Drafting Compass Faber-Castell 571710 Schnellverstellzirkel with joints, anthracite, double-sided hinged legs, central lead screw

Precision drafting compass Faber-Castell 571710 Schnellverstellzirkel in anthracite is a tool designed for accurate circle drawing and reproducible radius settings. The instrument features double-sided hinged legs that fold for compact storage and a central lead screw for fine, secure adjustment of span. Intended for technical drawing, geometry and drafting tasks, this compass provides controlled, consistent performance for students, architects and designers who need dependable manual drafting accuracy.

Advantages

The compass combines stable metal construction with a central lead screw that allows micro-adjustments to the leg span, improving precision when setting radii. Hinged, double-sided legs permit flexible positioning and compact folding for transport or storage. The anthracite finish reduces reflections and gives a professional, low-contrast appearance on drawing surfaces. The styling and mechanism prioritise repeatable results and stable circle drawing under normal drafting conditions.

Suitable for

• Technical drawing and engineering sketches
• School geometry exercises and classroom use
• Architectural and design drafting where manual circles are required
• Precision hobby work such as scale modelling and template creation

When it may not be suitable

This compass is intended for manual drafting and is best suited to paper, drafting film or similar flat surfaces. It is not designed for heavy industrial marking on rough materials or for use in automated CAD/CAM processes. Users requiring extremely large radii beyond the instrument's maximum span or fully digital measuring integration should consider alternative specialised tools.

Key specifications

• Construction: metal body with hinged double-sided legs
• Adjustment: central lead screw for fine, secure span setting
• Finish: anthracite, low-reflection surface
• Leg type: foldable/hinged for compact storage and flexible positioning
• Primary use: manual circle drawing and radius setting for drafting and geometry

How to use

Place the compass point at the intended centre on the drawing surface, align the pencil or lead in the opposite leg and tighten the central lead screw to set the required radius. Use the hinged legs to adjust the angle for stability and, if needed, fold the legs inward for transport. For best results use a sharpened technical pencil lead of appropriate hardness and keep the centre point clean and slightly sharp to avoid slipping. Make micro-adjustments with the lead screw rather than forcing the legs, and check the radius on a ruler before drawing the final circle.

What to consider before purchase

• Intended working surface (paper, drafting film, etc.) and maximum required radius
• Need for micro-adjustment via a central lead screw versus simpler models
• Portability and whether the foldable leg design meets storage or transport needs
• Compatibility with pencil leads or spare parts you already use

Usage recommendations

For consistent results, use a well-sharpened technical pencil lead and secure the compass point firmly at the centre. Make fine adjustments with the central lead screw and avoid applying excessive lateral force while drawing to maintain circle accuracy and prolong the instrument's service life.