Whether you are a writer, architect, designer, or 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 the backyard.
The 9 Best Mechanical Pencils
- Uni Core (M510171P.43) Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil
- Pentel PG1015A GraphGear Mechanical Pencil
- Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III 2-Pack Mechanical Pencil (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 Mechanical Pencil
- Parker Mechanical Pencil
- 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 QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III 2-Pack Mechanical Pencil.
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 AmazonBring 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 such as the Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil.
- Mechanical pencils may come in a small 1 or 2-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.
9 Best Mechanical Pencils – Reviews
1. Uni Core (M510171P.43) Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil
The Uni Core (M510171P.43) Keeps Sharp 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 everyday carry purposes, the pencil has a strong, removable pocket clip. Uni offers the mechanical pencil in gun metallic or silver, and in a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-pack, and the 1-pack comes with 2 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 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5
- One pack comes with 2 HB lead replacements
- Replacement erasers are also available from the manufacturer
Cons
- Not retractable
- Eraser is very tiny
2. Pentel PG1015A GraphGear Mechanical Pencil
A superior drafting pencil for architects, draftsmen, and artists, the Pentel PG1015A GraphGear 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 4 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 4 lead sizes
Cons
- Bit of a wobble in the tip
- Gets uncomfortable after a long time writing
3. Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III 2-Pack Mechanical Pencil
The Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III 2-Pack Mechanical Pencil 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 2 pencils and 2 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 2 pencils and 2 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 3 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
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, resists 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
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 Set will keep you prepared for any writing task.
This convenient kit comes with 2 mechanical pencils, 1 graphite lead replacement, and 2 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 2 Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils come in 4 great colors: aquamarine, lime green, purple, or magenta.
Paper Mate also offers the mechanical pencils in a 3-pack and a 5-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, 1 graphite lead replacement, and 2 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 2, 3, or 5-pack
- Refills available from the manufacturer
Cons
- Plastic barrel feels a bit flimsy
- Pencils wide barrel may be too bulky for some people
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 4 different lead sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9 mm, 30 x 4 HB lead refills, and 4 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 Supplies 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
7. Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil
Whether you need to take field notes, create beautiful designs on wood, or capture the beauty of an outdoor scene, the weatherproof Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil is a tough tool for rough conditions.
This uniquely designed mechanical pencil has a durable weatherproof 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, wood, or drywall.
The ergonomic barrel fits comfortably in your hand and the knurled-metal grip near the tip gives you a good grip even if you are wearing gloves. As the flexible texturized tip grips tightly, the lead will not snap at the tip or break in the shaft.
The extra-thick 1.3mm dark lead creates smooth and bold imprints and the lead advancing mechanism is easily activated with just a one-handed click. Removing any mistakes is very easy with the eraser. You can use the convenient pocket clip to keep the pen in your shirt pocket.
Although the mechanical pencil does not come with additional refills or erasers, an eraser 6-pack and a lead refill 12-pack are available at very affordable prices.
Rite in the Rain offers this mechanical pencil in yellow, black, flat dark earth, olive drab, and orange, and a 3-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Tough all-weather design
- Durable weatherproof resin barrel
- Writes at any angle and on just about any surface
- Ergonomic barrel fits comfortably in your hand
- Flexible texturized tip grips tightly and the lead will not snap at the tip or break in the shaft
- Wide metal knurled grip near the tip gives you a good grip and is glove-friendly
- Dark lead makes smooth and bold imprints
- Easy to use lead advancing mechanism is easily activated with just one-handed click
- Comes with an eraser
- Convenient pocket clip
- An eraser 6-pack and a lead refill 12-pack are available at very affordable prices
- Available in 5 colors and a 3-pack
Cons
- Eraser is not overly durable
- Additional erasers and refills have to be purchased separately
8. Parker Mechanical Pencil
This beautiful classic-style Parker Mechanical Pencil 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
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 everyday 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
Our Top Pick for the Best Mechanical Pencil
Our top pick for the best mechanical pencil is the Pentel QE517BP2-K6 Twist-Erase III 2-Pack Mechanical Pencil.
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
