The best metal mechanical pencils for drafts, sketches, and more

By ToughJobs Published May 10, 2021

Having a good mechanical pencil can make working much easier. One thing to consider about mechanical pencils is their weight. A heavier pencil will usually mean you can have a looser grip, so you will be less fatigued. The same can be said for the lead width a heavier line — such as a 0.7 mm lead rather than a 0.5 mm lead — might make it easier to work for longer hours.

Whether you’re an architect, artist, graphic designer, someone who takes a lot of notes, or all of the above, a high-quality metal mechanical pencil rather than a traditional mechanical pencil is a great investment. It might seem small, but it will have a big effect. With that in mind, here are our top picks for the best metal mechanical pencil.

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rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil

Best for Technical Work

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A good metal mechanical pencil will offer convenience that ink pens simply cannot. The rOtring 600 mechanical pencil is a classic. True to the original rOtring design, the 600 model has an ergonomically enhanced structure that helps with balance while writing or drawing. Plus, its brass mechanism ensures a consistent lead feed.

Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil

Most Durable

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If you’re an architect or a designer, being able to change lines and drafts quickly can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re working on something complex, where you might need to make modifications. Pentel’s GraphGear 1000 is sure to last a long time — the union of Japanese scientists and engineers even awarded Pentel for its commitment to quality. The 1000 model allows you to refill both the lead and the eraser, so you can keep using your pencil longer.

Uni Mechanical Pencil Kuru Toga Roulette

Best for Sharp Lines

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Innovation can appear anywhere, even in mechanical pencils. Kuru Toga pencils exhibit just that with its built-in rotating mechanism for its lead cores. Basically, the core is made to rotate as you write, preventing slanted edges and resulting in a consistently sharp and crisp line all throughout.

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The best 24 count colored pencil sets for artist-grade pigment and color

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A 24-count box of colored pencils might sound small, but it’s a great way to get specific colors or materials at a great price point. It’s also great if you have kids, or if you’re a beginner, and you just don’t want to commit to a more expansive and expensive set. Getting a 24-count set of colored pencils is cost-effective. And even though these sets might be cheap, they’re high-quality sets well worth the investment. At this price, why not try them out? It lets you try out a brand or a color, without committing to a big expense. It can also guarantee you get only the colors you need, especially with specialty sets. The 24-count box is also a great choice of colored penciles to get for your students, where you might not want to get an expensive, professional set right away.

Don’t let the price point fool you, though. Even at a 24-count box, you’re still looking for high-quality, artist-grade pigment, with cores that are thick and smooth for easier blending. And you want your pencils to be made from real wood and be nontoxic, especially if you’re getting them for your students. Keep reading for our top picks.
Prang Thick Core Colored Pencils
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The best colored pencil cases for keeping your pencils in one place

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Whether you need your colored pencils with you for work or for play, a good carrying case will make your life so much easier. And with the ability to use it for multiple purposes, like carrying a planner or other writing tools, a good case is simply a good thing to have. If you, like many creatives and graphic designers, tend to mix and match different colors from different brands, keeping your pencils in their original cases will make everything just a little more complicated. And if you’re working on something during several different sessions, getting back to the mixtures you came up with last time can be annoying.

Or perhaps you’re about to travel for work or vacation and need your pencils with you. There’s almost no chance you will find a comfortable way to carry all your different colors in their original, bulky cardboard cases. They never seem to fit nicely in a purse or small bag so having its own case is ideal. We have some picks for the best colored pencils case. Take a look below.
BTSKY Deluxe PU Leather Pencil Case
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The best colored pencils for graphic artists

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Having a colored pencil set is an easy way to get your creative juices flowing. Perhaps you’re a novice designer who’s just starting to work with colored pencils or maybe you consider drawing a hobby but want to get some good ones for fun. In these cases, your main concern might be comfort and larger sets, as opposed to the highest possible quality of pigments and very specific colors. Whether you’re just beginning or an experienced artist who needs a new set, the right choice can be a catalyst for some great art.

If you’re more experienced, even just in coloring books, you should consider a more professional set of colored pencils. You then want to look for artist-grade pencils, as they will have richer tones and move more easily on paper. or just the next page in that awesome coloring book you bought. Either way, have fun. Sounds confusing? Don’t worry, we have some top picks to help you.
Artlicious Colored Pencils
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