The New York Times - A fantastic pencil

Want to be a crossword champion? Start with the right pencil.

A close-up of someone doing a crossword puzzle.

Photo: Michael Hession

The key to blitzing your way through crossword clues may very well be to memorize the dictionary or spend countless hours honing your cruciverbalist skills. But using the right writing tool is probably an easier place to start.

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We visited the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament to chat with competitive solvers about the pencils they love. Over and over, we heard that a good crossword solver needs three things from a writing implement: precision, comfort, and speed. So it’s no wonder so many of them swear by mechanical pencils over wooden ones. And yes, even champions make mistakes, which is why their (so often) pencil of choice comes with an extra-long, smudge-resistant, built-in eraser.

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A crossword solver’s secret weapon→

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Jot that down

Our four picks for the best pencils for writing and schoolwork, shown laying on a spiral notebook.

If you prefer a wooden pencil …

Our top-pick pencil has the best combination of writing, erasing, and comfort of nearly every one we tested.

Note books and note pads we tested to find the best notebook and note pads side by side.

The best notebooks and notepads

Any of our picks will provide an appreciably better writing experience than what you can get from a generic, drugstore notebook.

Six of our favorite pens, shown on a notebook.

7 pens we love

Including a smudge-free gel pen and a fineliner favored by artists. (If you’re really brave, use one for your crosswords.)

Another meeting of the minds: Our visit to a vacuum convention

Two vacuum enthusiasts posing with colorful vintage vacuums inside Mid-Missouri Vacuum.

Illustration: Dana Davis; Photo: Dana Davis

We spent a weekend with dozens of vacuum enthusiasts to watch them test, compete, talk shop, and marvel at the latest and greatest vacuums on the market. Their advice for anyone looking to snag a new vacuum cleaner? Your grandma’s old machine may be better than what your local big-box store offers.

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Can you fall in love with a vacuum? Apparently so→

One last thing: Happy Earth Day

Photos: Wirecutter Staff

Shopping sustainably on an individual level can feel overwhelming, especially when so many gadgets aren’t built to last. But there are simple ways to keep the planet in mind. Curbing impulse buys and repairing items you already own are good steps. Buying refurbished can help, too—plus save you cash and mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing.

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7 deals on refurbished kitchen gear, tech, and small appliances→

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The New York Times - A fantastic pencil

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