Top 15 Best Drafting Pencils To Buy in 2024

Though computer design software has replaced the major part of the architectural workload, as well as the engineering one, well, the classic drafting methods are far from disappearing. As such, there is still room for taking a white paper and starting drafting and sketching your ideas.

For doing this, you will need, of course, some good technical skills, as well as some suited tools for obtaining the best results. The drafting process is very important for designers, architects, and draftsmen, so they need to rely on their drafting pencils without any shadow of a doubt.

As such, the best drafting pencils are mandatory and they are an instrument that will transpose what is inside someone’s head.

However, some might find the process of buying a drafting pencil and an overwhelming moment, as long as you think about the multiple choices on the market. You can take the shorter path by checking my buyer’s guide and see what are the main categories you should pay attention to.

Once knowing these ones, you will feel armed with enough information to make a smart purchase. Moreover, I have selected 15 of the best drafting pencils on the market and reviewed them with pros, cons, and a personal touch.

Here is how you will get a better overview of the best models and brands, as well as some of the main characteristics of each item.
It’s always better to stay informed, so making a comparison between these models will help you out.

Who Needs Drafting Pencils?

If you are a draftsman, maybe a designer, an engineer, or an architect, you are right in the main target. Moreover, if you are passionate about drafting, then a pencil created for this activity is mandatory and the most important tool in your drawing kit.

Benefits Of Using Drafting Pencils

Well, it might seem like they are very simple tools, but a good drafting pencil will help you communicate all the fine details in your head on a white sheet.

As soon as the drafting pencil has a good lead, it can help you obtain those fine lines and shadows you could not obtain with some basic pencils.

Now, as long as you will buy a professional drafting pencil, you will be able to create some intricate details, crisp lines, but also some bold layouts which will show how talented you are and how detailed is your work.

In a nutshell, all the elements you have in your vision will be easily translated once having a good drafting pencil.

What Are The Best Drafting Pencils?

Here are the highlights of the best drafting pencils that will be reviewed in this article.

• Best Overall: Rotring 800 Drafting Pencils
  “Twist and click feature; build-in eraser; 0.7mm head; retractable mechanism.”
• Best Price: Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencils
  “Best quality-price ratio on the market; polymer body; eraser cleaner; metallic mesh grip.”
• Best Architectural: rOtring 600 Drafting Pencils
  “Ergonomic metal barrel; lead hardness indicator; 0.35 mm lead.”
• Best Vintage: PENTEL Sharp Drafting Pencils
  “Professional drawing results; vintage look; metallic mesh grip; 0.99mm lead.”
• Best Mechanical: Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Drafting Pencil
  “For professionals and enthusiasts; 4mm tip length; color coded sizes; super strong.”
• Best Wooden: OHTO Mechanical Drafting Pencils
  “Great design; wooden look; 2.0 eraser; 2mm line size.”
• Best for Patterns: rOtring 1904444 Drafting Pencils
  “For technical drawing and projects; silver barrel; medium drill point; hexagonal shape.”
• Best for Engineers: Staedtler Mars Drafting Pencils
  “Versatile; easy to carry in the pocket; ergonomic grip; lifetime working mechanism.”
• Best for Math: Pentel GraphGear Drafting Pencils
  “Very comfortable; perfect for sketches; metallic mesh grip; 4mm fixed sleeve.”
• Best for Drawing: MyLifeUNIT Drafting Pencils
  “Very light body; comfortable for long time drawing; 2mm lead; metal clip.”
• Best Metal: WarmShine Drafting Pencils
  “Easy to use; advanced revolving gear technology; comfortable writing experience.”
• Best Professional: Alvin Drafting Pencils
  “Great tool; no pressure needed; smart storage; 0.5mm lead; for professional use.”
• Best Set: STAEDTLER Mars Micro Drafting Pencils
  “For writing and drawing; rubber grip; latex free.”
• Best Retractable: Pentel Graph Gear Retractable Drafting Pencils
  “Great retractable system; protection for the lead; metallic grip; latex free.”
• Best for School: Mr. Pen Drafting Pencils
  “Pressure resistant; for basic drawings; 2mm lead; 4mm tip length.”

Drafting Pencil Comparison Chart 2023

Before going straight to the best drafting pencils reviews, take a look at this chart. Here you will see the main features and overall description.

Top 15 Best Drafting Pencil Reviews in 2023

You are at the most important part of the article. As you could see, I have selected 15 best drafting pencils from which you can choose. I promise that I didn’t let anything behind. You will read the pros and cons of each product along with my personal experience. So let’s begin!

1. Rotring 800 Drafting Pencils

(Best Overall)

I tested and tested these days, and the best drafting pencil in my opinion stays the Rotring 800. No doubt that those who are looking for a 45 quid pencil should check this one too.

The retractable Rotring has a slight tip wobble and some moving parts, and it is perfect for using it daily, without going wrong. It does not matter if you are right-handed or left-handed, or if you have this tick of constantly popping the nib in and out.

It is also lightweight and has a good amount for the lead so you will be using it for a long time.

Key Features:

• Retractable mechanism
• Twist and Click features
• Built-in eraser

Product Specifications:

Lead Size	0.7 mm
Closure	Retractable, Twist
Line Size	0.7 millimeters
Material Type	Metal
Tip Type	Metal
Brand	Rotring

Personal Experience:

This drafting pencil is great, as soon as you consider buying some extra leads too. The rubbers are great instead, and they will last ages. If you are looking for an upgrade to your old drafting pencil, consider the Rotring one.

Here is a video review to watch:

2. Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencils

(Best Price)

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have the best drafting pencil. This one from Pentel offers superior drafting experience, and it comes with a 0.5 mm lead. It has a metallic mesh grip, direct on a slim, as well as a beveled barrel.

The sleeve is fixed and it is 4mm, so it will prevent lead from breaking. If your work is a template work, then you should look for this Pentel Graphgear. This is a superior drafting pencil, for both professionals and also simple enthusiasts in the drawing.

It works great on multiple types of papers, so if you are an architect, this is for you. Moreover, the price is friendly too.

Key Features:

• Super strong feature
• Never sharpening feature
• Eraser cap

Product Specifications:

Tip Length	4mm
Available Sizes	0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm & 0.9 mm
Eraser Cap	Yes
Metallic Mesh Grip	Yes
Ink Color	Black
Brand	Pentel

Personal Experience:

If you are passionate about drawing or it is your main job, you need great tools for obtaining the best results. This GraphGear 500 features a 4 mm design, which is great for tip design for rulers, but also for templates.

The metallic mesh grip is very comfortable, and enough weighted to offer you great and precise drafting.

3. rOtring 600 Drafting Pencils

(Best Architectural)

If you are an architect and you are doing this for living, then you should have a great drafting pencil to help you out. This is why this Rotring 600 needs your attention.

The industrial design, architect, and designer appreciate quality things, this is why this kind of drafting pencil model is such an epitome of them.

Forget about those cheap mechanical pencils you have used before, and invest in this more expensive model, as it has one of the highest quality in terms of writing instruments.

This drafting pencil is great for drafting, and also a light body that allows you to carry it in your pockets.

Key Features:

• Lifetime of use
• Brass mechanism
• Lead hardness grade indicator

Product Specifications:

Ergonomic Design	Yes
Lead Size	0.7 mm
Line Size	0.35 mm
Brand	Rotring

Personal Experience:

If you want your drawing experience to be the best one, without having to deal with a heavy product, look for this Rotring 600. Not so expensive, still great for drafting, this drafting pencil is fantastic and the weight feels very nice while holding it and using it.

Watch this video review for more details:

4. PENTEL Sharp Drafting Pencils

(Best Vintage)

Are you melancholic about the old-style drafting pencils? Now you can have a new one, from Pentel. The Sharp Mechanical pencil is actually Pentel’s best selling item, as it has superior constructions.

It does not matter if you have very rigorous demands from a drafting pencil, this one will be enough strong and precise to offer you a perfect dark line. The 4mm tip length makes this pencil ideal for drawing some rulers and templates too. You don’t even need to sharpen it, as it is very strong.

Moreover, you can choose from different sizes, as such, you can have the 0.5mm, 0.7mm, or 0.9mm, depending on your future work.

Key Features:

• Fixed sleeve
• Eraser cap
• No sharpenining needed feature

Product Specifications:

Tip Length	4 mm
Lead Available Sizes	0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm
Ink Color	Assorted
Line Size	0.9
Size	2 Pack
Brand	Sharp

Personal Experience:

There is no wonder why this drafting pencil is Pentel’s 1st selling product. It is sharp enough to meet every architectural demand, and it is perfect for obtaining rulers and templates. Each of the drafting pencils is pre-loaded with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead.

5. Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Drafting Pencil

(Best Mechanical)

There is no wonder why the Pentel brand is so present in my top. Well, the products need no description and this Pentel Graph Gear is superior, due to the drafting experience it offers. The 4mm tip design makes this drafting pencil perfect to use with rulers and also templates.

The dual-action retractor will retract the pencil tip as soon as you want to protect the lead from breaking. Moreover, one of the best parts of this pencil is the built-in lead hardness indicator, which allows anyone to easily see the lead type you are using.

Key Features:

• Pre-loaded
• Metallic grip
• Latex-free pads

Product Specifications:

Available Lead Sizes	0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm & 0.9 mm
Eraser Cap	Yes
Dual Action Retractable Tip	Yes
Metallic Grip with Latex-Free Pads	Yes
Metallic Mesh Grip	Yes
Ink Color	Black
Line Size	0.7
Point Type	Medium
Brand	Pentel

Personal Experience:

If you are looking for a mechanical pencil that you can change the lead immediately, then this one’s for you. You don’t need to sharpen it, but you will obtain a clear dark line with no effort.

This is a video review to watch for more information:

6. OHTO Mechanical Drafting Pencils

(Best Wooden)

Are you an eco-friendly person? It means you are constantly trying to avoid plastic items. Consider buying a wooden drafting pencil too, from OHTO. Besides its original look, this pencil is also a great size and very compact.

You have lots of colors to choose from, but I recommend the classic plain wood, as the colored ones can fade or scratch during the time. Moreover, you do not have to sharpen it, as this is a mechanical pencil, so no mess, but always a sharp pencil.

Moreover, if you enjoy doing lots of shades in your drawing, this 2.0 lead has the best size for shading.

Key Features:

• Eco friendly
• Natural materials
• Eraser

Product Specifications:

Eraser Type	2.0
Made from	Wood
Line Size	2 millimeters
Number of Items	1
Brand	OHTO

Personal Experience:

There is no doubt that this drafting pencil is very performant, but it also looks great. If you are looking for a unique design, then this pencil has it.

7. rOtring 1904444 Drafting Pencils

(Best for Patterns)

The Rotring 1904444 Drafting Pencil is the ideal tool if you are doing technical writing, as well as sketching and drawing. Now, the 600 model features a full metal body, which is a little bit heavier, but it helps for great balance during your drawing.

Moreover, the ergonomically enhanced barrel will offer the ideal feeling, so everybody can work for very long periods of time, without feeling that specific discomfort. The Hexagonal shape means that the pencil won’t slide in your hands.

Furthermore, the design and material make this pencil break resistant during the time.

Key Features:

• Lifetime use
• Brass mechanism
• High precision

Product Specifications:

Line Size	0.7 millimeters
Point Type	Medium
Size	0.7 mm
Tip Type	Metal
Pencil Lead Degree	HB
Brand	Rotring

Personal Experience:

If you are looking for precise drafting pencils, the ones from Rotring is the ideal professional tool. You won’t feel any discomfort or fatigue during the drawing, so thumb’s up.

8. Staedtler Mars Drafting Pencils

(Best for Engineers)

The Staedtler Mars Drafting Pencils are world-wide famous, and there is no wonder why. The Staedtler’s success story began very far ago, 180 years ago, when the brand first created the manufacturing pencils.

In terms of innovation and engineering, these pencils succeeded in being first-class drafting tools. The material these tools are made of are sustainably sourced and have a guarantee for consistency and outstanding quality.

These drafting pencils will suit a wide range of uses, from drawing, to drafting and also sketching for construction sites.

Key Features:

• Ergonomic design
• Pre-loaded
• No sharpening needed

Product Specifications:

Line Size	0.9 millimeters
Point Type	Micro
Size	0.9 mm
Tip Type	Metal
Pencil Lead Degree	B
Closure	Retractable
Brand	Staedtler

Personal Experience:

If you need a versatile drafting pencil, for extensive work, this one is perfect for extensive note taking, drawing, drafting, or technical notes at the construction site.

See if it’s worth buying this product from this video:

9. Pentel GraphGear Drafting Pencils

(Best for Math)

The Pentel GraphGear 500 comes with a 4mm tip design, so it is perfect for rulers and templates. The mesh grip is metallic, while the slim, beveled barrel which promotes very good control while writing and drafting.

The weighted at the fingertips will offer great, precise drafting, without needing to do the sharpening process. The lead is strong enough to produce a clear dark line, and it comes in different sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm.

You will also have the color-coded sizes, this way, it will be easier to find the size lead and make the size identification.

Key Features:

• Metallic mesh grip
• Refillable
• Fixed sleeve
• Beveled barrel

Product Specifications:

Diameter	0.7 mm
Ink Color	Black
Eraser Cap	Yes
Metallic Mesh Grip	Yes
Point Type	0.7 mm
Pencil Lead Degree	HB
Brand	Pentel

Personal Experience:

This drafting pencil offers great control, it is slim enough to carry it around and never needs sharpening.

10. MyLifeUNIT Drafting Pencils

(Best for Drawing)

Do you love drawing? Then you will need a special drafting pencil for this. This mechanical drafting pencil from MyLife Unit can be used in daily life, and it does not matter if you are a professional or you are at the very beginning of the drawing career.

The MyLifeUnit is 2.- mm, and has the ideal look of a drafting mechanical pencil. It helps you create all the details while drawing, and has a triangular design, as well as a soft rubber grip for easy holding.

Key Features:

• Retractable mechanism
• Ideal weight balance
• Non-slip rubber grip

Product Specifications:

Lead Size	2.0 mm
Rotary Action Lead Pointer	Yes
Pencil Lead Degree	2B
Closure	Retractable
Material Type	Plastic
Tip Type	Metal
Line Size	2 millimeters
Brand	MyLifeUNIT

Personal Experience:

I love the plastic main body, which has the ideal weight to offer a comfortable non-slip rubber grip. You don’t need to buy an extra 2 mm lead sharpener, as you will get an integrated sharpener on the top.

11. WarmShine Drafting Pencils

(Best Metal)

Are you working in construction and you constantly need to draw some technical stuff? Then you should look for this WarmShine drafting pencil. It is very nice, sturdy as well, and the lead will not break for a very long time.

Moreover, you do not have to whip out the knife to always sharpen the lead as soon as it dulls. You just need to click the button as soon as you want to advance more. The writing experience is comfortable too, and the size of the pencil makes it easy to carry around.

Key Features:

• Advanced revolving gear technology
• Sharp line
• Extra strong, slow wear rate

Product Specifications:

Material Type	Metal
Tip Type	Metal
Line Size	2 millimeters
Pencil Lead Degree	2B
Gender	Unisex
Brand	WarmShine

Personal Experience:

If you are looking for a very long-lasting drafting pencil, consider this one. It is resistant, has good quality sleeves and you can refill it easily.

12. Alvin Drafting Pencils

(Best Professional)

A mechanical pencil should have all that the Alvin Drafting Pencil has. It is easy to use, the weight is also very nice and perfect for using it for a long time. The pencil is not too heavy, not too light, very comfortable, although you will be using it for hours.

It comes with a lead sleeve, a built-in erase under the cap, so it has them all to ensure a great drafting and writing experience.

Key Features:

• Black leather pencil pouch
• Knurled stainless steel
• Built-in eraser

Product Specifications:

Material Type	Stainless Steel
Line Size	0.5 millimeters
Pencil Lead Degree	B
Size	0.5 millimeters
Brand	Alvin

Personal Experience:

Do you want a high-end, still not very expensive drafting pencil? This one is comfortable, will mark any type of paper, and easy to use.

13. STAEDTLER Mars Micro Drafting Pencils

(Best Set)

Never enough with just one drafting pencil? Then maybe you should think about having a whole set. The Staedtler Mars Micro Drafting Pencil comes with a thin lead, so you can finally do those little details on your drawings.

Moreover, the non-slip rubber grip will make it very easy to keep in your hands, while using it for hours. The pencil comes with a refillable PVC, and it is latex-free in terms of eraser and B leads. The balance is perfect, and the pack comes with 4 pencils to use for a long time.

Key Features:

• Refillable PVC
• Non-slip rubber grip
• Latex-free eraser

Product Specifications:

Pencil Lead Degree	B
Line Size	0.9 millimeters
Point Type	Micro
Brand	STAEDTLER

Personal Experience:

This set is perfect if you need to do some colorful drawings, so it’s always good to have some additional colors in your kit.

14. Pentel Graph Gear Retractable Drafting Pencils

(Best Retractable)

When you are using a drafting pencil, it’s very important to have a retractable one, this way, you will be protecting the lead from breaking. The eraser is great as well, and the lead offers the best precision.

The triangle shape makes it easy to handle while drawing, and the click feature will nicely protect the thin tip. The brand offers only high quality and popular Japanese items, so you will be sure the quality is reflected in the price you pay.

If you are doing technical writing most of the time, this drafting pencil is great.

Key Features:

• Chiseled metallic grip
• Build-in eraser
• Soft latex-free pads

Product Specifications:

Closure	Retractable
Point Type	Fine
Material Type	Metal
Line Size	0.7 millimeters
Tip Type	Metal
Brand	Pentel

Personal Experience:

This is a very qualitative drafting pencil, and it deserves all your attention. It is easy to write with, and the eraser is powerful enough to help you retouch the writing work.

15. Mr. Pen Drafting Pencils

(Best for School)

Mr. Pen Drafting Pencils are very popular, as they are high quality and offer you the chance of a lead refill. The package is complex, and it offers 5 mechanical pencils, with 5 different sizes. Why is this pencil very good for using in school?

Well, because children tend to put more pressure on the lead, but this pencil is resistant to pressure and lots of usages. If your kids are studying at art schools or they just love drawing, they need some good drafting pencils.

They will also love the multiple colors of these pencils, and they will be able to take notes, solve crossword puzzles, even do some very detailed drawings.

Key Features:

• Built-In Lead sharpener
• Latex-Free
• Soft Grip
• Eraser refill

Product Specifications:

Line Size	2 millimeters
Tip Length	4mm
Sizes	0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm & 2 mm
Brand	Mr. Pen

Personal Experience:

Although this set might seem a very cheap one, well, these drafting pencils work great and they are perfect in case you need to constantly switch the leads.

Buying Guide – What To Look For In Drafting Pencils?

It might seem a very easy process going into the libraries and choosing some drafting pencils. But it’s not. There are some features to look for in drafting pencils, but it all depends on your personal tastes, and on your budget, of course.

However, there are some simple, easy to follow general features you will want to keep in mind while selecting the best drafting pencils for you, dispensing on your skills and drafting style. Let’s go!

Lead Sizes

There is nothing new that the amount of precision that a pencil has depends on a particular element: the leads. As such, the leads should vary from one particular type of drafting to the next one.

Therefore, the lead sizes will play a major importance when it comes to details of your drafting, the clarity, and also the precision you desire from your drafts. Here is a very easy guide about the lead sizes you need to consider when going for shopping:

• 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm: This is the finest lead size you will use and it is perfect for drawing details and the fine writing you need to do in the small spaces. However, this extra-fine lead is kind of fragile, so make sure you use it carefully and don’t apply too much pressure when using them.
• 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm: This is actually the most used size by the drawers, and it is perfect if you use it to apply more pressure while drawing. These leads are not the best ones for drawing with great clarity and precision, as the lead is thicker.
• 0.9 mm and up: If you do need to do bolder writing, as well as thicker sketches and lines, then you will definitely need this type of leads.

Moreover, once having thicker leads, some draftsmen will prefer to sharpen in various levels the leads, so they will obtain different types of writing and drawing styles. These leads have some sizes that will give the chance to enjoy them for a longer period of time, as they don’t break so easily.

If it is too hard to choose just one lead size, then you can do what other draftsmen do: they buy all of them, so they can accommodate the sizes depending on the work they have. As such, you can consider purchasing a set of pencils with a wider range of lead sizes.

These sets are often color-coded, so you will recognize them quicker than before.

Pencil Grip

When you have a drawing job, it means you will keep the pencil between your fingertips for a very long time. As such, the pencil grip should be comfortable enough, so don’t forget to examine it before purchasing the drafting pencils. Check the:

• Diameter: A wider drafting pencil will be preferred by those who have larger hands, or just enjoy a thicker instrument while drawing. Another consideration for choosing a wider diameter is a medical fact.

There are some illnesses, such as RSI or arthritis, when people with this medical condition cannot grip smaller items. More than that, people with smaller hands will typically prefer smaller diameters.

• Material: When it comes to the material the grips are made of, they differ, from plastic to silicone, rubber, or metal. Now, there are some brands that chose to combine them all.

But in terms of comfort, rubber and silicone grips will offer you the most pillowy, squishy feeling, while metal and plastic grips are meant for preventing them from slipping during the usage. There are people who prefer the metal grip because of its weighty feeling and also for its longevity.

Although some might say lead size is the most important, well, the grip will dictate the style and the feeling of this pencil.

Longevity

Because a full set of drafting pencils can be pretty expensive, it’s important to make sure about their longevity, as one of the main features. As such, pencils that have metal barrels right at the top of the drafting tool tend to be in the first place of top choices.

On the other hand, pencils with metal mechanisms will develop better durability and a very easy function. They are also more preferred as they do not break so quickly.

More Features

Now that you have covered some of the most important and obvious criteria to check when purchasing a drafting pencil, it’s time to talk about some additional features in this direction:

• Lead Colors: There are lots of draftsmen that will change the lead colors depending on the work they do. For instance, some will use a red lead for highlighting some important aspects in their drawing, or for creating exact guidelines.
• Retractable Tip: This is a feature that is very important in protecting the fine metal tip which basically holds the lead in the pencil. Once you are able to retract it, it means you can keep it in a selling point.
• Lead Advancement: You just need to find a style you are comfortable with, from pushing a button, bend the knocker, or just enjoy the automatic mechanisms.
• Dual Clutch: This special dual-clutch will hold the lead in an exact position while you will be moving the next lead into the barrel behind it. This will prevent the possible wasting lead and offer you continuous feeding of lead while working with a pencil.
• Auto Lead Rotation: Now, luckily, there is a new type of technology that will keep the lead all sharp, so you won’t need to sharpen it while working.

FAQs

Let’s see what are the most frequently asked questions regarding the best drafting pencils.

My Top Pick

It’s true that some consider the art of drafting a little bit too old and out of fashion, but the drafting pencils are still popular and people look for the best ones. The most modern ones were designed to resist the rigors of heavy-duty, professional use.

The models I have presented today are very popular amongst designers, artists, and passionate about drawing. I hope you have found the top model for you too.

As you could see, my top pick is Rotring 800 Drafting Pencils, but which one is yours? Do you already have a favorite or are you still undecided?