10Best.Guide

Mechanical Pencil

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Lasts a long time
  • Variety of lead thickness
  • Smooth writing
  • Convenient bulk pack
  • Different lead sizes in one pack
Cons
  • Leads fall out
  • Gets dirty easily
Bottom Line
The Bic mechanical pencils are a good choice for those who want a variety of lead thicknesses and a convenient bulk pack. However, they may have issues with leads falling out, getting dirty easily, and small bits of lead falling out.
Pros
  • Feels great to write and sketch with
  • Sturdy construction and good weight
  • Comfortable to use and hold
  • Spare leads and erasers included in gift set
  • Built-in practicality with a good design
Cons
  • Goes through lead quickly
  • Eraser doesn't erase as well as expected
Bottom Line
The Pentel mechanical pencil is a solid product with a good design and sturdy construction. It is comfortable to use and comes with spare leads and erasers in a gift set. However, it can go through lead quickly and the eraser may not work as well as expected. The plastic inner piece of the pencil can break easily and the pencil may slip out of grip with sweaty hands.
Pros
  • Fine point that doesn't break easily
  • Design accommodates people who press hard on lead
  • Feels like a pen
  • Long-lasting adjustable eraser
  • Shock absorber tip reduces lead breakage
Cons
  • Not break-resistant as advertised
  • Eraser collapses into the pencil when lead is extracted
Bottom Line
These mechanical pencils have a fine point, shock absorber tip, and long-lasting eraser, but they are not as break-resistant as advertised and have some design flaws. They are good for day-to-day use but may not be the best option for heavy use or travel.
Pros
  • Great build quality
  • Unique rotating mechanism
  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Maintains lead sharpness
  • Smooth writing
Cons
  • Not for fast writers
  • May jam after extended use
Bottom Line
The Kuru Toga Roulette mechanical pencil is a well-built and innovative pencil with a unique rotating mechanism that maintains lead sharpness. It is perfect for fine detail work and art, but may not be suitable for fast writers and may cause hand fatigue. The eraser is small and it may jam after extended use.
Pros
  • Sturdy and dependable
  • Comfortable to use
  • Chic and stylish
  • Good value for money
  • Lead lasts a long time
Cons
  • Lead breaks easily
  • Newer versions have lower quality lead and erasers
Bottom Line
These mechanical pencils are a good value for money and have a stylish design. However, the lead can break easily and the newer versions have lower quality lead and erasers.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Mechanical Pencil

Overview

Mechanical pencils are a great tool for artists, architects, engineers, and anyone who needs to make precise and accurate lines. They are also perfect for students who need to take notes or do sketches. Unlike traditional pencils, mechanical pencils have a refillable lead that can be extended or retracted with a push of a button. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of mechanical pencils, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you choose the best mechanical pencil for your needs.

Types

1. Clutch Pencils: Clutch pencils have a mechanism that clutches the lead, holding it in place. These pencils are best for heavy-duty work and are commonly used by artists, drafters, and engineers.

2. Click Pencils: Click pencils are the most common type of mechanical pencils. They have a button on the top that advances the lead. These pencils are perfect for everyday use, note-taking, and drawing.

3. Twist Pencils: Twist pencils have a twist mechanism that advances the lead. They are similar to click pencils but require a twist instead of a push. These pencils are great for those who prefer a more tactile experience.

Key Considerations

1. Lead Size: Mechanical pencils come in different lead sizes, ranging from 0.3mm to 2mm. The lead size you choose will depend on your needs. Thinner leads are great for detailed work, while thicker leads are best for shading and filling in large areas.

2. Grip: The grip of a mechanical pencil is important for comfort and control. Look for a pencil with a comfortable grip that is easy to hold and does not slip.

3. Refillability: Make sure the mechanical pencil you choose is refillable, so you don't have to keep buying new pencils.

4. Durability: Look for a mechanical pencil that is durable and can withstand heavy use.

5. Price: Mechanical pencils come in a range of prices. Determine your budget and choose a pencil that fits within it.

Features

1. Eraser: Some mechanical pencils come with an eraser attached to the end of the pencil. This is a convenient feature for those who make mistakes often.

2. Lead Hardness Indicator: Some mechanical pencils have a lead hardness indicator that shows the hardness of the lead. This is helpful for those who use different types of leads for different tasks.

3. Clip: A clip on the mechanical pencil can be useful for carrying the pencil in a pocket or attaching it to a notebook.

Prices

Mechanical pencils can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. The price you pay will depend on the features and quality of the pencil. A good quality mechanical pencil can be found for around $20.

Tips

1. Test the pencil before buying it to ensure it feels comfortable in your hand.

2. Consider buying a set of different lead sizes to have on hand for different tasks.

3. Keep spare lead on hand so you don't run out in the middle of a project.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular pencil lead in a mechanical pencil?

A: - No, mechanical pencils require special lead that is designed to fit the mechanism of the pencil.

Q: How do I refill a mechanical pencil?

A: - Refilling a mechanical pencil is easy. Simply remove the eraser and insert the new lead into the barrel of the pencil.

Q: How do I choose the right lead size for my needs?

A: - The lead size you choose will depend on your needs. Thinner leads are great for detailed work, while thicker leads are best for shading and filling in large areas. Experiment with different lead sizes to find what works best for you.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Writes smoothly and dark
  • Erasers work fine without any smudge
  • Affordable
  • Comes with 3 pieces of lead
  • Good for little kids
Cons
  • Not all colors advertised are included
  • Lead breaks easily
Bottom Line
These Bicmatic pencils are affordable, cute, and easy to use. They write smoothly and dark, and come with 3 pieces of lead. However, be aware that not all colors advertised are included, and the lead and eraser quality is not consistent. Additionally, some buyers may be disappointed by the lack of sparkles or the metallic finish.
Pros
  • Thicker lead for darker print
  • Extended eraser
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Side click to release graphite
  • Removable eraser
Cons
  • Eraser retracts while erasing
  • Plastic clip breaks easily
Bottom Line
The Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil is a comfortable and moderately priced option with a thicker lead for darker print and an extended eraser. However, it has some design flaws such as the retracting eraser and easily breakable plastic clip. The quality has also decreased over time.
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Smooth and comfortable to use
  • Lead advance and exposed length of lead are short, reducing lead breakage
  • Best eraser that stays up when erasing
  • Lead is smooth and strong
Cons
  • Loose eraser that twists out of place
  • Inconsistent color delivery
Bottom Line
The Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil is a durable and comfortable option with a smooth and strong lead. However, some users may experience issues with the eraser and color delivery.
Pros
  • Thicker lead that breaks less often.
  • Well-priced collection that produces clear and clean text.
  • Durable and can withstand pressure.
  • No need for a sharpener.
  • Strong and exceptional quality.
Cons
  • Inconsistent color assortment.
  • Defective pencils that don't hold the lead tightly enough.
Bottom Line
BIC Xtra-Strong mechanical pencils are a well-priced collection that produces clear and clean text with thicker lead that breaks less often. However, there are some issues with inconsistent color assortment, defective pencils, and the inability to retract the lead.
Pros
  • Economical choice
  • Vibrant colors
  • Good quality casings
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Quick delivery
Cons
  • Environmentally unfriendly
  • Small erasers
Bottom Line
These mechanical pencils are a good value for the price, but they have some drawbacks such as small erasers and low-quality lead. They are a good choice for short-term use, but not ideal for long-term use or for those who prioritize environmental sustainability.
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