Do you love to draw?
If you're looking for the best mechanical pencils for drawing, then look no further!
We'll be discussing some of the best options available today.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, these pencils can help you create beautiful art!
With their precision and control, mechanical pencils are perfect for artists of all levels.
They allow for greater accuracy and detail than a regular pencil, making them the ideal choice for drawing, sketching, and writing.
With such a wide selection of brands and pencil sets available, it can be difficult to determine which is the best choice for you.
With our list of the best mechanical pencil for drawing sets, you can start browsing to find the perfect set for your next project!
Keep reading to find the best mechanical pencil for your art needs!
How We Choose Our Selections
It can be tough to find the right mechanical pencil for your needs, especially if you're not sure where to start.
Not all mechanical pencils are created equal.
In fact, a lot of them can be downright terrible for drawing and sketching.
We've done the hard work for you and read through thousands of Amazon reviews to find the best mechanical drawing pencils.
Whether you're a beginner or expert, we have a mechanical pencil product that will suit your needs.
Comfort
When you're shopping for a pencil, comfort should be one of your top considerations - especially if you experience hand fatigue or arthritis.
Look for a pencil that's lightweight and fits well in your hand.
A rubberized or coarse grip will also make the pencil more comfortable to use.
Material
Mechanical pencils have a casing that is made of materials including plastic, metal, or rubber.
Professional versions will be completely or partially made out of metal.
This makes the pencil much more durable and results in diminished number of sharpening.
As a result, a well-made mechanical pencil can potentially last for years with proper care.
For this reason, mechanical pencils are generally the better choice for professionals who need a dependable writing instrument.
Lead diameter
Most mechanical pencils come in three standard pencil diameter sizes: 5mm, 7mm, and 9mm.
The smaller the number, the thinner the lead.
Conversely, the larger the number, the thicker the lead.
Thicker lead creates darker lines great for shading.
The finer the graphite lead, the thinner the line, which is especially useful for precise drawings.
Lead hardness
Most pencils come in a few different hardness levels, each of which is better suited for different purposes.
Pencils are graded on a pencil hardness scale, which typically runs from extra-soft (9B) to extra-hard (9H).
Softer pencil leads are perfect for drawing, sketching, or shading, while harder pencil leads are better suited for intricate work or writing.
So, what do the different hardness levels actually mean?
The 'H' in pencil hardness stands for hard.
The higher the number after the H, the harder the lead pencil is.
Harder pencil leads are ideal for technical drawing or drawing on thicker materials.
For example, an 8H pencil lead is going to be much harder than a 2H pencil lead.
The H hardness can be found between 2H and 8H on a pencil.
'B', on the other hand, stand for black; B pencils create more intense lines than H pencils.
The higher the number on a B pencil, the softer the lead.
The most common pencils used for general purpose use are HB pencils, which fall in the middle of the hardness scale.
'HB' stands for hard black, a combination of both hard and soft lead.
HB pencils are a good choice for beginners who aren't familiar with the differences in lead hardness, as they can be used for a wide range of purposes.
Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, HB pencils are a great option for all your general pencil needs.
Why We Love It
Looking for a mechanical pencil that will give you the perfect writing and drawing experience?
Look no further than Mr. Pen mechanical pencils!
This set includes 5 different sized mechanical pencils, 5 lead refill containers, and 10 eraser refills – everything you need to get started.
These pencils have a sleek, metal body design that is professional and minimalistic.
The comfortable grip makes this mechanical pencil set easy and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Whether you're taking notes, experimenting with a new drawing technique, or working on a big project, Mr. Pen mechanical pencils are the perfect tools for the job.
What You Should Know
Mr. Pen mechanical pencils are some of the best on the market.
This mechanical pencil set is easy to use and well-made, and they even come with colored lead.
These mechanical pencils are great for all your drawing and writing needs.
You won't be disappointed with Mr. Pen mechanical pencils.
Why We Love It
Need a dependable and stylish mechanical pencil for all your drawing, drafting, and writing needs?
Look no further than Nicpro art mechanical pencils!
These superior mechanical pencils come with non-slip, comfort grips and full-metal bodies for ideal weight balance.
This mechanical pencil set includes 6 pencils, 12 lead refill containers, 3 erasers, 6 eraser cap refills, 2 lead sharpeners, and a handy storage case.
These mechanical pencils are great for drawing, drafting, and writing, so why wait?
You can pick up your set of Nicpro art mechanical pencils today!
What You Should Know
Nicpro art mechanical pencils come in a variety of sizes and lead hardness/softness types, making them perfect for any project.
Nicpro Art mechanical pencils are some of the best on the market.
This mechanical pencil set is loved by cartoonists, sketch artists, and professional artists for its unbeatable quality.
No matter what your artistic needs are, Nicpro art pencils will help you create your masterpiece and precise drafting.
Why We Love It
Looking for a trusty mechanical pencil that will make your writing look sharp?
Pentel’s GraphGear 500 is the perfect choice!
This mechanical pencil comes with Pentel’s Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, so you know it’s a high-quality mechanical pencil.
The metallic mesh grip provides optimal grip control, so you can write for long periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.
Plus, the eraser is protected by a pencil cap, so it will always be clean and ready to use.
Whether you’re taking notes in class or working on a project at home, the Pentel GraphGear 500 is the ideal mechanical pencil for getting the job done right.
What You Should Know
Mechanical pencils are a must-have for anyone who loves to draw or take notes.
This mechanical pencil set provides a consistent, clean line that is perfect for detailed work.
Pentel is one of the leading manufacturers of mechanical pencils, and their Graph Gear 500 series is top of the line.
These pencils are available in four different sizes (.3mm, .5mm, .7mm, and .9mm), so you can choose the perfect width for your needs.
Pentel is committed to using recycled materials in their products and packaging, so you can feel good about supporting a company that is doing its part to help the environment.
Whether you're a student, artist, or professional, mechanical pencils from Pentel are a great choice.
Why We Love It
Looking for a great mechanical pencil to add to your art supplies?
Look no further than the MozArt mechanical pencil set.
This versatile set includes 4 different sizes of pencils, perfect for everything from sketching to taking notes.
Plus, the set comes with 4 lead refill containers and 4 eraser refills, so you'll always be prepared.
Thanks to the compact design, this mechanical pencil set is ideal for artists, students, professionals.
So why wait?
Get your hands on the MozArt mechanical pencil set today.
What You Should Know
Anyone who has used a mechanical pencil knows that they can be a handy tool, perfect for everything from notes to sketches.
Not all mechanical pencils are created equal.
MozArt mechanical pencils are well crafted, lightweight, and perfect for shading and rough drafts.
This mechanical pencil set stands up well after 6 months of everyday use.
MozArt prides itself on high quality products, so rest assured that these mechanical pencils will meet your needs.
Whether you're a student, artist, or just someone who likes to be prepared, MozArt mechanical pencils are the perfect choice.
Mechanical Pencil FAQs
People often have questions about drawing supplies or might not know the differences between different mechanical pencil sets.
You may be wondering what the difference is between a mechanical pencil and a regular pencil.
You might think that mechanical pencil sets are only good for writing or that they're not as good as regular drawing pencils.
We created this list to answer the most common questions people have about mechanical pencils.
Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for creative individuals in your life or want to pick up a set for yourself, you'll leave feeling confident.
How do I choose a mechanical pencil?
When choosing a mechanical pencil, the most important factor to consider is the type of lead that the pencil uses.
There are three main types of lead available: HB, B, and 2B.
HB is the most common type of lead and is equivalent to a #2 pencil.
B lead is slightly harder than HB lead and is equivalent to a #3 pencil.
2B lead is even harder than B lead and is equivalent to a #4 pencil.
In addition to the type of lead, you'll also want to consider the barrel material.
Unlike wooden pencils, the most common materials are plastic and metal.
Metal body barrels tend to be more durable than plastic barrels, but they can also be heavier.
Mechanical pencil sets differ from a normal pencil because they have a retractable mechanism, have high quality engineering, and can come in different shapes, like a hexagonal shape or a wedge shaped tip.
Finally, you'll want to consider the pencil grip material.
The most common materials are latex and rubber.
Latex grips are more comfortable to hold for long periods of time, but they can cause allergies in some people.
Rubber grips are less likely to cause allergies, but they can be more slippery.
Now that you know the different types of mechanical pencils available, it's time to choose the best mechanical pencil set for you.
Depending on your needs, you might want the best mechanical pencil for illustration, sketching, designing, doodling, writing, or drawing.
Do your research to ensure you have the very best for your needs.
Is 2mm lead good for drawing?
Yes, a lead diameter of 2mm can be good for drawing.
It's a great thickness for creating thin, precise lines and details in your drawings.
However, it depends on what you're drawing.
Lead diameter can vary between different mechanical pencils.
Lead is a soft metal, so it's good for creating lighter lines and details.
However, it's not as durable as other materials so it may not be the best choice for larger drawings or pieces that will be handled frequently.
What are the different hardness and softness of pencil leads?
The leads of pencils can be made in different degrees of hardness and softness.
This is determined by the proportions of graphite and clay in the lead.
Harder leads are made with more graphite and less clay, while softer leads have more clay and less graphite.
The harder the lead, the less it will wear down when rubbed on paper, but it will also produce a lighter line.
The softer the lead, the darker the line will be, but softer leads will also wear down more quickly.
Graphite pencils with hardness degrees of H, F, HB, B, and 2B are ideal for drawing.
The B pencil is equivalent to the traditional, No. 2 pencils.
The softest, darkest pencil is 9B while the hardest, lightest pencil is 9H.
There are varying degrees of hardness and softness between 9H and 9B (i.e. 2B, 4B, 6B, 2H, 4H, 6H, etc.).
Which kind of mechanical pencils do artists use?
There isn't just one type that artists use - it really depends on their preference and what type of artwork they're doing.
Some artists prefer to use a mechanical pencil with pencil lead that is 0.5 mm or thicker for bolder lines, while others might prefer a finer lead for more detailed drawings.
Some popular brands of that artists often use are Pentel, Staedtler, and Faber-Castell.
These pencils come with a variety of lead diameter, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
There are also mechanical pencils with a fixed lead guidance sleeve, which can help.
There are a lot of great mechanical pencils to choose from, so pick the perfect ones for you.
Which type of pencil is easiest to erase?
It depends on the type of eraser you are using.
If you are using a rubber eraser, then a harder pencil (like a 2B) is easier to erase than a softer pencil (like an HB).
However, if you are using an electric eraser, then it doesn't matter what type of pencil you are using because the electric eraser will erase the pencil markings no matter how hard or soft the lead is.
Kneaded erasers are also great for erasing.
They are made of a soft, malleable material that can be easily shaped to erase small details.
So, if you need to erase something small, a kneaded eraser is your best bet.
No matter what type of pencil you are using, always test the eraser on a scrap piece of paper before you start erasing on your drawing.
This way, you can see how well the eraser works on that particular type of pencil.
What is the lightest pencil for sketching?
The lightest lines are drawn with 9H pencils.
H pencils contain hard lead, meaning they contain more graphite than clay.
This makes the lead less likely to break or wear down, but it also produces a lighter line.
So, if you're looking to create light sketches, H pencils are your best bet!
What is the darkest pencil for shading?
The darkest lines are made with 9B pencils.
B pencils contain soft lead, meaning they contain more clay than graphite.
This makes the lead more likely to wear down, but it also produces a darker line.
So, if you're looking to create the deep, dark values for shading, B pencils are your best bet!
Are mechanical pencils or drawing pencils better for art?
Whether a normal pencil or mechanical pencil is better depends on what you're looking for in a pencil.
Wooden pencils have been around for centuries, and they remain a popular choice for schoolchildren and casual users alike.
However, wooden pencils have several drawbacks that make them less than ideal for professional use.
Firstly, the lead in a traditional pencil is only held in place by a thin strip of wood, meaning that it needs to be sharpened relatively often.
Secondly, the wooden body of the pencil is susceptible to breakage, meaning that a wooden pencil will usually only last for a few months of heavy use.
Drawing pencils have a range of hardness and softness, so they're great for shading, sketching, and creating different textures.
Drawing pencil sets are usually found at any art or school supply store.
Many classes will teach you drawing techniques with these normal pencils.
Mechanical pencils have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Mechanical pencils offer a number of advantages over traditional wooden pencils, and they have become essential for many people who need to produce clean, accurate lines.
The biggest advantage of mechanical pencils is that they allow you to make marks with much greater precision than with normal pencils because you will have a consistently sharp point.
The consistent, sharp point will allow all of your work to look cleaner, smarter and more accurate.
With mechanical pencils, there's no need for a pencil sharpener, and the lead sits in the pencil well.
As it wears down, you can keep extending it simply by clicking a button. Then when it's all used up, you just insert a replacement.
The convenience and precision of mechanical pencils have made them an essential tool for anyone who needs to produce high-quality work.
Mechanical pencils are great for detailed drawing because the lead is always sharp, but depending on your usage, the cost of lead (and eraser) refills can add up.
It really just depends on your preference!
What are drawing art techniques I can use with mechanical pencil?
There are a few different mechanical pencil drawing techniques that you can use in order to create great looking drawings.
First, you'll want to make sure that you have a good quality pencil.
This will help ensure that your drawings look smooth and clean.
Second, start with light sketches.
This will help you get a feel for the overall composition of your drawing before you start adding in more details.
Third, focus on making each line count.
Since mechanical pencils produce such fine lines, every stroke you make will be visible in your final drawing.
Take your time and make sure each line is placed exactly where you want it to be.
Fourth, add shading and texture to give your drawing depth and dimension.
You can achieve this by varying the pressure you apply to the pencil as you're drawing.
Lighter pressure will result in thinner, lighter lines while heavier pressure will create thicker, darker lines.
Hatching consists of a group of parallel lines that can be used to create shadows and highlights.
Cross-hatching contains two sets of parallel lines that intersect, creating a more textured effect.
Stippling is when you create small dots that can be used to create a variety of textures.
You can shade and add texture by smooth blending, creating highlights, circling, and even scribbling.
Experiment with different pressures and styles to see what effects you can create!
How do you refill a mechanical pencil?
If you're using a mechanical pencil, you'll need to refill it with lead from time to time.
The most common way to refill your mechanical pencil is to simply unscrew the end cap of the pencil and insert a new lead into the tip.
Once the lead is in place, screw the end cap back on and your pencil should be ready to use again.
Most pencils have a simple design that makes it easy to do this.
If your mechanical pencil has a removable barrels, you may be able to just take out the old lead and insert a new one without having to remove the entire barrel.
Depending on the design of your pencil, you may need to use a sharp object (like a paperclip) to push the old lead out before inserting the new one.
However, some pencils have an eraser on the end, which can make it a bit more tricky to access the refill chamber.
In this case, you may need to remove the eraser first.
If this is the case, simply twist or pull the eraser off of the end of the pencil and then proceed to insert your new lead as usual.
Once you have a new lead in place, you can replace the eraser by pushing it back onto the end of the pencil until it's snug.
Don't automatically assume this is the case, though!
The eraser may be glued to the barrel, in which case you would use the first method.
And that's all there is to it! Refilling your mechanical pencil is a quick and easy process that will keep you writing or drawing for years to come.
The Best Drawing Mechanical Pencils For You
So what’s the best mechanical pencil set for your needs?
After hours of reading thousands reviews on Amazon and comparing the best mechanical pencil sets, we think the best drawing mechanical pencils for beginners are the ones that come with a variety of lead sizes and colors.
By reading through our top picks, you can find the perfect set of drawing mechanical pencils that will help you achieve your artistic goals.
Remember to consider the different types of lead available, as well, and know there’s a a perfect set for everyone.
Whichever set you choose, know that you've made an informed decision, so you can walk away a happy shopper.
Don't forget to tap the button to check Amazon for the best prices for mechanical pencils!
Thanks for reading and happy drawing!
Want some drawing tips for drawing with mechanical pencils? Check out J.S.'s video!
If you'd like to see drawings I've made, you can find some of my art at Redbubble, TeePublic, and TeeSpring.
And if you'd like to listen while creating like I do, you can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Music or Two Free Audiobooks from Audible Plus!
I love listening to a great book while immersing myself in drawing!
It makes the creating process all the more fun!
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