In contrast to mechanical pencils, leadholders are refilled by pressing the push-button to open the drop clutch mechanism and inserting the 2-mm lead (Mars carbon 200) into the leadholder via the tip.

A Staedtler Mars was one of my first quality everyday carry mechanical pencils. It's a lead holder, which means, unlike a standard design with a bunch of thin-diameter graphite shafts, the Staedtler Mars comes with a 2mm lead with an integrated lead sharpener that functions with the pushdown mechanism. It comes with HB hardness lead, and you can rotate the metal clip to the correct indicator point for the particular lead you place into it to remind you of what you have loaded. The lead holder design makes it closer to a traditional pencil in concept, built sturdier and significant for all-around everyday carry. It's affordable, too, but don't mistake being cheap for poor quality. Many people rely on the consistent, high-quality lines you can get only from a mechanical pencil in their daily work. Students might use them to sketch in art class or work through math formulas, while professionals might draft floorplans or take notes during meetings. Whatever the case, an excellent mechanical pencil can be a great way to round out your carry. In this guide, we've put together some of the best mechanical pencils you can find that would make a perfect addition to any EDC setup.

Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing for Artists: Zebra Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencils for Artists Leadholders are suitable for drawing, sketching and writing. They have a 2-mm lead. By pressing the push button, which opens the drop clutch mechanism, the user can advance the lead to the desired length. Products from our range include: EDC enthusiasts prefer writing with mechanical pencils because they feature sturdy metal or plastic construction. I also like the refillable lead because I often break the graphite on traditional pencils. The convenience and practicality of carrying a mechanical pencil make them the best choice for drafters, artists, and students. There's even a case for using mechanical pencils over traditional pencils because of their environmental impact. Research goes either way on the matter. The University of British Columbia suggests the choice lies in personal preference.

Most mechanical pencils cannot boast this high-quality engineering, making this a more reliable pencil overall. The lightweight of this mechanical pencil can also reduce hand fatigue. Uni Kurutoga also makes the best mechanical pencil lead with its harder core than most other brands. Pros Best Mechanical Pencils for Technical Drawings: Staedler Mars Mechanical Pencils for Technical Drawings Not only this but mechanical pencils typically have pin-point precision. The lead is very thin, making them popular for artists and design professionals to use. They come in a range of colours and lead types, giving you greater control over your writing and drawing. They’re very popular for children too, making fun additions to their pencil case! The ability to advance a mechanical pencil lead without thinking about it makes the Uni Kuru Toga Roulette a safe bet for most people. Is 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead better? Another crucial feature that can make using a mechanical pencil more comfortable is if the pencil has an integrated lead sharpener, usually found in the eraser. MaterialMany of the thin lead mechanical pencils come with an eraser in the end, either under the removable push button or by twisting out. With a normal pencil, once the graphite tip (commonly referred to as 'lead') has blunted, you need to sharpen it using a pencil sharpener. A mechanical pencil, in contrast, usesan internal spring to push the lead upwards into the barrel, when you press the button at the other end. When the lead has been fully used, you then simply insert a new replacement. Why are mechanical pencils better than wooden pencils? They all have a small metal tube around the lead opening. This works well for running the pencil along a straight edge for very accurate drawings. Lead composition – with the 5.6mm leads you have a choice of lead colour and composition. Graphite leads, chalks, sepia, red chalks, and charcoals are available.