10 Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing in 2022 (Artist-Reviewed)
Every drawing starts with a sketch, but not every pencil can get the job done. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional artist, it’s crucial to have a high-quality tool like a mechanical pencil in your studio. They can reduce fatigue in your wrist, draw precise lines, and outlast nearly any wooden pencil.
We’ve done the research to help you find the best mechanical drawing pencil for you. Our favorite is the nine-piece set from MstrSktch. It comes with an eraser, a case, and three pencils with lead in the three hardnesses most useful to artists. Check out our other picks, and read through our buying guide for tips reviewed by an artist on choosing your ideal mechanical pencil!
Quick List - Top Mechanical Pencils For Drawing
Susan has a Master of Fine Arts in Oil Painting, has been a glassblower since 1998, and is a former drawing professor. Her "painted drawings" are oil on paper and employ cartoon imagery to explore issues, ironies, and paradoxes in modern societies, often inspired by urban life in Tokyo. She has participated in juried exhibitions in the US and Japan.
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How to Choose Mechanical Pencils For Drawing
There are a lot of mechanical pencils out there to choose from, which can make it difficult to find the best one for you. Before you buy a mechanical pencil, consider the material it’s made of, the kind of lead it supports, and whether or not it comes with additional features.
Choose Materials and Features Based on How You Draw
There are a variety of mechanical pencils available that are designed to meet different needs. Some are metal and others plastic. They can have different grip styles, too.
Metal Mechanical Pencils Are Weighted to Aid Precision
Metal mechanical pencils tend to be heavier than other pencils, which can make them easier to control while drawing. Some are specifically weighted towards the tip of the pencil to promote precision, while others have an even weight distribution so that they feel more comfortable in your hand.
The metal body of the pencil makes it durable and protects the lead from breaking. These pencils have a longer lifespan than wooden pencils and some plastic mechanical pencils. However, if they have a totally smooth barrel, they can be slippery to hold on to.
Plastic Mechanical Pencils May Be Refillable or Disposable
Plastic mechanical pencils are lighter and often thinner than their metal counterparts. These pencils are great for the spontaneous, on-the-go artist because they are lightweight and easy to carry around. The lightness can also stave off hand fatigue. However, plastic pencils are also more fragile.
If you’re someone who regularly finds themselves breaking lead, you may also end up throwing out plastic mechanical pencils more often than you’re drawing with them. That’s because not all plastic mechanical pencils are refillable, so some will have to be discarded once they run out of lead.
Fortunately, there are plenty of plastic mechanical pencils that are refillable. They often come in fun colors, patterns, and designs. They are great for expressing yourself or tying together your workspace’s aesthetic!
A disposable plastic pencil is obviously not the most eco-friendly choice. They could be good in some situations, but there are plenty of refillable ones you can buy. Refillable ones also are usually more ergonomically-designed and better quality overall, since they're built with longevity in mind.
Grips Support Your Wrist and Make Drawing More Comfortable
Grips make a mechanical pencil more ergonomic, which means they’re designed to minimize discomfort and risk of injury. Artists are susceptible to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, so a grip is helpful to prevent them or alleviate the pressure on your wrist if you have an RSI already.
Thick rubber grips are comfortable because they require less pinching and clenching to hold. Many mechanical pencils are also designed with knurled, ribbed, and other textured grips that promote comfort as well as prevent the pencil from slipping out of your hand.
While big, squishy grips may feel nicer to hold, if they're too large or soft, you'll have trouble controlling your pencil. You might want to consider buying grips separately so you have more choice over their design.
Multi-Pencils Can Hold Different Colors or Sizes of Lead
A multi-pencil is a mechanical pencil that can hold multiple pieces of lead, usually in different colors or diameters. This is a great art tool for someone who doesn’t want to buy multiple pencils or wants to quickly switch between colors or line sizes.
You can only use one type of lead at a time while drawing with a multi-pencil, but fortunately, this kind of pencil makes it easy and convenient to switch between them. They are especially convenient because you do not have to keep track of multiple pencils to use different colors or lead diameters!
If you want to vary the look of your line art, look for a multi-pencil that holds leads with different diameters. Depending on its diameter, some leads can make your lines look either thin or thick.
Pick the Type of Lead You Want
Lead comes in all kinds of colors, hardnesses, and diameters. What do all those HB numbers mean? Choosing the wrong one for your style will leave you very unhappy!
Leads Labeled "H" Are Hard and Light, "B" Leads Make Soft, Darker Marks
Contrary to the common terminology, pencils don’t actually contain lead! Instead, they are made with graphite. There are two grading scales that measure how hard graphite is: the numerical graphite scale and the HB graphite scale.
The numerical scale grades the hardness of a pencil’s graphite core with a number; think of a No. 2 pencil, for example. The higher the number is, the harder the graphite core is. Harder graphite cores leave lighter marks, whereas softer graphite cores leave darker marks.
The HB graphite scale uses letters to indicate the hardness, and therefore darkness, of a pencil’s mark. This is the scale that most artists' pencils use. When using this scale, “H” means hard and “B” designates the blackness of the mark. You may also see “F,” which means the pencil sharpens to a fine point.
The HB scale uses these letters plus numbers to indicate how hard the graphite core is. For example, an 8H is harder than a 4H, and a 5B is softer than a B.
A #2 pencil is equivalent to an HB. There's no set standard for these scales, however, so one manufacturer's version of HB or #2 could be slightly softer or harder than another's.
For mechanical pencils, the HB scale you'll find is more limited. Because the leads need to be strong and thin, their availability usually only ranges from 2B at the softest to 2H. Lead holders, or clutch pencils, hold thicker leads and offer more variety.
And, when it comes to that F designation, no one really seems to know what it means. Depending on the manufacturer, it either means fine or firm! The good news is you're unlikely to see it in mechanical pencils anyway, but for the record, it's sort of near an HB pencil or slightly harder.
Wide Lead Diameters Are Great for Drawing
Lead for mechanical pencils is measured in millimeters, and comes in widths ranging between 0.2mm and 5.6mm. Lead diameters on the smaller side are typically used for drafting rather than drawing.
For drawing, it’s recommended to use a mechanical pencil with a lead diameter of 0.7mm or above. 0.7mm is also the most common lead diameter used for mechanical pencils, which gives you many options to choose from and makes finding lead refills easy!
If you’re struggling to pick the right lead diameter, you should know that different sizes are useful for different parts of the drawing process. Smaller lead diameters lend themselves nicely to sketching and linework, whereas larger lead diameters are better for shading.
When looking at the lead, see how it comes out. This part is called the sleeve. Some mechanical pencils have retractable sleeves, which are great to protect the lead and prevent the thin sleeve from poking the bottom of your shirt pocket or the items in your pencil case.
Colored Lead Can Be Used for Sketching or Coloring
Lead doesn’t only come in gray and black! Many manufacturers sell leads in different colors, too. Colored pencils can be used in all kinds of ways, from coloring to sketching, and even line art. Some aren't easily erasable, however, so test it before you sketch away.
If you’re planning on doing ink linework over top, consider using erasable red or blue lead for your sketch. These colors will contrast with the darkness of the ink, which makes them easier to see and erase once the ink dries.
Keep an Eye Out for Different Features and Accessories
Not all mechanical pencils are created equal, and some have features and accessories that others may not!
Erasers Are Helpful for Cleaning up Stray Marks
Not all mechanical pencils come with erasers attached, especially ones that are made of metal. Some artists buy erasers separately, but it can be handy to buy a mechanical pencil that comes with a built-in eraser to quickly fix mistakes and erase stray marks.
Lead and Eraser Refills Can Increase the Longevity of Your Mechanical Pencil
Mechanical pencils have a range of price points, but having to replace one each time it runs out of lead can be costly in the long run and is not environmentally friendly. To really get the most out of your mechanical pencil, look for one that is sold in a bundle that comes with lead and eraser refills.
Sharpeners Bring Dull Tips Back to a Fine Point
Not many people think of sharpeners when they think of mechanical pencils, but even a mechanical pencil can benefit from having an included or built-in sharpener! Referred to as lead pointers, they can spruce up any dull lead tips, which makes your lines look more even and consistent.
Some pencils come with a hole in the end cap, which is actually a lead pointer. One example is the Staedtler Mars 780.
In addition to features and accessories, I strongly recommend considering the overall design of the pencil. Some have a push button on their side to release more lead. Do you like the convenience of that, or would it get in your way when gripping the pencil? Would you prefer the button on the end of the pencil?
A clip is convenient. It keeps your pencil attached to your shirt or jacket pocket, or shirt collar, in my case! But if it can't be rotated or removed, it could bother you while you're drawing, not only by its mere presence but because it throws the weight balance off.
10 Best Mechanical Pencils For Drawing Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MstrSktch Grip 1347 | | Best Grab and Go Set for Creating Drawings With Values From Light to Dark | |
2 | Pentel GraphGear 500｜PG527C | | Best Pencil for Drafting and Drawing That Requires Fine Control | |
3 | Bellofy Mechanical Pencil | | Best Set for Drawings With Lines and Shading | |
4 | Kaweco HB Mechanical Pencil | | Best to Hold Thick Leads for Smooth Shading | |
5 | Uni Kuru Toga Red｜M7450C1P.15 | | Best for Sketching Under Ink | |
6 | Staedtler Draft-Tec Retrac｜780SBK | | Best to Remind You What Lead You're Using | |
7 | Mr. Pen Mechanical Pencil Set | | Best Set for Line Drawings With Colored and Different-Thickness Leads | |
8 | Sakura SumoGrip｜50280 | | Best for Drawing Comfortably With an Ergonomic Grip | |
9 | Zebra Pen Z-Grip Plus 55403｜55403 | | Best to Dispense Lead Without Breaking Your Stride | |
10 | Pentel Multi 8 Lead Holder｜PH802 | | Best Single Mechanical Pencil for Coloring |
Best Grab and Go Set for Creating Drawings With Values From Light to Dark
Pros:
- Three lead hardness for three pencils
- Sharpeners in end caps
- Includes sandpaper file, indispensable for custom honing of lead points
- Comes with kneaded eraser
- Case is roomy enough to hold additional supplies
Cons:
- Keep track of which pencil has which lead; they're not labeled
This is a great set to create drawings that have a full range of shaded values, from the darkest blacks to the lightest grays. Then, use the kneaded eraser to get your white highlights! The two-millimeter leads can be sharpened with the end caps, or honed to a custom point with the included emery board.
Some reviewers say the pencils are heavier than they're used to, and beginners had trouble telling the leads apart after they were in the pencils. You might want to put stickers or marks on them. However, the vast majority of reviewers said this is a great set for those who draw a lot, especially if they like to get out of the studio.
Best Pencil for Drafting and Drawing That Requires Fine Control
Pros:
- Four-millimeter straight nib is easy to use with rulers and stencils
- Weighted for control
- Pencils are color-coded by lead size
- Included eraser with cap to keep it clean
Cons:
- Sleeve doesn't retract into the barrel
- Some reviewers say the eraser is small and wears down fast, but it's refillable
This mechanical pencil is weighted towards the tip to give you control while you draw. It is available in lead diameters ranging between 0.3 and 0.9 millimeters, which makes the series perfect for precise, detailed drawings, or for simple sketches.
Some reviewers reported defective pencils in which the lead would not advance forward. However, most appreciated the weighted tip because it helped them to draw steady lines. Others praised how comfortable the pencil was to use, especially when drawing for long periods of time.
Best Set for Drawings With Lines and Shading
Pros:
- Six pencils in varying thicknesses and lead hardnesses
- Refills and two additional vinyl erasers
- Built-in erasers or sharpeners on end caps
- Thinner lead pencils have rubber grips, lead holders have textured metal grips
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the gold ones are better than the other three
This set is great for those who need a variety of line thicknesses and light to dark shading. The three thinner pencils have erasers on their caps, and the lead holders have sharpeners. You also get a lot of lead refills and two large erasers.
A few reviewers said the thin leads break too easily, but there are many more positive reviews. They like that they're lightweight and comfortable to hold, and really appreciate the number of refills the set comes with.
Best to Hold Thick Leads for Smooth Shading
Pros:
- Built to last, with a brass barrel and German engineering
- Soft 5B graphite that's thick and perfect for smoothly blended shading
- Sharpener in end cap
Cons:
- Doesn't seem to come with an eraser
- You might notice your hand smells like brass after a while
If your drawings need evenly-blended shading, this clutch lead holder will fit your needs. It holds leads from 5.4 to 5.7 millimeters, and comes with one 5.6 5B soft graphite. It comes in four barrel finishes.
Reviewers point out that the brass smells metallic, so you may want to choose a chrome or black one if that might bother you. They love the weight and feel of it, however, saying it's simply a joy to draw with.
Best for Sketching Under Ink
Pros:
- Red lead contrasts with black ink on top for easy erasing
- Regular leads available too
- Rotating lead stays sharp
Cons:
- Purchase eraser refills separately
This mechanical pencil has a built-in lead rotation mechanism that turns the lead each time you lift the pencil off the paper. This prevents the tip from dulling, which makes it a great choice if you want consistent lines in your artwork. The included red lead is erasable.
Some reviewers wish that the red was a bit darker, but the majority said that the pencil helped them draw consistent lines. Others said that it was great for sketching and that lines were easy to erase.
Best to Remind You What Lead You're Using
Pros:
- Turn clip to clearly indicate what lead you've loaded
- End cap sharpener
- Manually advance the lead to your exact desired length
- Comes with vinyl eraser
Cons:
- Some reviewers thought it was too lightweight
This pencil has been in production for decades, but this new version has a useful feature added. The clip that holds it on your pocket can be rotated to indicate what kind of lead you put into it. It also features a built-in sharpener and comes with an eraser.
Some reviewers wished it was more weighty, and a few didn't like the 2H leads it comes with. However, they do say the leads are strong and consistent. Those who use it for drawing said it feels nice in the hand, is easy to use, and won't break.
Best Set for Line Drawings With Colored and Different-Thickness Leads
Pros:
- Five pencils in different lead thicknesses
- Each is clearly labeled for easy grabbing during drawing sessions
- Includes lead refills, eraser refills, and colored leads
- Two-millimeter pencil has a sharpener on the cap
- It all comes in a case
Cons:
- The tips can come unscrewed as you draw
- Some reviewers report frequent lead jams
- The colors are fun, but not the same quality as artists' colored pencils
This bundle features color-coded mechanical pencils in five different lead diameters ranging between 0.3 and 2 millimeters, including a built-in lead sharpener for the largest. Each pencil also has a soft, non-slip ribbed grip for comfortable drawing.
The tips of the pencil can come unscrewed too easily, according to some reviewers, and others said the lead breaks or jams up. Many more reviewers expressed that the pencils are fun to use and comfortable to hold, though.
Best for Drawing Comfortably With an Ergonomic Grip
Pros:
- Big, soft, triangular rubberized grip reduces hand fatigue during long drawing sessions
- Twist eraser is big, too
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Eraser can untwist and push down when using it, so you may need to hold it in place
- The grip can make it hard to control
If you’re looking for a mechanical pencil that can comfortably support your wrist while you draw, then this is the pencil for you. This mechanical pencil’s selling point is its ergonomic rubber grip and lightweight body, which minimize wrist and hand strain.
Some reviewers found that the thick grip made the pencil too difficult to use, and others mentioned the eraser tends to get pushed down. However, the majority of reviewers found the grip comfortable and said that the lead was very durable.
Best to Dispense Lead Without Breaking Your Stride
Pros:
- Advances lead by shaking, so you don't have to change your grip
- Twist-up erasers
- Soft, ergonomic barrel grip
Cons:
- They may not be the most durable
All it takes is a shake to advance lead with these mechanical pencils, rather than clicking a button to dispense more. They also sport a refillable twist-up eraser. The soft grip is comfortable for long drawing sessions.
A few reviewers reported that the tip broke, which rendered the pencil unusable. The majority of reviewers felt the pencil was durable, and they appreciated that the shake mechanism allowed them to advance lead without having to change their hand position.
Best Single Mechanical Pencil for Coloring
Pros:
- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and brown colored leads
- Pink and light blue are non-copy colors, but can also be used normally
Cons:
- It requires proper use to avoid jams and broken leads; read the instructions
- The colors aren't very erasable
If you’re always on the go or don’t like having a cluttered workspace, this multi-pencil may be the one for you. It holds eight colored leads in one mechanical pencil, which makes it perfect for coloring without having multiple pencils lying around.
Some reviewers complained that the barrel mechanism can sometimes get jammed when swapping between leads. Other reviewers were impressed by the feel of the leads, saying they're not waxy, and many appreciated how vibrant the colors are.
Expert-Recommended Erasers to Go With Your Pencil
Every pencil artist needs good erasers. They aren't just for correcting mistakes. You can use them to create highlights and other subtractive techniques. Think of them as another type of pencil! If you're looking for precision and a controlled way to erase, these will complement your mechanical pencils well.
Frequently Asked Questions
We asked Susan to answer some common questions about mechanical pencils. Read what she has to say!
How do mechanical pencils work?
Susan says, "There are a few different ways that they advance the lead. A clutch pencil like the Staedtler Mars 780 has a set of jaws that hold the lead in place. When you push the end button, the jaws open and the lead drops down. It can be adjusted manually to your desired length.
Most mechanical pencils use a ratchet system. These also have jaws that hold the lead in place, but when the button is pushed, they move the lead forward automatically (or can be pushed in and fully retracted.) Variations on this design are common.
Some use a weight to control the jaws when you shake the pencil. Others advance the lead on their own when the nib is depressed a certain amount, so you don't have to. And some rotate the lead every stroke, so they never lose sharpness unevenly."
Is mechanical pencil lead toxic?
Susan says, "Pencil lead is mainly graphite, with some clay and possibly oil mixed in. Pencils have never actually been made with the element lead; it's a misnomer resulting from inaccurate understanding of chemistry in the 1500s.
Mechanical pencil lead isn't particularly toxic, but I don't see any good reason to ingest it, either, so wash your hands after you're done sketching. And if you happen to stab yourself with it, it might leave a discolored mark under your skin if you don't get it washed out properly."
Other Art Tools to Add to Your Studio
Now that you've found the perfect mechanical pencil, be sure to check out the links below for other art supplies that will help you complete all of your new sketches!
In Collaboration With Artist Susan Lucier-Ogawa
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Mechanical Pencils For Drawing
No. 1: MstrSktch｜Grip 1347
No. 2: Pentel｜GraphGear 500｜PG527C
No. 3: Bellofy｜Mechanical Pencil
No. 4: Kaweco｜HB Mechanical Pencil
No. 5: Uni｜Kuru Toga Red｜M7450C1P.15
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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