PRODUCT REVIEW
on each side of the pocket clip means that fingers can grip the case easily as you pull the pencil out. I have already mentioned the tiny ‘barb’, common to all the markers, on the inside of the pocket clip that prevents the case from being pulled out of the slit pockets easily. Such detail in a ‘simple’ marker product – it is hard not to be impressed.
In a further refinement, showing how subtle the designers have been, it is possible to clip the pen to a shirt pocket because it too has a small clip. This of course risks getting pencil marks on the inside of your pocket, but that is up to you. I also really like the way the last few millimetres at the top of the marker flares out, making it easy to grip, even for gloved fingers.
The leads seem to be soft enough for making easy marks but hard enough to last a while without needing sharpening. TRACER designers have solved the problem of the disappearing lead sharpener by making it integral to the top of the pocket case clip. I think it’s a great idea simply because, on reflection, I have lost all the sharpeners on almost every marker pencil I have ever used, so I rely on a sharp utility knife blade to do the honours. This can lead to some crude pencil points and lots of wasted leads.
Of course, it is always handy to have a spare lead around for replacements. Housed in a case that is very similar to the markers, users can buy a selection of leads in a couple of different colours, and these are easily dispensed via the revolving top. I like this pencil and it has gone straight into my daily ‘must have’ tool workbox.
Deep hole marker with ink
Sometimes when deep hole marking (like onto glass or other very smooth surfaces), a pencil is no good because it will not make a mark. It is then time to reach for the deep hole ink marker, which is very effective at marking on laminates, glass, etc. As I write, my right forefinger still bears the mark of an
It is the subtleties
of the design that add to the user-friendly qualities of the TRACER pencil and make it a go-to."
encounter with the pen tip. A quick ‘swipe with a wipe’ will get rid of it, but the point of this marker is to provide a clear, longer lasting and visible mark, and it does this very well.
Clog-free markers – Never mind the dust, rust and dirt
The three clog-free TRACER markers I was sent to try look, at first glance, exactly like the pencil marker. But a comparison reveals that the pocket case has a shorter point to allow for a thicker pen body and the ink reservoir for the sturdy felt tip marking point.
Since marker pens need a case to hold the ink and protect from drying out, the pocket case needs to be sturdy and effective – which these ones are.
The markers come in three colours – black, red and blue – so users can choose what colour is most likely to show up clearly on whatever material they are using. The marks on my fingers after playing around with the pens on different surfaces, show that the ink is semi-permanent, but will come off quite easily with soap and water or a multi-wipe.
I tried marking on dirty, rusted, dusty and slightly oily surfaces and the pens came up trumps – they do deserve the name ‘clog free’ because dust and other stuff simply doesn’t seem to affect their ability to make a usable mark and the marks dry quickly enough so as not to smudge too easily.
Evolution works
I have never doubted that evolution can often be better than revolution. ACER to TRACER is a case in point – a basically sound product has been thoughtfully improved, and I am sure this will make end users even more likely to choose it.
www.roydtoolgroup.com/tracer 17
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