The Pumper

All 12 colors share the same high-adhesion graphite–clay lead formulation; only the pigments differ. The main difference lies in visual contrast depending on the type of metal: white and yellow provide maximum visibility (90–92%) on blackened steel, cast iron, or oxidized surfaces; red and orange create high contrast (95%) on raw or galvanized steel; blue and green allow temporary identification with easy removal by rubbing.

All colors resist industrial oils identically, withstand temperatures from −30 °C to +50 °C, and offer an equivalent lifespan of 500 marks of 50 mm. The choice depends solely on your coding system: quality inspection (green = pass, red = reject), assembly phases (one color per step), or trades (one color per team). There is no difference in technical performance or durability between colors.

The Pumper unit price: $3.75 for 500 usable marks, i.e., a cost per mark of 0.75¢. By comparison, industrial permanent markers cost $4–$8 for 200–300 marks (cost 1.3–2.7¢ per mark), representing an overcost of 73–260%.

On a typical structural welding project requiring 2,000 marks (assembly of 40 complex parts), The Pumper investment: $15 (4 pencils) vs. $26–$54 for equivalent markers, a net saving of $11–$39 per project.

Free shipping on orders of $150+ allows a grouped order of 40 pencils (mixed colors) with no additional fees, reducing the effective cost to a fixed $3.75. No hidden costs: no refills, no maintenance solvents, no replacement of clogged tips. Immediate return on investment from first use.

Absolutely. The Pumper leads adhere perfectly to 304/316 stainless steel, 6061-T6 aluminum, and light alloys thanks to their graphite–clay composition, which creates a mechanical bond in surface micro-roughness (Ra 0.8–6.3 µm typical of machined metals). On mirror-polished stainless steel (Ra <0.4 µm), pre-cleaning with acetone increases adhesion by 40%.

On anodized aluminum, marks remain visible without destructive penetration of the protective layer, unlike hard metal points. For raw aluminum sheet, favor contrasting colors (red, dark blue), as white/yellow pigments may blend with the natural metallic sheen.

Durability is identical to mild steel: 500 marks per pencil. Easy removal before painting by simple alkaline degreasing; no aggressive sanding required.

The Pumper pencils maintain full performance from −30 °C to +50 °C without alteration of the lead or pigments. Québec winter field tests show: marks remain visible after 72 hours at −25 °C with freezing rain; no lead cracking when marking icy steel at −15 °C; immediate operation without pre-warming, unlike gelled liquid markers requiring 5–10 minutes at room temperature.

The solid composition eliminates solvent evaporation risks or phase separation common to liquid markers after freeze–thaw cycles. Winter storage in an unheated truck: no degradation after 6 months with average nightly temperatures of −20 °C.

On outdoor sites, marking frost-covered beams requires light brushing of ice crystals to expose metal, then normal application. Ideal for winter structural assembly projects and outdoor equipment maintenance.

Active lifespan: 500 marks of 50 mm per pencil at standard pressure of 1–2 kg, equivalent to 25 linear meters of continuous marking. On intensive assembly projects (fabrication welding), one pencil typically covers 2–3 weeks of moderate daily use (20–30 marks/day).

Optimal storage: horizontal in drawers or organizers without excessive humidity (prolonged >80% RH may slightly soften the outer lead without affecting performance). Unlike permanent markers with a 12–24-month shelf life post-manufacture, The Pumper pencils remain functional indefinitely: no solvent to evaporate, no ink to dry. Pencils stored 10+ years retain complete integrity.

End-of-life sign: residual length <25 mm making ergonomic grip difficult simply replace. No maintenance required, no calibration, no expiration date. A durable investment with no planned obsolescence.

The Pumper marking pencils are industrial consumables with performance guaranteed in use according to manufacturer specifications. Équipement Polar Industriel policy: 30-day return if the pencil is defective (internally broken lead, non-visible pigment, non-conforming diameter 11 mm standard). Free replacement without question if a manufacturing defect is identified upon receipt.

For claims, keep original packaging and provide photos demonstrating the defect. Accepted cases: fragile lead breaking under normal low-pressure use, non-adhering pigment on degreased raw steel, premature discoloration after 50 marks instead of the expected 500.

Excluded from warranty: normal wear, breakage after a drop >2 meters, external chemical contamination (acids, strong bases), non-conforming use (marking concrete, wood, coarse abrasive surfaces). Customer service available for optimal application advice and technical troubleshooting. Free shipping on $150+ for replacement orders.

The Pumper marks offer adjustable durability depending on need. Partial erasing is possible for temporary references: moderate rubbing with a dry cloth removes 60–80% of pigment on polished steel or stainless steel, ideal for preliminary inspection marks. On raw steel or rough surfaces, pigment penetrates micro-asperities and requires industrial degreaser or isopropyl alcohol for complete removal.

For permanent pre-weld marking, marks resist sparks and radiant heat up to 150 °C without disappearing. Pre-painting cleaning: standard shop alkaline degreasing (pH 9–11) removes 95% of graphite residue without sanding. Quality control tip: light blue and green colors offer the best balance between visibility and easy removal for multiple temporary inspections.

For maximum permanence, choose dark red or black on rough surfaces. Absolute permanent alternative: supplement pencil marking with light center-punching (see our Punches and Chisels collection) for indelible references after stripping.

The Pumper pencils are formulated for general industrial use in metallurgy, fabrication, and mechanical maintenance. Graphite–clay–pigment composition is not certified for direct food contact under FDA or Health Canada standards.

For food environments requiring marking on stainless equipment (conveyors, tanks, piping), check your facility’s HACCP protocols: some allow temporary external marking if alkaline degreasing cleaning precedes commissioning, others require specific NSF-certified markers. Acceptable use: external identification of machines during preventive maintenance outside production, marking spare parts awaiting repair, layout marking for assembly jigs.

Not recommended use: direct marking on food-contact surfaces, internal marking of process equipment, identification of food containers. For pharmaceutical and medical sectors requiring strict traceability, prefer cleanroom-validated certified markers. Always consult your internal quality manager before introducing new markers into controlled areas.