The Best Mechanical Pencil of 2023
You can create a masterpiece every time the creative motivation moves you with this fantastic list of the best mechanical pencils!
Technology has really advanced, but nothing beats the nostalgic sweetness of using a good ol’ pencil. Whether you are making art, working on something technical, or simply doodling, pencils always have that authentic, old-fashioned appeal. But you know what is even more appealing than your traditional pencil? A mechanical pencil.
Although a mechanical pencil serves the same purpose as a traditional pencil, it boasts distinctive attributes that enhance its usability and aesthetic appeal. These pencils are refillable, have a constant line width, and do not need sharpening.
Mechanical pencils are small and relatively cheap, so more and more hit the market daily. Choosing one out of the numerous options be an arduous. Luckily, we have made this list of the best mechanical pencils to help you make an informed choice.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
2. Runner Up
Pentel Quicker Clicker
3. Cost Effective
Uni Mechanical Pencil
4. Almost Made the Cut
Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
1. Best Product
Best For Precise Lines
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
This pencil is a work of art and boasts a perfectly contoured metallic barrel.
Specifications
- Weight
- 0.704 ounces
- Dimensions
- 0.63 x 6 x 0.63 inches
- Refillable
- Yes
- Eraser
- Yes, replaceable
- Closure
- Retractable
- Pencil Lead Degree: (Hardness)
- HB
- Point Type
- Fine
Pros
Sophisticated Metallic Barrel- Comfortable Weight Distribution
- 0.5mm Lead Diameter
- Built-in Lead Hardness Indicator
- Soft, Latex-Free Grip Pads
Cons
Underwhelming Eraser
Previous Customer Experience
| Quality of Material |   | 5 |
| Easy to Hold | | 4.7 |
| Weight Distribution | | 4.7 |
| Comfort | | 4.6 |
| Durability | | 4.6 |
| Ergonomic | | 4.6 |
Who It’s For
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is suitable for people who prefer the traditional drafting pencil's heavy and hard feel. Its metal material contributes to its weight and is also ideal for people who love the cool metal feel. The pencil is also of value to drafters, artists, and architects because it retains the traditional feel of a drafting pencil while offering the features of a mechanical pencil.
Why It’s Great
The barrel has chiseled metal dotted with soft latex pads, which gives a firm hold and superior comfort. The GraphGear 1000 is a good investment for its durability and good function. The pencil features a high-quality eraser that is easy to find a replacement for. The eraser’s firmness beats that of the other picks. The eraser effortlessly comes out of the pencil so that you can comfortably increase the amount of eraser you want to use. The lead grade is between soft and hard, making it suitable for both light and heavy writers.
Potential Flaws
The flaws of the Pentel GraphGear 1000 come down to preference. On the one hand, some customers did not like the over-fancy of the pencil, and others did not like how heavy it felt in their hands or pockets. Also, the click-retract action of the pen may be painful if it catches your finger in it.
Other Features
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 comes in varying colors, according to their sizes. Our pick is a 0.5mm one and it comes in grey. 0.3mm is brown, 0.7mm is blue, and 0.9mm is yellow. The colors help for easy identification. The metal tip is retractable; you only need to push the top of the clip, which gives an oddly satisfying spring click. The pencil has a small window by the side which acts as an indicator of the lead grade. The pencil has a very detailed and beautiful traditional look.
2. Runner Up
Best For Everyday Writing
Pentel Quicker Clicker
The trusty quick clicker is a timeless writing tool that will see you through your life's chapters
Specifications
- Weight
- 0.8 Ounces
- Dimensions
- 0.6 x 2.7 x 7.4 inches
- Closure
- Button
- Number of Items
- 1 Pack of 2 Pencils
- Eraser
- Yes, replaceable
- Barrel Material
- Plastic
Pros
- Convenient Retractable Design
- Soft, Ribbed Grip
- Refillable Lead And Eraser
- Convenient Side Button Propels The Lead Forward
Cons
- The Metal Sleeve At The Tip Can Poke Pockets
- Lackluster Plastic Barrel
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to Hold | | 4.8 |
| Comfort | | 4.8 |
| Durability | | 4.6 |
| Sheerness | | 4.6 |
Who It’s For
The Pentel Quicker Clicker is excellent for heavy writers. The lead is fine, and the pencil design allows heavy writers to write for a long time without cramping their hands. It is also good for you if you are working on a budget but need a good-functioning pencil.
Why It’s Great
Coming in three line widths – 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm – the Pentel Quicker Clicker's lead is a standard graphite grade. The graphite grade can also be called the No.2 grade. The lead grade can also come in shades of blue and violet, unlike traditional black. The high-quality eraser of the pencil does not leave any smears from using it. It is competitively priced, second only to the Uni Kurutoga Pipe Slide pencil. The transparent barrel of the Pentel Quicker Clicker is excellent because it lets you see how much lead you have used and when you jam your pencil.
Potential Flaws
The grip wears out with time. From the reviews online, customers do not fancy the side advance compared to traditional mechanical pencils' click at the top. The eraser refills may be hard to find in physical stores, although they are readily available online.
Other Features
It comes in many colors, so you will undoubtedly find something suitable for you. The sleek and smooth design is attractive, and the side-advance button gives you access to more lead without demanding a change in your hand position.
3. Cost Effective
Best For Self-Sharpening
Uni Mechanical Pencil
The unique rotating lead mechanism keeps it sharp and smooth for consistent writing
Specifications
- Weight
- 0.64 ounces
- Dimensions
- 7.6 x 0.6 x 2 inches
- Barrel Material
- Plastic
- Closure
- Twist
- Point Type
- Fine
Pros
- Convenient Rotating Lead Mechanism
- Ergonomic Design
- 0.55mm Lead Diameter
- Affordable
Cons
- Tiny Eraser
- No Rubberized Grip
Previous Customer Experience
| Sturdiness | | 4.8 |
| Easy to Hold | | 4.6 |
| Comfort | | 4.5 |
| Sheerness | | 4.5 |
| Ergonomic | | 4.4 |
Who It’s For
Go for the Kurutoga Pipe Slide pencil if you are particular about the consistency and cleanliness of your writing and want it to be perfect. The pencil is great if you are looking for quality at an affordable price. The pipe slide is best for heavy writers because the pipe slides inwards as the lead gets smaller. This mechanism will ensure you do not snap the lead.
Why It’s Great
The Kurotoga Pipe Slide pencil beats others when it comes to price. It is cheap and provides unique functions, making it very competitive. The barrel is made of plastic, making it lightweight and great for those who prefer a lighter pencil. Because it is light, you will also not have to worry about bending the tip. The lead is of a soft grade; it is not scratchy and offers a smooth feel and high writing quality. The cap of the eraser keeps it from getting dirty when you are not using the pencil.
Potential Flaws
It is unsuitable for drafting because the tip does not have that extra width and length. The grip is a little wavy and may feel big in your fingers. The eraser of the Kurotoga Pipe Slide is relatively small, and the plastic clip tends to snap off easily. The lead advancement of the pencil is small and will require more clicks to get your desired lead.
Other Features
The grip is transparent, so you can take comfort in seeing the inner workings of your pencil. The pencil has a fantastic feature — it spins the lead in the shaft to give you a more precise, consistent, and clean line.
4. Almost Made the Cut
Best For Drafting
Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
A well-balanced mechanical pencil that offers optimal control for precise writing.
Specifications
- Weight
- 0.317 ounces
- Dimensions
- 5.63 x 0.47 x 0.31 inches
- Closure
- Retractable
- Grip Type
- Ribbed
- Line Size
- 0.5 mm
Pros
- Durable Metal Body
- Lead Hardness Indicator
- Stylish Finish
- Supports Five Lead Sizes
Cons
- Knurled Grip May Feel Uncomfortable
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to hold | | 4.7 |
| Comfort | | 4.6 |
| Ergonomic | | 4.6 |
| Sheerness | | 4.4 |
| Durability | | 4.1 |
Who It’s For
Staedtler is a household name regarding writing instruments, and the Staedtler 925 25-05 is no exception. This high-quality drafting pencil from the Silver series has a 0.5mm lead, perfect for smooth, precise lines.
Why It’s Great
Unlike pencils with a metal tip and plastic body, the Staedtler 925 25-05 is all-metal and weighs about 9 grams. Although this entry-level drafting pencil seems lighter than most pencils with metal barrels, it still feels well-balanced and comfortable. The barrel has a small, adjustable lead hardness indicator and an eraser under the cap. Between the long lead sleeve and stylish barrel sits a knurled section that provides a secure grip.
Potential Flaws
The major drawback of the Staedtler 925 25-05 is that it’s too thick to fit Staedtler’s rotary lead pointer, and getting a sharpener that works is a nightmare. The knurled grip is to prevent the pencil from sliding while in use. However, the concentric grooves are as rough as sandpaper and can feel uncomfortable after some time.
Other Features
Going by the price and click-to-advance mechanism, the Staedtler 925 25-05 is a dependable and stylish mechanical pencil, not just a lead holder. The push button at the top advances the lead gradually, but you can grab and pull it to a desired length.
Who This Is For
This list is perfect for artists, architects, and people involved in careers related to art and drawing. Maybe you also just like how it feels to scribble with a pencil on a piece of paper.
You will also love this list if you prefer pencils to pens because they let you erase mistakes. Also, this list is for people who spend a fortune on regular pencils and want something more sustainable.
Mechanical vs. regular pencils
Although the choice always boils down to what you want, there are several reasons you may choose to go for a mechanical pencil over a regular one. Here are some key differences between the two types;
No sharpening required
Sharpening a pencil can be stressful and a bit messy. Therefore, mechanical pencils save the time and energy you’d otherwise have spent sharpening a regular pencil.
Consistent line width
Unlike regular pencils, which have to be freshly sharpened to write with a fine line, a mechanical pencil gives a consistent line at all times. The line from a mechanical pencil will not get thicker as you continue writing.
Refillable
This is the unique feature of mechanical pencils. You can use the lead of a mechanical pencil and replace it when it finishes.
Consistent balance
Unlike regular pencils, the length and balance of mechanical pencils don’t change as you use them. Regular pencils lose shape and eventually balance as you keep sharpening them.
Different styles and materials of construction
Regular pencils have wood as their primary mode of construction. On the other hand, mechanical pencils come in different materials and styles. They could have metal or plastic parts, and you can use them as luxury goods or technical tools.
Is it worth splurging on?
A good mechanical pencil is worth it because it is something you are going to incredibly enjoy using. Investing in a sophisticated mechanical pencil guarantees you never have to worry about constantly re-buying regular pencils.
Why You Should Trust Us
To help you make the best choice, we carefully reviewed the numerous mechanical pencils available. We took note of key factors like lead advancement and grade, types of barrel and nibs, cost, and eraser performance.
How We Picked
In our evaluation, we considered essential features of mechanical pencils to give you choices worth every dime you spend on them. We know that the most expensive products are not always the best. So, we picked mechanical pencils with all the right features that go for just a few dollars.
Lead grade
Although our links will take you to the 0.5mm wide size of the pencils, we selected pencils that have two or more lead size options so you can have variety. We chose lead grades that produce quality writing, bearing in mind the mechanism involved in advancing them. Standard mechanical pencils are retractable. However, the producers of our top pick and most cost-effective mechanical pencils make capped versions if you like.
Type of barrel
Our selections include mechanical pencils in different colors and styles, so you can choose a design that suits you. We also considered the type and material of the pencil’s barrel as it affects the pencil’s weight, looks, and feel. The barrel type also goes a long way toward determining how comfortable you will find the pencil. Finally, we also picked based on the quality and position of the eraser, ensuring it is easy to use and refill.
How We Picked
Lead Grade
The lead grade represents how hard or soft a pencil's lead is and the shade it produces. Heavy writers need lighter grades and vice versa.
Type of Barrel and Nib
The type of barrel affects a mechanical pencil's grip, design, weight, and comfort. The nib size determines the size and style of writing.
Eraser
What is a pencil without an eraser? The best mechanical pencils have erasers that are easy to use and refill.
Price
Quality is not always price-dependent. Our picks include amazing mechanical pencils with top-notch functions for a few dollars.
Care and Maintenance
Your mechanical pencil will last you a long time if you know how to take care of it properly. That is why they make such great gifts for graduations and job promotions.
Typically, mechanical pencils do not require any special cleaning. However, they need correct maintenance to last a while. Here are some ways to maintain your mechanical pencil to make it last longer.
Properly extend your mechanical pencil’s lead
Different mechanical pencils have different mechanisms for extending the lead within. These mechanisms include;
Push-button mechanical pencils come with a button at the top. There could also be an eraser attached to the button. A push-button mechanical pencil requires you to push the button as often as possible to get your desired amount of lead.
Shaker mechanical pencils are a more sophisticated lot. The shaker function is usually added to and not as a replacement for the push button ones. You need to shake them up and down (not sideways) until you get your desired lead.
Twist mechanical pencils demand you twist the nose cone or knob of the pencil to get your desired lead.
Carefully adhering to your mechanical pencil’s lead extension mechanism will enable its extended use.
Retract your mechanical pencil’s lead when necessary
Sometimes, you may overextend the lead of your mechanical pencil. In that case, you need to withdraw some of the lead, so it does not snap off when you use the pencil.
Mechanical pencils lead
Your mechanical pencil can last for months, but not the lead. In time, you will need to change or replace it. Firstly, you need to have the correct size and grade of lead for your particular mechanical pencil. A lead size wider than your pencil will make it jam and the lead lodge inside. On the other hand, if your lead size is too narrow, it will fall out.
Proper refilling
For the push button and shaker mechanical pencils, press and hold the button at the pencil’s top (or side). While holding the button, tap the pencil upright to clear it of any lead particles. Insert the new lead into the shaft and release the button. Push the button or shake to get your desired new lead.
For pencils with a twist mechanism, twist the nose cone or knob clockwise to open the shaft fully. Insert the new lead into the shaft and twist anticlockwise to tighten. Twist clockwise again to get your desired new lead.
Troubleshooting problems
A non-refillable pencil, the wrong lead size, failed mechanism, and an already jammed shaft are why the lead will not be able to go into the shaft of your pencil.
A short lead is the cause of your lead pushing back into the pencil when you try to use it. Replace the lead.
A partial jam in your pencil will cause the lead to break when you try to extend it. Use a harder lead grade if your lead keeps breaking every time you try to use your pencil.
When not in use, retract the tip of your retractable mechanical pencils and keep them in your pockets or drawers. If your pencil is not retractable, do not keep it in your pockets; look for a drawer or pencil case and put it there.
Sources and Research
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