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The short answer: Most often, coloured pencils break because they are dropped, sharpened roughly, or stored in a way that stresses the lead, but the quality of the pencil and your pressure also play a role. Fix this by holding the pencil at a lower angle, sharpening gently, storing them flat, and investing in better quality pencils.
If you hear a rattle or find a gap inside the wood, the lead has broken inside the barrel. This usually happens from impacts: the pencil slipped off the table, you dropped it, or you tapped it on the desk. Even a small drop can crack the lead, especially in softer, waxier pencils that are more fragile. The lead inside is not bonded to the wood; it’s just glued in place, so any sudden shock can cause a break.
Another culprit is temperature. Extreme heat or cold can cause the wood to expand or contract, putting stress on the lead. For example, leaving your pencils in a hot car in summer can make the lead expand and crack. Similarly, very dry environments can make the wood brittle.
To prevent internal breaks, store your pencils flat in a case, not upright in a jar where they can fall over. When carrying them, wrap them in a cloth or use a padded pencil roll. And never slam your pencil box shut.
Sharpening is the most common time for breakage. Here are the top reasons:
Solution: Use a quality sharpener with a sharp blade. For coloured pencils, a sharpener with a wider hole or a special “coloured pencil” sharpener can help. A hand-held sharpener with a container works well. If you use an electric sharpener, choose one with a gentle mode.
Another trick: cool your pencils. Put them in the fridge for 15 minutes before sharpening. This hardens the lead and wood, making them less likely to crumble.
You’re in the middle of colouring, and suddenly the tip snaps. This is often due to:
To fix this, adopt a light-handed approach. Use multiple layers for rich colour. If you must press hard, sharpen your pencil to a blunt point, not a sharp point, because a blunt tip is stronger.
Dropping a pencil is an obvious cause, but the severity depends on the surface. A drop onto a hard tile floor can cause multiple internal breaks. The lead is delicate, and the impact travels through the entire pencil.
If you drop your pencil and it doesn’t break immediately, you might have a hairline fracture that will break as soon as you sharpen or apply pressure. That’s why a pencil can break days after a drop.
Prevention is simple: use a pencil grip or holder that keeps the pencil from rolling off the table. Also, when you pick up a dropped pencil, check it by gently flexing it; if it feels loose, set it aside for non-critical work.
Not all coloured pencils are created equal. Budget pencils often use lower-quality wood that splits easily, and the lead may be too hard or too soft, making it brittle. Higher-end pencils use cedar wood and a more consistent lead core, which is less prone to breaking.
Softer leads, like those in artist-grade pencils (e.g., wax-based), give beautiful colour but are more fragile. Harder leads, like those in student-grade pencils, are more durable but less vivid.
If you’re experiencing constant breakage, it might be worth upgrading. Look for pencils with a reputation for durability, like Faber-Castell Polychromos (oil-based) or Prismacolor Premier (wax-based, soft but blendable). Oil-based leads are harder and less likely to break than wax-based ones.
For a comprehensive list of high-quality options, check out What to Buy: Best Adult Colouring Supplies 2026.
Beyond the specific causes, here are general habits to keep your pencils intact:
Q: Why do my coloured pencils break even when I’m gentle?
A: It could be a hidden crack from a previous drop or exposure to temperature changes. Inspect your pencils for any visible cracks before use. If it’s a new pencil, it might be a manufacturing defect; try exchanging it.
Q: Can I fix a broken lead inside a pencil?
A: Yes, you can sometimes realign the lead by gently tapping the pencil on a hard surface to seat the lead back into the wood, then sharpen carefully. But if the break is severe, it’s best to retire that pencil.
Q: Are electric sharpeners bad for coloured pencils?
A: Not necessarily, but they can be if they’re too aggressive. Choose an electric sharpener with a “soft” or “light” setting, and avoid ones that shave off too much wood. Many artists prefer manual sharpeners for coloured pencils because they give more control.
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