I’m sure at one point in our lives, we all were a part of the pen vs pencil debate. We were either passionately supporting a pencil or a pen. But what if I tell you that this debate was never even nearly as heated as the debate of wooden pencil vs a mechanical one? Especially amongst engineers.
A mechanical pencil is also known as a clutch pencil in which the lead can be extended by pushing the button at the end of the pen. Like normal pencils, these pencils do not need to be sharpened.
Mechanical pencils are very popular among engineers as they are the best for technical drawings. Mechanical pencils allow engineers to add precise details to the drawing which otherwise are very hard to draw with a wooden pencil.
The lead size of 0.3mm lets you draw fine and precise lines, making it easier to add small details. Apart from that, these pencils are very efficient and cost effective because the lead can be refilled from time to time, so you do not need to buy a new pencil.
Every lead pencil has two holes, one at the top for the eraser and one at the bottom for the lead, you can easily twist it to replace it with with a new lead.
Overview: Best Mechanical Pencils for Engineers
Image | Name | Features | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil | It comes with a dual retractor, Has an indicator which shows the hardness of the lead, It is also color coded | $$ | |
 | rOtring 600 Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil | Shaped like a hexagon, Comes with an indicator to show the hardness of the lead, Metal body | $$ | |
 | Zebra M-701 Mechanical Pencil | It is made of stainless steel, It also has a metal grip, Very smooth when used | $$ | |
 | Uni Core Kuru Mechanical Pencil | The color of this pencil is gunmetal, Rotatable lead, Has metal body and grip | $$ | |
 | Zebra 54012 | Very compact, easy to carry and hold, Replaceable eraser, Very durable | $ |
5 Best Mechanical Pencils for Engineers in 2020
1. Best Overall - Pantel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
The Pantel GraphGear 1000 is one of the best mechanical pencils for engineers out there. It is designed in such a way that it satisfies the needs of an engineer, artist and designer. So, what makes it so unique and perfect?
Well, it comes with a double retraction tip which protects the lead and stops it from breaking soon. Not only this, but it also comes with a built-in indicator, which indicates the hardness of the type of lead you are using.
It originally comes with a 4 mm lead tip, making it super easy to be used with scales and rulers. This mechanical pencil has four other lead sizes, which can be 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm.
This pencil comes with numerous features and an extremely bold outlook. It can be used for writing purpose too but it works the best for those who use it for diagrams and designing.
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2. Runner Up - ROtring 600 Black Barrel Mechanical Pencil
Are you searching for a pencil which works the best for sketching? Well this one is it for you! The rOtring 600 black barrel mechanical pencil is shaped like a hexagon, which makes it incredibly easy to hold, especially for sketching, apart from that, the shape just stops it from sliding.
This tool is specifically designed for professional use, and to give that professional touch to your design. The ergonomic design just makes it easy and light to hold for hours without causing bumps in your fingers.
This pencil is designed by using the precision lead technology which makes the user, whether he or she is an engineer or an artist, to add precise details to the drawing without making it a mess.
Furthermore, the pencil also has a lead indicator which lets the user know what kind or type of lead he or she is using. Apart from that, it comes with a lot of accessories too, Rapid B erasers being one of them.
These erasers are the BEST to remove or erase graphite or polymer pencil marks, it erases them neatly without leaving black stains behind.
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3. Zebra M-701 Mechanical Pencil
This pencil is the best for rough use. It is made of stainless steel which makes it best for long term usage. The brand itself has a reputation for making products which are not only remarkable when used, but are of great quality and last for a long period of time.
Similar is the case with Zebra M-701, it is designed in such a way that it has a classy exterior and works very smoothly. It comes with a 0.7mm lead size, which not only makes it a perfect lead size for writing but for also drawing sketches.
The heavy metal with the metal grip just gives more space for the fingers to hold the pen easily and work with it. The pencil is a perfect balance of durability, stylishness and smoothness.
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4. Uni Core Kuru Toga Keeps Sharp Roulette Model Mechanical Pencil
Okay, so what’s different? Uni mechanical pencils have been in the market for a long period of time and hold a very good reputation in this regard too. But Uni Core kuru toga has come up with an interesting mechanical pencil made using rotatable technology of the lead.
What does that mean, you must we wondering? Well, have you noticed how when sketching or drawing from normal pencils, the lead at one point just gets very broad and not sharp at all? If you have been writing for hours ,it is likely to happen in the middle of your assignment, making the handwriting look uneven and messy.
Here, this rotatable technology comes. Every time the lead is lifted and is not touching the paper, the technology rotates the lead, making a sharper lead coming up every time. Amazing right? This is one of the most amazing and unique features which this mechanical pen offers.
Apart from this, it also has a retractable lead, making it more convenient for users. The pen itself has an overall metal body, and the grip makes it easier for the users to use it for a longer period.
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5. Zebra 54012
Zebra is known for its durable and high-quality products. The plus point of this mechanical pencil lead is that it is not only made of stainless steel, which makes it super durable and long lasting, but it is super cost effective and cheap too.
Zebra 54012 is one of the most popular mechanical pencils, as it is super cheap but still very good in quality and works smoothly too. It is a size smaller than other regular pencils, making it lighter in weight and compact too. You can easily fit it inside your pocket or purse.
The steel body makes it look both stylish and sturdy. The lead size used in Zebra 54012 is the standard lead size, which means it is easily available in the market.
Apart from that, it comes with an eraser, but if you run out of it you can replace it with a new one too. This product is amazing, especially when we see how well and smooth the action is and how little we must pay for it
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Final Words
For engineers, it is important to have a mechanical pencil which can easily add precise details. Because the work and designs need to be clean and detailed.
Out of all the top 5, my personal favorite is Pantel GraphGear, it is a good investment and gives precise results. And the runner-up for me is, Uni core kuru toga as it has advance technology which makes it super unique and different.