angle. For best results, hold the file at a slight angle to the pencil, with the tip of the file resting against the tip of the pencil. This will allow you to create a sharp point without removing too much of the pencil’s lead.

Start at the Tip and Work Your Way Down

To sharpen the pencil, start at the tip and work your way down. Place the tip of the pencil against the file and gently glide the pencil along the file, applying light pressure. Continue to move the pencil along the file, rotating it slightly as you go, until the desired point is achieved. Be sure to take your time and go slowly to avoid removing too much of the pencil’s lead.

Smooth Out the Tip with Sandpaper

Once you have achieved the desired point, you may notice that the tip of the pencil is a bit rough or jagged. To smooth out the tip, simply take a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper and rub it gently against the tip of the pencil. This will help to create a clean, smooth point.

Test the Sharpness of the Pencil

Before using your newly sharpened pencil, it’s a good idea to test the sharpness. Simply make a few light strokes on a piece of paper to see how easily the pencil glides across the surface. If the pencil is still not sharp enough, you can continue to sharpen it with the nail file until you are satisfied with the result.

Jump to section