Editing Compass (drawing tool) (section)

==Construction and parts==
Compasses are usually made of metal or plastic, and consist of two "legs" connected by a [[hinge]] which can be adjusted to allow changing of the [[radius]] of the circle drawn. Typically one leg has a spike at its end for anchoring, and the other leg holds a drawing tool, such as a [[pencil]], a short length of just pencil lead or sometimes a [[pen]].

===Handle===
The handle, a small knurled rod above the hinge, is usually about half an inch long. Users can grip it between their pointer finger and thumb.

===Legs===
There are two types of leg in a pair of compasses: the straight or the steady leg and the adjustable one. Each has a separate purpose; the steady leg serves as the basis or support for the needle point, while the adjustable leg can be altered in order to draw different sizes of circles.

===Hinge===
The screw through the hinge holds the two legs in position. The hinge can be adjusted, depending on desired stiffness; the tighter the hinge-screw, the more accurate the compass's performance. The better quality compass, made of plated metal, is able to be finely adjusted via a small, serrated wheel usually set between the legs  (see the "using a compass" animation shown above) and it has a (dangerously powerful) spring encompassing the hinge. This sort of compass is often known as a "pair of Spring-Bow Compasses".

===Needle point===
The needle point is located on the steady leg, and serves as the center point of the circle that is about to be drawn.

===Pencil lead===
The pencil lead draws the circle on a particular paper or material. Alternatively, an ink [[Nib (pen)|nib]] or attachment with a [[technical pen]] may be used. The better quality compass, made of metal, has its piece of pencil lead specially sharpened to a "chisel edge" shape, rather than to a point.

===Adjusting nut===
This holds the pencil lead or pen in place.