As a designer or architect, one of the few things that make your work undesirable is having to either replace a pencil or sharpen one. It is time-consuming and steals your concentration from work, thus slowing down your project. But, what if you were to get the best mechanical pencil? Read on to see why a mechanical pencil is your best solution.
What is a Mechanical Pencil?
It is also called a clutch pencil, and it is a pencil that comes with a replaceable and mechanically extendable lead. When writing and drawing, this pencil pushes the lead forward mechanically to eliminate the need to sharpen. Unlike traditional wooden pencils, the mechanical pencil is not bonded to the outer casing, making the pushing possible.
Mechanical pencils are great options for writers and drawers. With a perfect writing tip, you will enjoy clean handwriting and a consistent line width if drawing. That's not all; a mechanical pencil is also refillable because it is not bonded to the outer casing. You can always add a new one to the stud when your lead is finished and continue with your project.
That said, let's look at some of the best mechanical pencils you can get today. We will talk about the features, pros, and cons of each, and later on, also discuss what factors you may need to consider before buying one.
Best Mechanical Pencils
1. Best Mechanical Pencil: Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil
- The Kuru Toga Series from Uni-ball Mitsubishi has a core rotation...
- At first the pencil has a sharp point, but after that when you...
- But using Kuru Toga pencil, you will not have to face the above...
- Lead size : 0.5mm
- Japan Import
If you have used a traditional wooden pencil before, you understand how frustrating it can be to try and maintain perfect handwriting or consistent drawing. With every scribble, the lead changes form in more than one way. Then, it also shortens, and you have to sharpen it again. Now, as your pencil gets shorter, you lose more balance and grip, meaning you won't likely get the perfection you need.
If you use a mechanical pencil such as this Uni Kuru Toga model, these are challenges you won't have to encounter again. Firstly, the pencil has a core rotation mechanism that automatically adjusts the lead as you write or draw. This mechanism uses a spring-loaded clutch that twists the lead incrementally every time you stop scribbling.
The pencil stays sharp and has an o.5mm lead size. In addition, the casing is available in different colors and features knurled grips so the pencil won't slip off as you work. Its nose cone is made with fine metal, and it also comes with a replaceable eraser which is also safe for children.
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2. Best For Writing: Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil
- Handcrafted with watchmaker's tools for precision, beauty and...
- The only Capped Pencil in the U.S.A. For ultimate pocket and...
- Removable cap provides proper balance while writing and protects...
- Elegantly sized to fit comfortably in pockets & purses
- Comes in a clear plastic box; ideal for gift giving
The Pentel Sharp Kerry is designed with a cap, so it looks like a very classy ballpoint pen when not in use. Another feature that makes it unique is the size of the drafting sleeve. If you compare it to any of the best mechanical pencils from another brand, the drafting sleeve appears almost half the size. This size allows the same precision, but it also more than minimizes the risk of breakages.
The Pentel Sharp Kerry also comes with a cap, unlike most mechanical pencils in the market. You will love the cap for protection if you carry the pencil in your pocket. Additionally, you will also love that you can use the pencil with or without the cap.
To advance the lead, you will use the Pentel click mechanism, and you can click with the cap on or off. Beneath the stainless aluminum button, you will also find a tiny eraser that you can use if you don't have an extra one by your desk.
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3. Best for Drawing: Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencil
- An iconic tool meant for a lifetime of use; The Full metal body...
- Brass mechanism allows Precision lead advancement; Lead hardness...
- Hexagonal shape avoids sliding on drawing tables; Design, pattern...
- The fixed lead guidance sleeve prevents breakage and gives you a...
- Limited Warranty: Guaranteed for 2 years from original purchase...
When drawing, you need a pencil that provides the best grip and a view of the drawing surface. The best mechanical pencil for technical drawing is this Rotring 600 that comes with a metallic grip featuring knurled grips for the best non-slip holding. In addition, it also offers an unimpeded view of the page you are working on, making it ideal for drawing and writing.
When drawing, you need to concentrate on the project, so the last thing you need is your pencil rolling off the table the moment you set it down. Fortunately, this Rotring 600 mechanical pencil comes with a metallic, hexagonal body that keeps it in place when you lay it on the table. Additionally, it comes with an ergonomically enhanced barrel that allows better weight distribution so you can use the pencil for long periods.
This pencil uses a brass mechanism to propel the lead forward as you work, and it is available in o.5 and 0.7 mm lead sizes. It is relatively affordable and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
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4. Best For Grip: Mr. Pen- Mechanical Pencil Set with Anti Skidding Grip
- Mr. Pen mechanical pencil set offers 5 versatile pencils in sizes...
- Each pencil features a stylish pastel-colored metal body with a...
- The set includes 5 tubes of HB lead refills (one for each size)...
- Designed for reliable performance, the pencils deliver consistent...
- Packaged in a durable, clear case, this complete set makes an...
The Mr. Pen-Mechanical Pencil Set stands out as a great option to those who require flexibility in a writing/drawing tool. This set comprises five metal graphite pencil sharpened and recommended for fine works, general writing, and bold drawing; they come in five sizes: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 2.0mm. Anti-skid grip is available on every pencil; the thin and lightweight structure of every pencil is designed to improve control and minimize fatigue to the hand. The metal tips can last long and the quality of the lead entails easy gliding and no breaking.
The most unique capability of this pencil set is its flexibility to use. They include the 0.3mm for fine works and the 2.0mm for those who want to go big in their artwork. Whether one is designing, shading, writing, or sketching, the firm grasp and constant non-stick lead provide a practical experience. All in all, the Mr. Pen-Mechanical Pencil Set is a perfect value and utility product that is a fantastic purchase for students, artists, and working professionals.
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5. Best Budget: BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil
- One 24-count pack of BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils With...
- Thick lead mechanical pencil offers dependable performance with...
- Lead advances quickly and erases easily for tidy writing and...
- Colorful barrel design makes these pencils ideal for sharing
- The perfect number 2 mechanical pencils for school supplies
The BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil is a sturdy and effective pencil set for use. As these mechanical pencils are made from 0.9mm thick lead, they do not break easily, which is good for those who exert pressure on the pencil or those who use it for drawing. The butter-smooth surface produces crisp, clear, and clean text, and the colors of the barrel are not only fun but also practical for your writing instruments. These pencils are easy to use since they don't require sharpening and is convenient when working on exams or other detailed tasks.
The BIC Xtra-Strok pencil uses extra-strong 0.9mm graphite indispensable for writing, drawing and sketching. It’s a refillable type that has a lead system, thus making it to be environmentally friendly; the eraser ensures that erased marks are clean. The barrel itself is very lightweight and shaped ergonomically for comfortable use for long periods of time, and the design is very striking.
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Advantages of Using the Best Mechanical Pencils
If you have been using regular, wood-cased pencils and are not sure if mechanical pencils will be better, here are some of the advantages you are sure to enjoy.
- You will not need to sharpen. The most significant advantage of using the best mechanical pencils is that you will never have to sharpen them, and they will never get blunt. You will notice that each comes with a lead advancement mechanism that pushes the lead forward to keep it fresh and sharp. If you invest in the best, like the Uni Kuru Toga on this list, you will enjoy the way it automatically rotates the lead when you stop scribbling.
- They are better for drawing and writing. If you use pencils a lot, you know they can mess up your projects when they start dulling or even shortening. With mechanical pencils, you get a consistent line width, and when the lead wears, you can replace it.
- They are refillable. When your leads wear, you will load the studs with new ones and continue your projects.
- They offer better balance. When using a regular pencil, it shortens the more you sharpen it, which affects the balance and grip. Luckily, the mechanical pencils only need you to refill the leads, thus never affecting balance and grip.
Factors to Consider for the Best Mechanical Pencil
While you can pick any of the best mechanical pencils on this list and in the market, it is better to pay attention to more details to get the best one for your needs. The most important factors are;
a) Lead adjustment mechanism
The fact that you won't need to sharpen your pencil is exciting. But, you will need to pick the best lead-advancing mechanism for a better experience. These are some mechanisms.
- The kuru toga mechanism. It automatically adjusts your lead for even wear.
- Click-advance. With this mechanism, you will need to click at the top of the pencil, sometimes on the eraser, to push the lead forward.
- Side click mechanism. This mechanism uses a button on the side that you push to advance the lead.
- The shaker mechanism. These mechanical pencils also come with a push-button, but you can sake them, so the weight inside the pencils falls on the button to advance the lead.
b) Lead size and grade
The best mechanical pencils come with three main lead sizes; 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9mm. Still, you can find other lead widths, such as 0.3 mm, so the size depends on how you want to use the pencils.
The lead grade also matters; you need a different strength or shade for different functions, so you can pick between HB, 2B, and more grades.
c) Grip
Since the casing of the best mechanical pencil will not change in size, you will need to pick one that guarantees no hand and finger fatigue and is comfortable to hold.
d) Style
There are two styles you can choose between for your mechanical pencils. The best pencils can either be retractable or capped. While this rarely affects the quality of the lead, it is an excellent way to make a statement in class or workstation.
e) Casing materials
When the best mechanical pencils, you need to look at the quality of the lead and the stud as well. Some mechanical pencils will come with plastic casings, aluminum casings, stainless steel casings, and more materials you can pick from. The build also determines durability.
Who Can Use the Best Mechanical Pencil?
While the world slowly moves on towards using keyboards or pens for writing, several groups of professionals and students still rely on an excellent pencil to accomplish their tasks. You will benefit from mechanical pencils of you are;
- A writer for good handwriting.
- An architect. It is best for drawing precise schematics or sketching new designs.
- A mathematician. It is suitable for drawing graphs and solve equations that would also require lots of erasing.
- An artist. It would be best if you had a mechanical drafting pencil for better, consistent sketching.
