best mechanical pencil for drawing reddit

If you buy an item via links on this page, we may earn a commission. Our editorial content is not influenced by commissions. Read the full disclosure.

Whether you are a writer, architect, designer, or a crossword puzzle master, a mechanical pencil is a must-have instrument.

It will help you capture your ideas quickly on paper and complete your masterpiece anywhere: in the office, an art studio, or in the backyard.

The 9 Best Mechanical Pencils

Uni Core (M510171P.43) Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil
Pentel PG1015A GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil 2-pack (Our Top Pick)
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil 24-pack
Paper Mate Clearpoint 56047PP Mechanical Pencil Starter Set
MozArt Supplies Mechanical Pencil Set
Rite in the Rain RD99 All-Weather Mechanical Pencil
Parker Jotter Mechanical Pencil Jotter
Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil

Our Top Pick for The Best Mechanical Pencil

Our top pick for the best mechanical pencil is the Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil 2-pack.

For over 70 years, Pentel has been hailed as the Number One Writing Instrument Brand in America.

Whether you have a passion for calligraphy, story writing, or you work as a professional draftsman, these superbly designed pencil duo will empower you to unleash your inner artist and express your creative ideas.

Check the price on Amazon

Bring Creative Ideas to Life with a Mechanical Pencil

A mechanical pen is a practical and convenient tool that offers you loads of benefits for writing, sketching or drawing.

If you need to create technical drawings, a mechanical pencil can produce consistently fine and precise lines and neater handwritten notes.

Many artists prefer to create detailed sketches before they begin painting, so a mechanical pencil is a perfect match for a watercolor brush set.

When the lead runs out in a mechanical pencil, just insert a new one and you will be able to bring your creative ideas to life again.

If you make a mistake, some mechanical pencils have an integrated eraser that also keeps the lead super sharp and ready for use.

While a computer, iPad or smartphone is dependant on electricity or battery power, a mechanical pencil can be used indoors or outdoors. Some innovative mechanical pencils can be used in harsh weather conditions like the Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil.

Mechanical pencils may come in a small one or two-pack, a large 24-pack or a jumbo 40-pack, and these packs may even include extra lead refills and erasers.

How to Choose the Best Mechanical Pencil

Lead Hardness

The lead or graphite that is used for mechanical pencils is much thinner than the lead used in conventional pencils, but it should still be strong and resistant to breakage.

Another consideration is the hardness level of the lead. A softer lead creates a darker imprint which makes it ideal for artistic works on special paper or canvas. Harder lead is better for writing and sketching, and it makes a defined smudge-proof imprint.

A lead's softness is represented by a number followed by the letter B like 2B or 4B. Pencils that have a number followed by the letter H leave a lighter imprint. HB mechanical pencils are a good choice for writing as their hardness levels sit in the middle of the darkness and lighter spectrum.

This Lead Hardness Guide from Pentel will help you to select the right lead for your creative or technical project.

Lead Size

The size of the lead also indicates the darkness or lightness level of the pencil's imprint. Mechanical pencils come in a range of lead sizes such as 0.3mm, 0.5mm, or 0.9mm. A 0.3mm pencil draws a thin and lighter line and a 9mm pencil produces a thicker and darker line.

Lead Advance Mechanism

One of the features that are unique to a mechanical pencil is the Lead-Advance Mechanism. A push-button lead advance mechanism is one of the easiest to use. Just click the button on the end of the pencil and the lead will come out through the tip and you can even operate it with one hand.

Other pencils may have a twist-and-advance operation which is just as easy to use but does not allow for one-handed operation. The Lead-Advance mechanism may also retract the lead back inside the barrel until you need to use the pencil again.

Barrel Design

How a pencil feels in your hand is extremely important for any writer or artist especially if you need to use the tool for a long time.

The barrel of the mechanical pencil may be made out of metal or plastic and have a slim design or a wider barrel.

Everyone has a different design preference depending on what they want to use the pencil for. Generally speaking, a slim barrel is ideal for creating precise lines while a wider barrel may be better suited for writing notes.

Overall the pencil should be comfortable to hold, well-balanced, and have a good weight. A textured grip area on the lower section of the barrel also helps you maintain a firm grip on the tool and improve writing control.

Lead Refills

The manufacturer may offer a variety of lead refills online or you might be able to purchase a refill from your nearest stationery store.

The Best Mechanical Pencil Reviews

1. Uni Core (M510171P.43) Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil

The Uni Core Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil is a great choice for an engineering student or a sketching enthusiast. Made in Japan, this beautifully crafted pencil has a slim resin barrel that fits perfectly in your hand and the knurled grip gives you good writing control.

Using ground-breaking Kuru Toga lead rotating technology, the pencil rotates a millimeter every time you lift the pencil off the paper. This keeps the lead super sharp and lets you write or draw consistently precise lines every time.

To extend the lead, just click the button at the end of the pencil. If you make a mistake, there is a tiny eraser under the click cap. The Uni Core pencil uses a regular 0.5mm lead refill but it works best with HB pencil lead which is darker and softer, grips better on paper, and lasts longer.

Ideal for every day carry purposes, the pencil has a strong, removable pocket clip. Uni Core offers the mechanical pencil in gun metallic or silver, and in a one, two, three, four, or five-pack, and the one-pack comes with two HB lead replacements.

You can also purchase replacement erasers from the manufacturer.

Pros

Great quality
Excellent value for money
Affordable price
Made in Japan
Beautifully crafted
Slim, smooth resin body
Knurled grip gives good writing control
Kuru Toga lead rotating technology keeps the pencil super sharp
Creates precise lines
Click lead-advance mechanism
Strong removable clip
Small eraser under the clip cap
Uses regular HB or 2B lead replacement
Comes in gun metallic or silver
Available in packs of one, two, three, four, or five
One pack comes with two HB lead replacements
Replacement erasers are also available from the manufacturer

Cons

Not retractable
Eraser is very tiny

Check the price on Amazon

2. Pentel PG1015A GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil

A superior drafting pencil for architects, draftsman, and artists, the Pentel PG1015A GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil will help you to write and draw flawlessly.

The GraphGear mechanical pencil comes pre-loaded with super hi-polymer HB lead, which is strong, never needs sharpening, and produces a clear, dark line. If you make a mistake with your technical drawing, just use the eraser under the cap at the end of the pencil.

Its unique dual-action retractor advances and retracts the lead tip quickly while also protecting the lead from any breakage. The chiseled metallic grip has soft latex-free pads that provide writing comfort.

For fast and easy lead size and hardness selection, this mechanical pencil has a built-in lead hardness indicator and a smart color-coded system that helps you to easily identify your lead type and size.

Pentel offers the GraphGear in four sizes: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm.

Pros

High quality
Great value for money
Good price
Superior drafting pencil for general and technical writing
Super hi-polymer HB lead is strong, never needs sharpening, and produces a clear, dark line
Eraser under the cap
Comfortable chiseled metallic grip has soft latex-free pads
Dual-action retractor lead advance and retraction tip
Refillable
Fast and easy color-coded size and lead hardness
Available in four lead sizes

Cons

Bit of a wobble in the tip
Gets uncomfortable after a long time writing

Check the price on Amazon

3. Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil 2-pack

The Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil 2-pack is an excellent choice for architects, draftsmen, and artists.

Expressing your architectural or artistic designs will be so easy with this innovative pencil pack. The pack contains two pencils and two bonus erasers. The super hi-polymer HB lead never needs sharpening, is super strong and produces a clear, dark line with consistent clarity.

The dual-action retractor advances the lead quickly and stabilizes the pencil's tip to protect the lead from any breakage. If you make a mistake, the integrated jumbo eraser will help you to get back to work in a flash.

For comfortable writing and drawing, the finely chiseled metallic grip has soft latex-free pads that reduce writing fatigue.

Pentel also offers this pencil in various sizes, and multiple pencil barrel colors and lead and eraser refills are available from the manufacturer.

Pros

High quality
Excellent value for money
Good price
Ideal for architects, draftsman, and artists
Two-pack contains two pencils and two bonus erasers
Innovative design
Super hi-polymer HB lead never needs sharpening, is super strong and produces a clear, dark line with consistent clarity
Protective tip design stabilizes lead to reduce lead breakage
Finely chiseled metallic grip
Comfortable soft latex-free grip
Jumbo twist-eraser
Comes in three lead sizes and various barrel colors

Cons

Bit of movement in the tip that may not be well suited for some tasks
Bulkier barrel can get uncomfortable after a long time

Check the price on Amazon

4. BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil 24-pack

The BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil 24-pack is perfectly suited for everyday writing activities at home, school, or in the office.

Ideal for kids and adults, these mechanical pencils have sparkly, colorful, and comfortably slim barrels, which makes any writing or drawing task fun and easy.

These pencils will never need to be sharpened and the 0.7mm medium point lead writes smoothly, resist smudging, and erases cleanly to keep your work looking tidy.

Whether you need to write or draw, the BIC pencil has a convenient retractable design, so you can advance or retract the lead in one easy click. The pencils are refillable but the lead has to be purchased separately.

BIC offers a 100% replacement guarantee on the mechanical pencils.

Pros

High quality
Great value for money
Very good price
Fun colorful and sparkly designs
Slim barrel is comfortable to use
Ideal for kids and adults
Lead never needs sharpening
Smooth writing lead does not smudge and erases cleanly to keep your work tidy
Convenient lead advance and retractable mechanism
Refillable
100% replacement guarantee

Cons

Refills have to be purchased separately
Can be hard to replace the lead
No eraser

Check the price on Amazon

5. Paper Mate Clearpoint 56047PP Mechanical Pencil Starter Set

Paper Mate is one of the most well-known brands, and its Clearpoint 56047PP Mechanical Pencil Starter Kit will keep you prepared for any writing task.

This convenient kit comes with two mechanical pencils, one graphite lead replacement, and two jumbo erasers. The 0.7mm lead is very versatile and produces clear, precise marks on paper, which makes these pencils ideal for tests, note-taking, or journal writing.

A soft textured plastic grip provides extra comfort and control. The conveniently located side-click lead advance/retractor allows for uninterrupted writing. Correcting mistakes is effortless with the twist-up jumbo size eraser.

You can carry the pencil safely as the retractable design protect your pocket or purse from getting damaged. Fun and practical, the two Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils come in four great colors: aquamarine, lime green, purple, or magenta.

Paper Mate also offers the mechanical pencils in a three-pack and a five-pack, and refills are available from the manufacturer.

Pros

High quality
Great value for money
Very affordable price
Convenient kit comes with two 0.7mm pencils, one graphite lead replacement, and two jumbo erasers
Versatile #2 lead produces clear, precise marks on paper
Ideal for tests, note-taking, or journaling
Fun, colorful design
Comfortable soft textured plastic grip provides extra control
Conveniently located side-click lead advance/retractor
Twist-up jumbo size eraser
Retractable design allows for safe every day carry
Available in aquamarine, lime green, purple, or magenta
Comes in a two, three, or five-pack
Refills available from the manufacturer

Cons

Plastic barrel feels a bit flimsy
Pencils wide barrel may be too bulky for some people

Check the price on Amazon

6. MozArt Supplies Mechanical Pencil Set

The MozArt Supplies Mechanical Pencil Set is an essential tool kit for any artist, student, teacher, engineer or architect.

You will be fully equipped for any writing or sketching task as this set contains four different lead sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9 mm, 30 x 4 HB lead refills, and four eraser refills.

Each pencil is designed to achieve different thicknesses, so you can take notes, draft construction diagrams, or create detailed sketches without any smudges. These pencils have refillable erasers that are covered with a sleek bottom metal cap.

Designed to fulfill your everyday carry needs, the elegant clear case keeps all your supplies safely organized and stored. If you just want to carry individual pencils, the sturdy built-in clip makes sure that your tools stay securely attached to your shirt pocket.

Slim and lightweight, the pencils are easy to work with and the ergonomic non-slip barrel gives you a good secure grip. The pencils come with a metal or plastic barrel.

Mozart only offers extra lead refills and erasers in the mechanical pencil sets.

Pros

High quality
Excellent value for money
Good price
Essential tool kit for an artist, student, teacher, engineer, or architect
Four lead sizes, 0 x 4 HB lead refills, and four eraser refills
Each pencil is designed to achieve different thicknesses without any smudges
Refillable erasers are covered with a sleek bottom metal cap.
Elegant clear case
Lightweight
Non-slip, slim ergonomic barrel
Sturdy pocket clip
Barrel is available in metal or plastic

Cons

Lead can get stuck inside the barrel easily
Lead and eraser replacements only come in a pencil set

Check the price on Amazon

7. Rite in the Rain RD99 All-Weather Mechanical Pencil

Whether you need to take field notes, create beautiful designs on wood, or capture the beauty of an outdoor scene, the Rite in the Rain RD99 Mechanical Pencil is a tough tool for rough conditions.

Made in the US, this unique mechanical pencil has a strong waterproof resin barrel that can withstand extreme hot or cold weather temperatures. You can even use it to write at any angle and on just about any surface: paper or wood.

The slim ergonomic barrel fits comfortably in your hand. Its flexible texturized tip expands and grips tightly so it will not break, wobble, or twist, and the lead will not fall out.

The 1.1mm lead creates smooth and bold imprints and the lead advancing mechanism is easily activated with just one twist. There is an eraser on the end and it is very effective at removing any mistakes.

The mechanical pencil comes with seven lead refills and two erasers. You can also choose from black, red, or yellow lead and the barrel also comes in these colors.

Rite in the Rain offers additional lead and eraser refills.

Pros

Excellent quality
Great value for money
Good price
Tough all-weather design
Made in the USA
Strong waterproof resin barrel can withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures
Writes at any angle and on just about any surface
Ergonomic barrel fits comfortably in your hand
Patented flexible texturized tip expands and grips tightly and will not break, wobble, or twist
Lead will not fall out
Lead makes smooth and bold imprints
Easy to use twist lead advancing mechanism
Effective eraser
Comes with seven lead refills and two erasers
Lead and barrel comes in black, red, or yellow

Cons

Twist and push mechanism does not allow for one-handed use
Barrel is a bit thick

Check the price on Amazon

8. Parker Jotter Mechanical Pencil Jotter

This beautiful classic-style Parker Mechanical Pencil Jotter is the perfect go-to pencil for writers or draftsmen, and it will make an excellent gift idea.

Expertly crafted, this lightweight pencil has a slim and stylish stainless-steel barrel with chrome accents and it fits comfortably in your hand.

The medium-point 0.5mm lead is strong and resists bending or breaking and produces crisp, precise lines. To help keep your words and ideas flowing, the Jotter has a lead retractable design and there is an eraser located under the cap.

You will be proud to show off this stunning mechanical pencil in your pocket and the high-shine stainless-steel arrowhead clip keeps it securely attached.

The Parker mechanical pen comes in an elegant gift box. You can purchase standard 0.5mm graphite refills at any stationery store and the graphite is easy to replace, but there are no replacements for the eraser.

Pros

High quality
Very good value for money
Expertly crafted
Ideal for writers and draftsmen
Beautifully stylish stainless-steel design with chrome accents
Lightweight
Slim and smooth barrel fits comfortably in your hand
Medium-point 0.5mm lead is strong and resists bending or breaking
Produces lean and precise lines with a nice dark color
Easy to use lead retractable design
Eraser is located under the cap
High-shine stainless-steel arrowhead clip
Excellent gift idea
Packaged in an elegant Parker gift box

Cons

Pricey
Stainless-steel is thinner than older vintage versions
Not ideal for heavy-duty use
Eraser is not replaceable

Check the price on Amazon

9. Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil

Whatever your creative passion is, the Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil will bring your writing, sketching or drawing ideas to life.

Made in Germany, this amazing mechanical pencil has a hard blue plastic barrel and metal accents. It is solid and sturdy and has a nice weight to it. The textured grip helps you to maintain good writing control.

The 2mm HB lead has a sharp point that creates thick precise lines but you can also use the pencil to shade in large areas. To release the lead, just click the button at the end of the pencil.

Featuring a tough design, the superior Staedtler lead is extremely resistant to breakage, but if you need need to sharpen the lead, use the integrated lead sharpener that is inside the clicker button.

For easy every-day carry, you can safely attach the pencil to your shirt pocket with the sturdy metal pocket clip.

Staedtler offers a variety of lead size refills.

Pros

Excellent quality
Great value for money
Good price
Made in Germany
Ideal for beginners and professional architects and artists
Designed for writing, sketching and drawing
2mm HB lead has a sharp edge that produces precise lines
Can be used to shade large areas
Easy to use lead advance push-button advance
Integrated lead pointer in push button
Sturdy metal pocket clip
Affordable lead refills available from the manufacturer

Cons

Lead might be too light for some tasks
No eraser
Does not come with any additional lead refills

Check the price on Amazon

Our Top Pick for the Best Mechanical Pencil

Our top pick for the best mechanical pencil is the Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil 2-pack.

For over 70 years, Pentel has been hailed as the Number One Writing Instrument Brand in America.

Check the price on Amazon

Was this article helpful?

Yes No