Compass Staedtler Mars comfort 556 — metal/plastic, maximum diameter 23 cm, Blue/Green/Silver

Staedtler Mars comfort 556 is a precision drawing compass combining metal and plastic construction, available in blue, green and silver. Designed for technical drawing and drafting, it draws circles up to a maximum diameter of 23 cm and is supplied as a single unit suitable for school, office and design tasks that require accurate circle drawing.

Advantages

The compass integrates a spindle guide, spring-bow head and centre wheel to provide controlled, repeatable adjustments and stable circle drawing. A mixed metal and plastic construction balances durability with reduced weight for comfortable handling. Its compact length and simple mechanism make it easy to set up and use for routine geometry and drafting work.

Suitable for

• School geometry and mathematics exercises
• Technical drawing and drafting tasks
• Hobby projects that require accurate circular markings
• Office use for layout and diagram sketches

When it may not be suitable

This compass is intended for drawing circles up to 23 cm in diameter; it is not designed for very large-format drafting. It is a single-piece consumer tool and may not meet requirements for heavy industrial use or specialised precision instruments used in professional engineering calibration.

Key specifications

• Materials: metal and plastic construction
• Maximum circle diameter: 23 cm
• Length (closed/set): 154 mm
• Colour options: Blue, Green, Silver
• Adjusting mechanism: spindle guide with centre wheel and spring-bow head
• Quantity included: 1 piece

How to use

Place the pointed leg at the intended centre point, adjust the distance between legs to the required radius using the spindle guide and centre wheel, then rotate the compass smoothly to draw a circle. For finer adjustments, use the spring-bow head to micro-adjust the span. Ensure the point is steady and the pencil or lead is correctly seated before drawing to maintain consistent line quality.

What to consider before purchase

• Required maximum circle diameter (up to 23 cm)
• Preferred material balance between durability (metal) and weight (plastic)
• Need for fine adjustment features such as a spindle guide and centre wheel
• Colour preference: blue, green or silver

Recommendations

Use on a flat, stable surface and check the lead or pencil point regularly. For precise technical work, secure the centre point before completing the circle and make small test circles to confirm settings. Store the compass in a protective case or drawer to avoid bending the point or affecting adjustment accuracy.