Are you frustrated with pencils that constantly need sharpening? A mechanical pencil is always sharp and can be easily refilled whenever it runs out. They come in a variety of lead sizes, making them the perfect tool for drawing and writing. Whether you're a carpenter, architect, or student, a mechanical pencil can be what you're looking for!
Choosing the best mechanical pencil can be difficult as there are so many available. That's why we’ve done the research for you and picked the Mechanical Pencil Night Blue Series by Staedtler as our favorite. It's sturdy, durable, and comfortable to use. We’ve also put together a 10 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Mechanical Pencils For Writing
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Before buying a mechanical pencil, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as the lead size and extension style. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Much like regular wooden pencils, mechanical pencils come in a variety of lead sizes. Also known as the graphite size, these are measured in millimeters and typically range from 0.2 millimeters all the way up to 2.0 millimeters.
The most common and popular sizes are 0.5 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters, and they're usually used for different types of work. That's why the best size for you depends on how you plan to use the pencil.
If you’re looking for a mechanical pencil to write or take notes with, then the size is of less importance. You'll want a solid and sturdy line, and the common sizes of 0.5 and 0.7 millimeters will be sufficient for this.
If you’re heavy-handed and have a history of snapping lead points on regular pencils, then thicker leads of 0.9 millimeters will allow you to apply more pressure without breaking the lead.
When using mechanical pencils for drawing, the best size depends entirely on the type of drawing you’re doing. For thick draft lines, look at pencils that are 0.5 millimeters and over.
If you want to add details to your drawing, then pencils of 0.2 and 0.3 millimeters are ideal. No regular pencil will retain a fine and sharp point as long as a 0.2 millimeters mechanical pencil can! Artists that like to draw with thick and broad strokes should look at pencils that are over 0.9 millimeters.
Most mechanical pencils, especially those on the lower end of the market that can be commonly found everywhere, are only suitable for a single lead size. That’s why it’s important to choose the right size for you.
However, some higher-end pencils have interchangeable mechanisms that allow you to use different graphic sizes. It may be worth investing in one of these if having a variety of thicknesses is of importance.
Another way that mechanical pencils can differ is in how the lead extension mechanism works. Like regular pencils, the graphite in a mechanical pencil will wear down so you will need to constantly extend the lead as you use it. There are different ways to do this.
Most mechanical pencils have a very simple mechanism. They have a button at the top of the pencil, and you simply press it whenever you need more lead. Sometimes the button can be in a different place, such as on the side of the pencil, but this is rare.
To retract the lead, press the button down and press the lead back in with either your finger or against a solid surface. This is an easy mechanism to use. This type of pencil can sometimes hold several leads so you don’t need to refill after every lead is finished.
Some pencils extend their lead by being twisted. The position of the twist varies; you can find pencils that twist on the nose, while others have a knob at the top.
The twist mechanism gives you total control over how much lead you extend, unlike push-button mechanisms that only push specific amounts. Mechanical pencils with twist mechanisms can typically only hold one lead at a time, however.
You can also get mechanical pencils that extend with a shake. Whenever you need more lead, just shake the pencil up and down and a mechanism inside the pencil will push more lead out for your use.
This mechanism is often the quickest method of getting more lead, so if writing or drawing fast is a necessity, this may the best option for you. Pencils with a shaker mechanism sometimes have a button also, so you can choose between the two.
Finally, you can consider an automatic extension mechanism. The pencil automatically extends the lead whenever your pencil leaves the page. This way, you won't have to worry about it at all!
These pencils allow you to keep writing or drawing without having to take the time to extend the lead yourself, but it takes the control out of your hands. You will only need to press the pencil's button when the lead runs out.
The Kuru Toga mechanical pencil features a special mechanism that makes it worth consideration! The name comes from the Japanese word kuru (an onomatopoeia for something that turns or rotates) and togaru (a verb meaning to become sharp). Therefore, a Kuru Toga pencil continually rotates the lead in order to keep it sharp.
When using a mechanical pencil, the lead of the point will wear down with every stroke of the pencil. This means that each line might look different because the angle of the lead constantly changes. However, a Kuru Toga pencil will turn the lead every time you lift the pencil from the page, so you always get a sharp point and can have more consistent lines.
For a Kuru Toga pencil, you usually need a special type of lead. Most regular graphite leads have a soft interior and hard exterior, but Kuru Toga lead is the other way around. Having a hard core ensures the lead remains sharp whenever it turns.
If you’re going to use your mechanical pencil for long periods of time, it’s important that it's well-balanced. An unbalanced pencil that's top-heavy will be uncomfortable and put unnecessary strain on your hand. Look for pencils that are evenly balanced or have a little more weight in the tip. Pencils with embossed tops can be cute, but they're not practical!
You should also look for pencils that are easy and comfortable to grip. If the pencil has an irregular shape, is it because it’s ergonomically designed to be comfortable, or is it a stylish decision that will make it awkward to hold? Some pencils have textured grips or may even be padded with gel or other soft materials.
These considerations can be difficult to assess when buying a pencil online, so we recommend looking at reviews to see if any previous purchasers have talked about the balance or the comfort of the grip.
We all make mistakes, and one of the biggest advantages of using a pencil over a pen is how easy it is to erase those mistakes! Many mechanical pencils have a small eraser attached to them, often at the top, and this can be handy when you work.
Some mechanical pencils might come with extra erasers or you can find eraser refills for sale online. You won't need to scramble for an eraser ever again if you always have one on your pencil!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Staedtler Mechanical Pencil Night Blue Series|925 35-03 | ![]() | A Durable Pencil With a Good Grip | |
2 | Uni Alpha-Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil|M5858GG1P.24 | ![]() | A Sharp Point and Comfortable Grip | |
3 | Rotring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil|1904447 | ![]() | High-Quality Construction and Comfortable Feel | |
4 | Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil|PG1015A | ![]() | The Retractable Tip Prevents Lead Breakages | |
5 | MozArt Supplies Mechanical Pencil Set with Case | ![]() | A Versatile Set of Four | |
6 | Mr. Pen Artist Mechanical Pencil | ![]() | A Thick-Leaded Pencil for Specific Needs | |
7 | Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil|M510171P.26 | ![]() | A Balanced Pencil That Automatically Rotates the Lead | |
8 | Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil|PG525A | ![]() | A Well-Balanced and Weighted Pencil | |
9 | Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils | ![]() | Soft Grips That Are Easy to Hold | |
10 | Bic Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil | ![]() | A Pack With Many Pencils for a Big Group |
With four sizes available, including a 2.0-millimeter version, you have plenty of options with this mechanical pencil. Each pencil has a soft metal grip and an eraser on the top. The exterior of the pencil is made from metal, but it has a plastic interior to hold the pencil lead.
The cap of the pencil that covers the eraser can fall off quite easily, according to some reviewers. Still, many say the pencil is sturdy and durable. The grip is especially praised for how grippy and comfortable it is, as is the weight of the pencil.
This Kuru Toga mechanical pencil has a thick barrel with a soft gel grip to relieve strain on your fingers. You can choose from several different colors and they all feature a small eraser on the top of the pencil. The lead automatically rotates as you use the pencil, but you do need to push the button to advance the lead.
A few reviewers point out that the included eraser is so small that it's basically useless. On the other hand, many praise the gel grip for being very comfortable and nice to hold. They also love that the style and build of the pencil mean that the lead doesn't easily break.
This sleek, black mechanical pencil is available with a lead size of either 0.5 or 0.7mm. The barrel is hexagonal-shaped to make it more comfortable when working for long periods of time and to prevent it from rolling. With a simple twist and click, the lead can be extended or retracted.
There are a few reports of the tip of the pencil snapping, especially if it's dropped. However, most reviewers love this pencil and say that it feels great in their hands. They're impressed by its construction and appreciate its unique quirks, like the ability to retract the lead.
This pencil comes in various limited edition colors and is very versatile. The metal grip has soft pads to secure your grip and increase comfort as you write. It includes an eraser at the top and the lead can be smoothly extended and retracted with the push of a button.
Some reviewers struggled to refill the pencil with lead. However, the majority highly praises the retractable tips on these pencils and says they prevent the lead from being broken. The pencil seems to be especially popular with carpenters! Reviewers also like the weight and feel of the pencil.
This set includes everything you need. As well as four pencils of different lead sizes, you get a pack of 30 refills for each and four eraser refills. You can choose from plastic or metal and each pencil has a non-slip and ergonomic barrel. On top of that, the set comes in a neat case that's easy to take with you.
A handful of reviewers had issues with the lead jamming in some of the pencils. Most reviewers praise the set, however, and like that it comes with extra lead and eraser refills. They say that they're easy to grip, well-balanced, and write nicely.
This unique mechanical pencil features a thick two-millimeter lead, making it good for technical writing. The pencil comes with 12 black lead refills and 12 colored ones, as well as four eraser refills. The pencil is made entirely from metal and has a comfortable textured grip. The eraser cap of the pencil can also double as a sharpener for your lead.
A few reviewers say that the cap covering the eraser can easily fall off, which makes it difficult to advance the lead. On the other hand, the pencil is easy to hold, according to reviewers. Some add that it works well for taking notes.
Made from plastic with metal accents, this Kuru Toga pencil has a metal grip, tip, and end cap. You can extend the lead with a push of the button on top of the pencil and it will be automatically rotated to keep it sharp. This way, your lines stay clean.
Some reviewers found the grip to be a bit uncomfortable. They say it feels too rough on their fingers. Still, the majority of reviewers like this pencil and say that the rotating mechanism works very well. The weight of the pencil is also praised and reviewers say the lead doesn't break often.
With this pencil, you can choose your lead thickness out of the four most popular choices. Each size has a different barrel color, so if you buy more than one size you'll easily be able to tell the difference. The pencils have a metallic grip and are weighted to make them bottom-heavy.
A couple of reviewers report that the pencil doesn't advance the lead as it should. However, most reviewers agree that the pencil feels good and durable, and say that the metal grip adds a good weight without being too heavy. They also say that the lead doesn't break when using this pencil.
These pencils have a soft grip on the barrel to make them more comfortable for extended use. The eraser on top of the pencil is large and the lead is advanced by a push-button on the side. This pack has four identical pencils that all use 0.7-millimeter leads.
Some reviewers say the lead can break easily when inside the barrel. However, many confirm the soft grip is comfortable. They like that the pencils are easy to hold thanks to their thickness. Many reviewers say they've used these pencils for years and have no reason to change!
If you're looking for mechanical pencils for a classroom or crafts group, this pack of 24 from Bic might fit the bill. All 24 pencils are identical other than for the differently colored barrels. They're made from plastic, use 0.7-millimeter lead, and are simple to use. Each pencil has an eraser and holds three leads.
Some reviewers report that a few pencils in the pack didn't work correctly and that the lead could break. But, the pack of pencils is a hit with many reviewers, and many report that the pencils are comfortable to use. Overall, buyers say these pencils are great for school and college.
There are other stationery products on the market that will make using your new mechanical pencil even better! We have collected some of these products together, so why not take a look at our recommendations?
No. 1: Staedtler|Mechanical Pencil Night Blue Series|925 35-03
No. 2: Uni|Alpha-Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil|M5858GG1P.24
No. 3: Rotring|800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil|1904447
No. 4: Pentel|GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil|PG1015A
No. 5: MozArt Supplies|Mechanical Pencil Set with Case
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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