The Best Drafting Pencils for 2021

These versatile pencils are a must-have for drawing and sketching for both students and professionals. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best drafting pencils currently available for purchase. If cared for properly, these pencils should last a lifetime. 

UPDATED: October 6, 2021.  

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MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Rotring 800 because it features a durable full-metal body for long-lasting durability, a knurled grip, and a retractable sleeve for pocket safety.

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What is a drafting pencil?

There are two main types of drafting pencils: lead holders and mechanical pencils. Lead holders, as the name implies, a quick basic instruments that use small metal jaws at the tip to hold the lead in position. When the end button is pressed the lead must be manually adjusted at the tip to get the desired length. Lead holders also hold quite thick leads from 2.0mm up to 5.0mm+ and are inserted from the end while holding the jaws open with the top button.

Mechanical pencils, on the other hand, when the end button is pressed automatically advance the lead a set distance. These use thinner leads that are typically around 0.5mm to 0.7mm. The consistent diameter of the lead allows for a consistent line thickness as the lead is used.

Both of these options differ from a standard pencil primarily because it offers the ability to continually replace the lead without having to replace the pencil. The mechanical pencils have the benefit of never needing sharpening, while lead holders need to be sharpened using a lead pointer (see below).

History

The first patent for a mechanical pencil was filed in 1822 by British silversmith Sampson Mordan. In the 200 years since the patent filing, the design of today’s has remained remarkably similar.

By Published for the proprietors by T. and G. Underwood - The Repertory of patent inventions Link

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Mechanical Drafting Pencil Mechanism

The exact setup varies by model but most mechanical pencils today use a ratchet system that holds the lead in place via jaws within the tip. These jaws grip the lead and are controlled by a spring mechanism that connects to a button at the end of the pencil. When the button is pushed it opens the jaws and allows the lead to advance out. The lead sits within the shaft which sits within the sleeve which either supports or makes up the grip.

As shown in the image below there is a lot of components that go into even a simple mechanical drafting pencil design.

Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific pencil:

Materials

Most drafting pencils are constructed from plastic and metal components. The higher-end models will typically use more metal elements as they tend to last longer and offer superior durability. However, metal will typically make for a heavier pencil which is something to keep in mind if you are drawing for long periods.

Grips

The grip is the most important component of the pencil as it is where most of your contact takes place. The most common type is textured metal is known as a knurled grip. Some also offer additional rubber pads to help with grip and comfort. The advantage of metal is that it does not become worn over time, as with a full rubber grip, it also tends to be less slippery if your fingertips become damp.

Auto-Rotation

Some advanced models such as the Uni Kuru Toga (see below) offer a system that automatically rotates the pencil lead out of the holder each time the lead touches the paper. This has the advantage of the lead not forming a tapered shape with causes inconsistencies in the line thickness. It tends to not work as well if it is not lifted off the paper enough times to advance the lead appropriately. However, some manufacturers have developed faster-advancing mechanisms to keep up.

Retractable Lead Guide Pipe

Some models offer a retractable lead guide pipe that allows it to retract back into the cone of the pencil. This keeps the projection from sticking out preventing it from becoming damaged while not in use and also not poking through a pocket fabric.

Lead Sizes

While called “lead” it is typically made from graphite. Most mechanical pencils and lead holders are designed to only accept one diameter of lead, however some advanced models can accept a range of lead widths. Lead diameters are measured in millimeters and can range from a very fine 0.2mm for technical work up to 5mm for drafting lead holders.

The most commonly used standard lead sizes for general mechanical drafting are 0.5mm and 0.7mm This in turn will determine the average line thickness. If you find the lead regularly breaks when you draw, you may want to go with the thicker 0.7mm option.

Lead refills are stored in small tubes as shown below, so they are ready to top up the supply within the pencil itself.

The lead holder leads are available in a range of similar tubes as shown below with varying hardnesses. The standard width is 2mm.

Sharpening Lead Holders

While sharpening a mechanical pencil is not required, it is for a lead holder. To sharpen a lead holder you use what is called a lead pointer. It is a simple device that has two small holes to place the lead tip into to adjust the length to adjust the sharpening cone. Then it is inserted into the sharpener and spun around several times. It uses a metal grinder inside to put a tapered profile on the end of the lead. See an image of a typical lead pointer below.

Lead Hardness

Just like with standard pencils, mechanical pencil leads are available in many different hardness levels to suit a particular writing or drawing project. The most common hardness is 2B, as shown in the image above. You may remember from buying school supplies the requirement of a “number two” pencil refers to the hardness. The 2B hardness level offers a nice compromise that is not so hard that it is difficult to create a line on paper but not so soft that it is constantly breaking.

The harder leads are great for making very thin and light lines as they can provide a sharp point without breaking. However, if you press too hard it can be almost impossible to erase the line and can create a permanent divot in the paper.

Lead Hardness Grade Indicator

Some of these pencils include a lead hardness grade indicator that can be turned to display the 2B, B, HB, H, etc. through a small window on the pencil. This is helpful to keep track if you are using multiple pencils with different hardnesses.

Colored Lead

There are some colored lead options available that can be helpful when, for example sketching initial guidelines in red for a perspective drawing.

Refillable Erasers

For the pencils that include an eraser at the end, most offer the ability to get replacements. These are sold just like lead refills in small tubes that allow you to easily replace the eraser once it has worn down.

Some pencils have an eraser cap that covers the easer and makes it easier to click to advance the lead since you are pushing on a solid material instead of a soft eraser. However, this does require removing the cap every time you want to use the eraser.

So here is my list of The Best Drafting Pencils for 2021.

Enjoy!

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Best Overall: Rotring 800 Drafting Pencil

Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil 0.7Mm Black ROTRING Buy on Amazon

The Rotring 800 is the top of the heap when it comes to high-end professional drafting pencils.

• Features a full metal body that provides long-lasting durability and rigidity.

• Equipped with a retractable sleeve making it pocket safe and resistant to damage.

• Features a hexagonal barrel that helps to improve holding while drawing and prevents it from rolling off the table.

• Equipped with a non-slip metal knurled grip for comfort and control.

• Features a brass mechanism for precision lead advancement.

The Rotring 800 is also available silver:

rOtring 800+ Mechanical Pencil and Touchscreen Stylus, 0.7 mm, Silver Barrel Newell Rubbermaid Office Buy on Amazon

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Runner-up: Alvin Draft-Matic DM05 Drafting Pencil

Alvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil .5mm (DM05) Alvin Buy on Amazon

The Alvin Draft-Matic DM05 features a knurled stainless steel finger grip for traction while working for long periods of time on a drawing.

• Equipped with a rotating lead hardness window that allows the user to keep track of the lead currently loaded in the pencil.

• Features a 4mm long stainless steel lead sleeve to accurately support the lead.

• Equipped with a sleeve that allows for drafting along thick straightedges.

• Features a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Includes a refillable eraser under the metal end cap.

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Best Value: Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil

rOtring 600 Series Mechanical Pencil, 0.35mm, Black Body (502603) rOtring Buy on Amazon

The Rotring 600 is the second-best offering after the 800 in Rotring's lineup since it does not have a retractable sleeve mechanism.

• Features a full metal body that provides long-lasting durability and rigidity.

• Equipped with a rotating lead hardness window that allows the user to keep track of the lead currently loaded in the pencil.

• Features a hexagonal barrel that helps to improve holding while drawing and prevents it from rolling off the table.

• Equipped with a non-slip metal knurled grip for comfort and control.

• Features a brass mechanism for precision lead advancement.

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Best Set: Pentel Arts Drafting Pencil Set

Pentel Arts GraphGear 1000 Premium Gift Set with Refill Leads & Erasers (PG1000BXSET) , Black , 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm Pentel Buy on Amazon

The Pentel GraphGear 1000 features four pencils with different lead thicknesses for a range of drawing applications.

• Includes 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.5mm, and 0.9mm lead thickness mechanical pencils.

• Each of the GraphGear 1000 pencils features a metallic grip with soft, latex-free pads for extra control and support.

• In addition each pencil:

  • Features a dual-action retractor that protects lead.

  • Includes a built-in lead hardness indicator.

  • Features a solid design and is weighted at the fingertips for precise comfort and control.

  • Equipped with a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Comes with lead refills for all thicknesses along with eraser refills.

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Best Wooden Option: Pilot S20 Drafting Pencil

Pilot Mechanical Pencil S20, 0.5mm, Deep Red (DR5) Pilot Buy on Amazon

The Pilot S20 features a wooden body made of birch for a classic and elegant design.

• Features a design that accepts 0.5mm lead (also available with 0.3mm leads).

• Equipped with matte metal accents that are appropriately matched to the wood finish.

• Features a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Equipped with a rotating lead hardness window that allows the user to keep track of the lead currently loaded in the pencil.

• Feature a capped eraser that includes a label with the lead size indicated.

• Available in a range of colors and wood finishes such as Mahogany.

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Best Lead Holder: Staedtler Mars 780 Drafting Pencil

Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm. 780BK Staedtler Mars Buy on Amazon

The Staedtler Mars 780 lead hold is a familiar sight for most architecture students and architects. This is what I personally used throughout architecture school.

• Accepts 2mm lead for a range of drafting and drawing applications.

• Features a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Equipped with a push button at the end to advance the lead manually.

• Features a plastic body for a lightweight design.

• Equipped with a non-slip metal knurled grip for comfort and control.

• Made in Germany.

• Works with the Staedtler Mars rotary action lead pointer for sharpening:

    Staedtler Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads, 502BKA6 Staedtler Inc. Buy on Amazon

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Best Grip: Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil

Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Mechanical Drafting Pencil 0.7mm Blue (PG1017) Pentel Buy on Amazon

The GraphGear 1000 features a metallic grip with soft, latex-free pads for extra control and support.

• Features a dual-action retractor that protects lead.

• Includes a built-in lead hardness indicator.

• Features a solid design and is weighted at the fingertips for precise comfort and control.

• Includes a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Comes loaded with lead that does not require sharpening, and produces a clear dark line.

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Best Budget Option: Pentel GraphGear 500 PG525A Drafting Pencil

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A) Pentel Buy on Amazon

The Pentel GraphGear 500 features a 4mm fixed sleeve that is ideal for detailed technical drawings.

• Includes a metallic mesh grip that delivers precision and control.

• Features a top click, stationary eraser, and tip.

• Features a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

• Refillable with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead and Z21 refill eraser.

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Best for Thick Leads: Koh-I-Noor Drafting Pencil

    Koh-i-Noor Mechanical Hardtmuth Lead Holder with 5.6mm x 80mm Lead, Black with Clip, 1 Each (5311CN1005PK) Chartpak Inc. Buy on Amazon

The Koh-I-Noor is a lead holder that works with ultra-thick 5.6mm leads for heavy linework.

• Constructed with a metal barrel for durability in addition to the metal internal components.

• Includes a built-in sharpener in the cap that unscrews for use and screws back on to keep track of it.

• Equipped with a push button spring clutch to advance the lead.

• Features a clip to prevent it from rolling off of the table and for convenient pocket storage.

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Best Automatic Rotation: Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Gun Metallic Drafting Pencil

Uni Mechanical Pencil, Kuru Toga Roulette Model 0.5mm, Gun Metallic (M510171P.43) Uni Buy on Amazon

The Uni Kuru Toga features a turning mechanism that continuously rotates the lead that allows for a consistent lead thickness.

• Equipped with a spring-loaded clutch that gradually twists the lead when lifted from the paper creating a uniform line.

• Maintains a continuous sharp point that is designed for intricate drawing tasks.

• Uses 0.5 mm lead for crisp, precise lines

• Equipped with a refillable capped eraser.

• Features a metal nose cone for long-lasting durability.

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I hope this list of the best drafting pencils was helpful. If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, see also my posts on:

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