10 Best Mechanical Pencil For Drawing in 2020 – Review & Buying Guide

Nowadays, everything is switching to smart. So why not move ahead from the idea of traditional pencils to something more fancy and cool; Mechanical Pencils.

These pencils enhance your writing experience and allow you to enjoy every bit you jot down on paper.

Furthermore, learn everything you need to know about the best mechanical pencil for drawing and purchase yours today.

Mechanical pencils have a premium look yet at the same time comfortable to give a firm grip.

The excellent cover and top of the pencil look unique but very well perform the function of a pencil.

With this in mind, let’s scroll down to find out the best mechanical pencil that suits your requirements. Check out another product review of teacher bag, tea kettle, etc.

Comparison Table of Mechanical Pencil For Drawing

Image	Brand name	View Details
Pentel	Size: 0.3/0.5/0.7/0.9mm Tech: Auto Drafting, Refillable For: Professionals & Enthusiasts	Check Price
Uni	Size: 0.5mm Pencil + Lead 2 Set For: Any Purpose	Check Price
Pentel Twist	Size: 0.7mm Tech: Auto Draft, Refillable For: Any Purpose	Check Price
Rotring	Size: 0.3/0.5/0.7mm Tech: Brass Mechanism For: Professional	Check Price
BIC	Size: 0.9mm Tech: Colorful Barrel Use: Ideal For Student	Check Price
Pentel PG525A	Size: 0.5mm Tech: Auto Draft For: All Purpose	Check Price
Paper Mate	Size: 0.7mm Tech: Shock-Absorbing Tip For: All Purpose	Check Price
Paper Mate	Size: 1.3mm Tech: Refillable Use: Great For Students	Check Price
Pentel Sharp	Size: 0.5mm Tech: Auto Draft Use: Any Purpose, Ideal For Gift	Check Price
Pilot Dr. Grip	Size: 0.5mm Tech: Refillable Use: Professional	Check Price

Top 10 Best Mechanical Pencil For Drawing Reviews

01. Pentel Graph Gear – Best Pick

 

Highlighted Features

• Top-quality Hi polymer material
• Dual-action retractor design
• No breakage
• Refillable

The Pentel Graph Gear is a premium drafting pencil that is specially designed for professionals and enthusiasts. The 0.33mm lead gives it extra-fine lines that reflect consistency and density.

The finely chiseled grip made from sturdy metal is combined with soft latex-free pads for writers to reap the extra comfort. The ergonomic structure of the pencil is ideal with a weighted barrel.

The fixed sleep that measures 4mm prevents the lead from breaking and optimum for template work.

The reliable lead indicator attached to the barrel ensures the writer to choose its preference and style of writing.

It helps the user to select which degree to write in. The pencil has a removable pocket clip for your convenience.

So, you can attach the pencil with your pant pocket or shirt pocket before going anywhere.

This means it’s a small tool without adding additional weight and space in your pocket. The top can be easily pushed to advance lead.

The material of lead is pentel super Hi-polymer, which you don’t need to sharpen and is similar to a #2 pencil.

The Hi-polymer lead is refillable, so you contribute a decisive role to the environment by recycling it.

The lead is of best-quality that produces a dark line to have a clear image.

The dual-action retractor designed in pencil prevents lead from breaking again and again while at the same time interrupting your work.

You can get many colors in pencil as well as various sizes in the lead too. Some people have a problem recognizing the best lead for their pencils.

While some doubt if it would be the perfect size for their pencils or not?

But, by purchasing this pencil, you don’t have to identify the perfect lead type as it has already a built-in lead hardness indicator.

02. Uni Mechanical Pencil

 

Highlighted Features

• Rotatable lead
• Prevents breakage
• Smooth writing
• Durable design

You must be aware of the frustration when a lead breaks while at the same time interrupting your essential work.

However, no worries, this is one of the best mechanical pencils that is a convenient solution for your problem.

This problem usually occurs while rotating the pencil to the degree that gives you comfort to write.

The Kuru Toga is crafted in a skillful way to solve every flaw that you face in by a standard pencil.

The pencil has a built-in mechanism that rotates the lead whenever you use it.

Due to its constant rotate, the lead never becomes sharp or dull. Thus it gives the same results as before.

The pencil functions smoothly and is reliable stationery that is a must for your meetings, presentations, or college (if you are a student).

The pencil gives a sharper and thinner line to present your work neatly.

Some people who have not used any mechanical pencil before should need to know why rotating leads are necessary to have?

That is when you write slowly, smearing the lead against a page while writing, and not turning the pencil in different degrees ends up with a flat edge that produces more full lines and imperfect drawing.

The Kuru Toga is imported from Japan, which has sturdy metal components along with a bit of weight.

The sturdy metal structure is usually loved by the college student over a plastic pencil, which might easily break.

The knurled grip gives firm hold of the pencil so that you can write it accurately and neatly.

03. Pentel Twist-Erase III

 

Highlighted Features

• Convenient eraser
• Well balanced grip
• Consistent writing
• Refillable

The usual problem with mechanical pencils is the size of its eraser. However, the best feature Pentel Twist-Erase holds is its eraser.

This has solved the problem by attaching a sufficient eraser on top of the pencil.

These are simple-looking mechanical pencils with no extra gadgets.

The twist-erase twists out with a decent size of an eraser, so no more complaints by college students as college students prefer convenient stationery rather than buying eraser and a pencil separately.

Thus, it is an ideal option for students as well as for people who have a habit of noting down in their notebooks.

The shape is crafted in a way to have a perfect grip. They are so light and give no pressure to your fingers.

So, your writing would stay consistent and neat due to its steady grip.

The pencil comes with two lead sizes that are 0.5mm and 0.7mm. The lead does not produce sharp lines with 0.5mm due to a small course.

Whereas the lead of 0.7mm produces sharper lines, which are the best mechanical pencil for drawing to give a vivid picture.

However, they are not produced with green products and are not a part of Pentel’s Recycology Program.

However, the pencils are refillable, so they last a long time. The sturdy structure of the pencil does not break easily.

Moreover, it comes with a pocket clip, so you can easily fit it in your pocket before going anywhere.

This mechanical pencil provides a steady grip due to its rubber material, which covers the bottom part.

This helps you to hold the pencil tightly without slipping off from your hands.

04. Rotring 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Completely metal body
• Hexagonal shaped body
• A brass mechanism allowing precision
• Iconic Tool for lifetime use
• Fixed lead guidance sleeve to give a clear pageview

If you are a professional who has to do technical writing or you are an amateur who loves to draw or sketch, then it’s time to get rid of the wooden barrel pencils.

For those who wanted a significant change, quality Rotring 600 0.5mm mechanical pencil is the best choice.

If you don’t want to waste your money, then it is a hugely substantial innovation by the Rotring.

The metallic exterior is exceptionally user-friendly. The ergonomic design of the metallic barrel ensures perfect grip and no-slip.

Besides this fantastic grip, the writing balance is also made possible.  The durable metal body can last longer than the usual wooden pencils.

The interior has a perfectly created in brass that allows the lead to move inside the pencil very smoothly.

Breakage also happens very rarely. It comes with high-quality polymer leads that are flexible enough to adjust to all kinds of writing styles and processes.

This mechanical pencil is reliable and in high demand. They are available in the popular bookstores and can be bought online too.

There is no need to have a separate eraser. An eraser is fixed at the back of the pencil and covered with a cap that can prevent the eraser from disintegrating as it happens in case of the tradition erasers.

05. BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Strong, long and thick leads.
• Perfectly smooth writing.
• No sharpening required.
• It comes with an eraser.
• Durable
• Never requires sharpening

What can be better than the colorful collection of stylish and sturdier pencils? As the pencils come in a pack of 24, therefore, there is a great choice of 24 colors available for use.

Get a customized pencil to match the mood and get saved from the boredom of writing, drawing, and sketching with the ordinary wooden pencil.

Apart from the substantial body, the pencils also have high-quality leads. These leads are two times stronger than the ordinary leads.

It is also effortless to load the pencil when the lead runs out. These pencils look sleek and stylish, but there is no blinking the fact that the pencils are heavy-duty and long-lasting.

The tips can create a line of width 0.9 mm that can be correctly erased in case of any error leaving behind no sign of it.

Forget about breaking the body or the leads regardless of how frequently you drop them. They can conveniently resist all kinds of falls.

The pencil can be used both at school, at a workplace, and even in fun times.

The perfect lines with perfect width guarantee that whatever comes on the paper looks impressive and beautiful.

The mechanical pencils are excellent for all kinds of technical drawings. The draftsmen may find it even more paying and professional.

06. Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Draws fine lines of 0.5mm.
• Metallic body
• The fixed sleeve is measuring 4 mm.
• Slip barrel
• Comprises of a metallic mesh grip
• Super Hi-Polymer HB Lead

Do you use a pencil very frequently? Does your work require more use of pencil than any other means of writing?

In both cases, you can try purchasing the Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil.

Pentel has introduced an excellent gift for all those who often use pencils. The 4mm pencil tip is a comfortable choice for those working with varying rulers and templates.

The hands get acquainted with the design and shape of the pencil, thus making future assignments less time-consuming.

The pencil does not need frequent sharpening as it works with the leads that can slide within the pencil.

The users can take out the required length of the lead out of the pencil. The user can make a prominent and clear line with the lead.

The user finds it helpful that the pencil comes with the leads that are re-loaded and made out of high quality, solid polymers.

This leads to different sizes ranging from 0.3mm to 0.9mm. Each of these sites comes in distinct colors.

The wooden pencils are challenging because they make your hands feel uncomfortable after a long working session.

The beveled barrel supports the writing activity and makes the hand feel comfortable as they promote robust control.

The writers can do all kinds of writing tasks with these pencils. The manufacturers have done a promising task by giving a great alternative in the shape of GraphGear.

07. Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils

 

Highlighted Features

• Shock Absorbing Tip
• Smooth twist-to-advance design
• Capable of writing on any surface without breaking
• Consists of an integrated eraser for removing the mistakes
• Box Tops for Education
• Twistable Tip

Paper Mate’s SharpWriter is similar to a regular pencil, which uses a number 2 lead and also has a tiny pink eraser at one of its ends.

But the thing that makes it unique from a regular pencil is that its lead is made up of a shock-absorbing material allowing it to write on any surface without being broken down.

It has a 0.7mm great tip. These pencils are available in yellow and other different colors so that it matches your style.

Moreover, these lead pencils also comprise integrated erasers so that you can get rid of your mistakes with ease.

With Paper Mate’s SharpWriter in your hand, you focus on your writing and don’t need to worry about the breaking of the lead.

This mechanical pencil is the best for taking notes when you are in a long writing session.

With its shock-absorbing and smooth tip, it provides you with reliable writing performance.

Paper Mate also offers Box Tops for Education, so if you want to redeem a Box Top, then you shall contact the Sanford/Newell Customer Care’s number given at the back of the box.

Though this pencil has a lot of benefits, it also has a disadvantage too which is that this pencil is non-refillable and disposable.

08. Paper Mate Mates Mechanical Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Assorted colored barrels
• Strong leads
• Best for ages 4 and above.
• Easy-grip features.
• Perfect for standardized tests
• Different fashionable colors and designs

Gone are the times when the wooden pencil was found in every single pencil pouch.

It was sometimes bothering when the pencil tip broke multiple times while working, or you had to search for the eraser when there was some error in the work.

Things have changed. You don’t have to fear that the pencil will break when it drops down.

The world of technology has made writing easy and convenient. It has compelled the pencil users to move away from traditional pencils.

Paper Mate has taken up the challenge of replacing the wooden pencils with the outclass mechanical pencils.

The grip has been improved. The body is slender, sleek, and extremely worth praising.

The Mates have initiated a new world of pencils by adding advanced features to mechanical pencils.

These premium quality pencils are a superb option for everyone. They are praised for their operation from the small classroom to large construction sites.

The triangular shape of the pencil provides maximum grip. Even the early learners find the pencil extraordinarily comfortable and easy to their fingers.

Created in the United States, the pencil fulfills the requirements for the best writing.

Although the lead measures only 1.3 mm, still they are much stronger than the lead-filled in the ordinary wooden pencils.

Therefore there are fewer chances of frequent lead breakage.

09. Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Elegant Size
• Ideal for gift-giving
• Removable cap for providing balance
• Only capped pencil
• Super Strong
• No sharpening required

If you have always loved fountain pens and have found them an easy way to write, then the Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic pencil is the perfect choice for you.

The product has always received positive reviews from the buyers.

It fulfills the claims of the manufacturers regarding the quality of the pencil. The manufacturers have guaranteed a perfect creation by bringing together the best features, reliable manufacturing, and high-class performance.

As you hold the pencil, the thing looks stylish and extremely trendy. Each of its components is manually assembled with the help of renowned watch tools.

The entire pencil gets a graceful look all through the exterior.

The color is even more splendid and impressive. Due to the high-quality performance, the buyers don’t feel reluctant when they pay a handsome amount.

With just a click load the lead when the first one stops working. You want to correct; there is no need to dig through your pencil pouch for an additional eraser.

Just use the one fixed with the pencil and make the required corrections.

Writing has never been so much fun and perfect. This pencil is a real treat for those who want to create an impressive piece whether while writing, drafting or simply drawing.

10. Pilot Dr. Grip Limited 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil 

 

Highlighted Features

• Retractable advanced Blue, Black, and Green ink
• Five different writing options
• Ultimate all in one writing instrument
• Easy-grip and solid built
• Enjoyable writing experience
• Provide different point types such as Medium 1.0 mm ballpoint ink, Fine 0.7 mm gel ink
• It also provides #2 HB mechanical pencil lead.

This is the Best Mechanical Pencil, which is just made to provide you a comfortable writing experience.

This grip writing instrument is nearly the best tool that can quickly solve your unnecessary writing issues.

You can manage to make a good grip and continue the writing of paragraphs, diaries, and whatever you want.

However, it further is a 4+1 pencil that provides you with five writing options, as it is both a pencil and a pen.

Also, the Dr. Grip has retractable inks of Black, Blue, and Green, and of course, mechanical pencil lead.

So, enjoy different writing, drawing, sketching, or even organizing options with the help of this 4+1 pen & pencil.

So, what are you waiting for? Just grab this invention and enjoy your writing.

Buying Guide For The Best Mechanical Pencil

Before purchasing the best mechanical pencil for yourself, refer to the factors below that you should consider to get an excellent mechanical pencil for drawing.

01. Consistency

A mechanical pencil produces a consistent line width without any changes. No matter if you use it for continuously 2-3 hours, it will give you the same thin sharp line as before.

However, this is not the case with wood-cased pencils. You have to sharpen them after every 15 minutes to obtain a thin sharp line.

02. Refillable

You don’t have to throw away the sharpen leftovers of the pencil. The leads are re-usable, hence, protecting the environment at the same time.

03. Style

Mechanical pencils come in various styles and colors that look like premium stationery in your stash.

Some look luxury, while some have a simple appeal. Some pencils have a flexible structure that might not be durable. Thus, it is advisable to always opt for metal ones so that they can be used in the long-term.

04. Balanced Grip

As you sharpen the wooden pencil, it gets smaller and loses its grip. However, in mechanical pencil, you don’t have to fear about losing the grip.

Also, the size does not change as you have to insert the lead. Moreover, the mechanical pencil comes with a rubber cover for a better grip and so it does not slip off from your hands.

Types of Mechanical Pencils Available in the Market

Twist-Click Mechanism

These types of pencils are widely available in the market. All you have to do is twist the top of the barrel, and here the lead is advanced.

Twist and hold to push the lead back in when you don’t want to use it.

These pull open to add more leads if you have finished the previous ones. The pencil looks like a ballpoint pen aligned with an adaptor to turn it into a pencil.

Shaker Mechanisms

Some mechanical pencils don’t function properly and tend to push the leads out while writing.

The Shaker Mechanism in mechanical pencil stops that and give it a firm shake up and down.

The weight installed inside the pencil performs the function of hitting the button for you.

So, a quick flick of your pencil takes less time and does not interrupt your scribing.

Purpose of buying

Drawing

Some people are passionate about drawing their ideas on paper. But, for that, they always require a suitable thickness, which is essential to reflect a perfect image.

The thick leads help them to highlight the bold lines and shading.

For this, you may require 0.5mm, which is a perfect size and readily available in the market. However, for a detailed drawing, you may need 0.3mm leads.

Writing

If you want to use mechanical pencils for a book, then you would need thick leads that would not break easily.

The 0.5mm lead is ideal for writers, but some people exert their force to scribe down their writings require 0.7mm or 0.9mm edges for a better grip.

Whereas, if you are a person who cannot manage to stop to push the button for leads, then you should opt for shaker mechanisms. So, it is easier to feed more lead without wasting time.

Price

We all know wooden pencils are cheap but not durable. So why not spend money on pencils that are durable and reasonable as well.

There are dull mechanical pencils available that would cost a reasonable budget.

Frequently Asked Questions For Mechanical Pencil

What is the best brand of these mechanical pencils?

Ans. There are numerous brands available that provide you with better quality as well as a better grip.

But you need to be sure to check out the point type before buying the one for yourself because sometimes the point type is so beautiful that you will not enjoy the real feel of writing.

So, whatever you choose, always look out for the point type of mechanical pencils.

Which is better, 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead?

Ans. Well, it depends on usage. 0.7 mm is thicker as compared to the 0.5 mm. 0.7 lead is more significant than 0.5 lead.

Moreover, the thickness of the 0.7mm lead is much better for such people who manage to press the pencil hard whenever they start writing.

But, of course, for drawing, you can go with the use of 0.5mm lead, because this type of lead is more precise and offers a higher grip and accuracy than the 0.7mm lead, especially for drawing.

What is the actual softest and more secure mechanical pencil lead?

Ans. The best mechanical pencil for drawings and other writings are those that are certified  HB or H.

These certified mechanical pencils are the most popular ones that sell out very commonly.

People choose HB or H kind of mechanical pencil because it provides them with better comfort and stable gripping.

For indicating lead from softest to toughest is 6B, 4B, 5B, 3B, B, 2B, HB, H, F, 2H, 4H, 3H, 5H, 9H, 7H, & 8H.

HB and 2B both darker ones?

Ans. Today, many manufacturers built their pencils with the help of the HB mechanism with the number of 2B, 2H, or even 4B to further indicate the actual hardness and thickness degree.

For example, if you get a pencil with 4B certification, that would be softer as compared to the 2B. Similarly, 3H is harder compared to H.

How can I use the best mechanical pencil for drawing?

Ans. Well, there is no rocket science in using the best mechanical pencil for drawing, because the use of standard pencil and mechanical pencil are all the same.

Just the only difference is that you don’t need to sharpen the mechanical pencil, you need to screw or click to quickly bring out a new lead.

Also, mechanical pencils are easy to write with, and they are available with their retractable ink system.

What should I prefer to check when I am going to buy a mechanical pencil?

So, here is the point for you, you need to focus on a few factors that might get you the best mechanical pencil for drawing and other writing as well.

First, you need to check out the build quality of the pencil, its manufacturer guarantee, then check out the lead options, price, and finally make up your mind to buy a specific pencil that suits your requirements.

How can I refill a mechanical pencil?

Every manufacturer sets up their ways to refill mechanical pencils. But you need to check the side of the pencil to find further out the graphite shaft size, which is used in pencil.

Then, gently remove the cap, which is below the end of the pencil, and insert the mechanical lead and close the cap to its original position. That’s all, changing the lead into the pencil is very easy.

What is the best mechanical pencil just for drawing or sketching?

For drawing and sketching, you need to get a 0.5 mm lead pencil because they are much harder as compared to the others, and you can quickly draw anything you want with less effort.

Conclusion

By now, we hope you have clearly understood the differences between a wooden pencil and a mechanical pencil.

These two pencils have distinct features. So, don’t forget to view our review once again before you spend your money on any of the mechanical pencils.

Nevertheless, purchase the one that best suits your writing needs and enhances your experience in every way.