How does the lead get into the pencil?

Answer 1

The pencil is actually assembled around the "lead" (which is actually not lead but is graphite). The pencil has two halves with a groove in each one, and they are sandwiched around the strip of graphite.

Answer 2

Lead is not actually used in pencils; the core is made of a mixture of graphite and clay. This mixture is compressed and heated before being inserted into the pencil casing. The "lead" in pencils is a misnomer that originated from the historical misconception that the core was made of lead.