If you want to make sure you are doing your woodworking correctly then you need to make sure you know precisely where you need to cut or drill. Being able to accurately note your measurement or desired area that you need to tackle can be a challenge without the right writing implement.
Not all woodworking pencils are made equal. Some old-school options can be a pain to use as they break easily and you struggle to keep them sharp and in good working order. Then, you have the fact that certain pencils are just not dark enough to indicate the area you have marked making them fairly useless.
A great mechanical pencil for woodworking can solve all these problems easily. These mechanical pencils are usually refillable and less prone to breakages. They provide solid and dark markings for better accuracy. We have the best mechanical pencils for woodworking so you can find your ideal match with minimal effort.
COMPARISON CHART
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Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
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rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil
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FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter/Mechanical Pencil
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uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil
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Zebra Pen M-701 Mechanical Pencil
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Features
- Metallic barrel with a chiseled, soft latex-free grip
- Sleek silver barrel offers substantial control
- Pentel Super Hi-Polymer lead for reliable performance
- Dual-action retractor prevents tip breakage
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil is a superior drafting pencil for architects, draftsmen, artists and enthusiasts. The 4mm tip design makes it ideal for use with rulers and templates. A unique, dual-action retractor advances and retracts the pencil tip to protect lead from breaking.
The built-in lead hardness indicator allows you to easily identify your lead type. It comes pre-loaded with Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, which never needs sharpening and produces a clear dark line.
0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm & 0.9mm sizes available. Color coded sizes for fast & easy size lead size identification. Easily identify your lead type with the built-in lead hardness indicator. Dual-action retractor advances and retracts pencil tips to protect lead from breaking. Finely chiseled metallic grip inlaid with soft, latex-free pads.
WHAT WE LIKE
It has a comfortable, chiseled metallic grip inlaid with soft latex-free pads that provides writing comfort. The pads are different colors depending on the lead size you choose, making it easy to identify which size of lead you’re using. Additionally, the barrel has a rotating window that allows you to identify the type of lead you’ve placed in it. The dual-action retractor advances and retracts tips for easy use. The lead and eraser are refillable. Breakages are rarely experienced.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The built-in eraser which sits beneath the lead cap is woefully inadequate for anything more than the very occasional usage. Some of the components are made from plastic which is not that durable. It is a bit top heavy compared to similar pencils.
PROS
- Comfortable grip
- Easily identifiable lead size
- Dual action retractor for easy use
- Lead and eraser refillable
- Rare breakages
CONS
- Eraser not very effective
- Plastic components are not durable
- Slightly top heavy
2. rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil – Best for Sketching
Features
- Iconic technical writing instrument designed for a lifetime of use
- Lead hardness grade indicator for rapid identification while working
- Brass mechanism allows for guided lead advancement to prevent breakage
- Available in .5mm and .7mm in black or silver finishes
The iconic rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil is the ideal professional tool for technical writing, drawing and sketching. True to rOtring’s original design, the 600 features a full metal body and comfortable non-slip knurled metal grip. The ergonomically enhanced barrel provides an ideal balance of weight and feeling, so that you can work for long periods without discomfort or fatigue. The pencil’s unique hexagonal shape means it won’t slide when you set it down, so it’s there when you need it. For precise ruler-based drawing, the sliding sleeve provides a high level of break resistance and an unimpeded view of the page.
WHAT WE LIKE
Full metal construction means a very solid feel. Knurled metal barrel is very tactile and allows a good grip even when hands get sweaty. Eraser is great, easily removing marks without leaving tiny shavings on the paper. Rotating lead hardness marker means you never have to guess which lead is in your pencil. Clip is firm and easily holds on to your shirt or coat pocket, meaning it won’t fall out if you lean over. Inside the barrel is aluminum, and holds a lot of lead, so you can leave the refill container at home.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Uneven lead discharge on a click. It is as if the internal clutch mechanism slips and lets an uncontrolled lead pass through while clicking depending on the gravitational force acting on it. Tip is fragile and prone to breakage as well. It is heavier than similar models.
PROS
- Good grip
- Great eraser
- Rotating lead hardness
- Clip is firm
- Inside barrel holds plenty of lead
CONS
- Uneven lead discharge
- Tip is fragile and prone to breakage
- Pencil is on the heavier side
3. FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter/Mechanical Pencil – Best Mechanical Pencil with Thick Lead
Features
- Comfortable light weight aluminum housing
- Easy to sharpen to a fine point or dull point
- Built in eraser and removable clip. Great for finish work and easy to load
- Extra thick 5.5mm lead which is great for framing
Never break your lead again with the FatBoy Pencil. It combines the utility of a mechanical pencil with the strength of a carpenter pencil. Easily sharpens in a standard pencil sharpener and this unbreakable 5.5mm lead stays sharp longer. Coming with a built in sharpener for convenience. It also includes a removable eraser and clip for added versatility. Red crayons are also an added accessory that you can get which is great for use on concrete and tiles. This pencil is great for general work and framing to finish work alike. One pencil that allows you to work on wood, concrete and metal makes it a DIYer’s dream.
WHAT WE LIKE
This pen is overall fantastic. Perfect for woodworking and any craft you need a pencil for. The lead is so thick that it can mark even on rough wood surfaces without breaking. The lead is once in the pencil and is nearly unbreakable, the lead gives a great thick dark line. The pencil is very easy to refill and adjust the lead length.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
You have to be mindful of how you release the lead so that you don’t drop it as it does not release the lead like other pencils. The hidden sharpener doesn’t sharpen the lead as pointed as required. It is also on the more expensive side.
PROS
- Ideal for woodworking
- Thick lead
- Does not break easily
- Lead gives a thick dark line
- Easy to refill
CONS
- Lead release is not ideal
- Sharpener not effective
- Expensive option
4. uni Core Keeps Sharp Mechanical Pencil – Most Innovative
Features
- Lead Rotating Technology Mechanical Pen, Kuru Toga
- Country Of Origin : Japan
- For 0.5Mm Lead
- Gun Metallic Body
The Kuru Toga is a mechanical pencil whose core is kept sharp. It has a Kuru Toga engine where the core rotates little by little while you are writing. You can always write with constant thinness and density.
There’s a real problem that affects almost all mechanical pencils. As you use a regular mechanical pencil, the lead wears down on one side, forming a slanted wedge-shaped tip. Each time you put the lead to the page you end up using a different lead surface (pointy, flat, wide, thin) depending on how you hold the pencil. This can cause dramatic and unsightly variations in line thickness as you write or draw.
The Kuru Toga eliminates this problem with the use of an ingenious lead rotation mechanism that continually rotates the pencil lead as you write. A spring-loaded clutch twists the lead incrementally every time you lift the pencil from the paper. This allows a uniform wearing of the lead to create a conical tip shape that provides a fine, consistent line.
The knurled grip ensures a slip-free hold of the pencil. The capped eraser is refillable. The nose cone of this pencil is metal.
WHAT WE LIKE
The highlight of this pencil, of course, is the “roulette” mechanism that keeps the pencil lead rotating by a small angle every time the lead touches the paper. This ensures that you get a fresh side of the tip every time you put it down to write. Great build quality that lasts a long time. It can store around 6 or 7 lead pieces in the barrel without any problems with jamming. Pretty sleek design with a small circular cutout to watch the rotation mechanism.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The eraser is extremely small, so it is best to use a dedicated eraser instead. It is pricey compared to most other mechanical pencil alternatives. It is heavy compared to most other mechanical pencils.
PROS
- Rotation mechanism for better lead quality
- Great and durable build
- Store adequate lead
- Sleek design
- Cut out to watch rotation mechanism
CONS
- Very small eraser
- Pricey option
- Heavier pencil
5. Zebra Pen M-701 Mechanical Pencil – Best Sturdy
Features
- 0.7mm medium point refillable mechanical pencil features a contemporary, stainless steel barrel that resists corrosion and is easier to sanitize than plastic
- Rugged and sturdy, this refillable mechanical pencil with click-to-advance retractable lead is a significant upgrade from everyday plastic mechanical pencils
- Weighted, balanced premium metal barrel with knurled grip is designed for ergonomic comfort and assists you in guiding the instrument for beautiful creative expression
- Convenient clip makes these instruments a fantastic grab and go option, attaching to your pocket, planner, collar or briefcase pocket
Zebra Pen M-701 Mechanical Pencil is rugged, sleek, and easy to sanitize. This hard-working metal pencil brings industry-leading precision and stability to your writing. The refillable M-301 has a metal plunge, clip and cone for an executive look. Retractable pencil has a 0.7mm medium point tip. Corrosion resistant, stainless steel barrels are easier to sanitize than plastic. Easy-to-hold knurled metal grip ensures superior writing stability. Designer metal clip readily attaches to a notebook, planner, work bag or briefcase pocket. This attractive pen is perfect for home, school or office. Clean and stylish, this trusted pencil is suitable for boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, medical settings, offices and job sites. It’s the perfect pencil for the serious communicator looking to embody their personal style in their writing instrument.
WHAT WE LIKE
All stainless steel construction lends the pencil a durable look that has a pleasant heft. The notched grip for a better hold is comfortable as well. It writes smoothly using standard 0.7 lead. The pencil is sturdy and writes smoothly.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Changing leads is accessed through the metal cap covering eraser which can be difficult to remove. Erasers must be special ordered which is a pain. The clip gets in the way when you have to rotate the pencil.
PROS
- Stainless steel construction
- Durable
- Good weight
- Notched grip for comfort
- Writes smoothly
CONS
- Changing leads is not easy
- Erasers need to be special ordered
- Clip gets in the way
Conclusion
A pencil that is a step ahead of the competition the Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil will be a great tool for your woodworking and is our top choice. The metallic barrel gives this pencil durability and added weight. The soft grip allows you to work comfortably. Coming in a variety of size leads that are easily identifiable with color coding and a rotating window to see your lead easily. The dual action retractor saves your lead from breakages and adds to ease of use. This pencil rarely experiences breakages. The eraser and lead are both refillable meaning you can keep using this pencil for a long time to come. Comfortable to use and long lasting this mechanical pencil will certainly add to your woodworking success.
If you liked this article about the best mechanical pencil for woodworking, consider checking out these other articles below —
- Best Carpenter Pencil
- Best Woodworking Apron
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- Best Japanese Pull Saw
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
