Why use conventional wood pencils for writing or drawing when you can get a mechanical pencil?
These pencils are a lot more convenient to use, which gives them an advantage. But if you have been using wood pencils since the beginning, you may not know which mechanical pencil to buy from the many options available today.
That is why we have reviewed the Pentel Graphgear 1000 drafting pencil, which is considered by many to be one of the best. So, if you want to know what we thought about it, then keep reading!
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Review
- Superior drafting pencil for professionals and...
- Easily identify your lead type with the built-in...
Build Quality – Extremely Sturdy
One of the most common complaints that we have heard about wooden pencils is that they break easily. We are not just talking about the tip breaking; the wooden body can break apart under pressure as well. Even some mechanical pencils made with low-quality materials break easily, which can be a cause for concern.
Well, you won’t have that problem with the Pentel Graphgear 1000 since it comes with a robust metal body. Unlike many other drafting pencils that use plastic, this option uses a metal barrel and tip for enhanced durability. And interestingly, the barrel accent colors vary based on the lead diameters.
The grip section of this pen uses latex-free rubber pads – thoughtfully designed for those with latex allergies. These pads are built into the knurled grip, which also gives a unique appearance to the pencil.
However, due to its metallic body, it does feel like a slightly heavier pencil, especially if you use it at a stretch. But for short uses, it’s a balanced pencils, ensuring a balanced feel for most purposes like taking notes or drawing.
Design – Unique And Convenient
The overall design of this pen is quite unique and different from other mechanical pencils. More specifically, the clip design of this pencil deserves mention.
At one end of this clip is a groove that is used to keep the tip extended. Once you extend the tip, you can press the end cap to advance the lead through the barrel. Conversely, the pencil tip retracts after you press the clip once. The retractable tip is convenient since it allows you to carry it around in your pocket without any worries of punctured fabrics.
Its retracting mechanism is spring-loaded, which is fairly simple by design. However, there is one issue with this system that can pose a problem. If the clip breaks or is stuck, you won’t be able to activate the mechanism, which will render the pen practically useless. Although, if you use it a bit carefully, and if you’re lucky, there won’t be any such issues.
Also included with the pen is a refillable Z2-1 eraser. While it might not be as effective as larger erasers, it does a decent task of erasing any mistakes when needed. Moreover, using the lead refills is pretty easy, which further improves user convenience.
Lead – Smooth And Versatile
This particular mechanical pencil supports all types of lead hardness and comes with a built-in lead hardness indicator. That means you can use the different lead types – such as H, 2H, B, 2B, and HB lead in the lead pipe.
After you remove the end cap, you can load the lead through the lead sleeve at the end. And the lead grade indicator above the grip can be adjusted to help identify the lead type being used.
The smoothness of the pencil also needs to be mentioned here. Thanks to its fine tip, the lines produced are clear and sharp, which makes it a great pencil for complex technical drawings and artwork.
Price – Highly Affordable
For the number of features you get, the pencil comes at a good price. In fact, it is a lot more affordable than other pencils that come with similar characteristics. So, if you are an aspiring artist or a student of architecture with a limited budget, this is a suitable option for you.
What we like
- Unique and convenient design
- Supports most lead sizes and hardness
- Highly durable build
- Affordably priced
- Produces clean and precise pencil marks
What we don’t like
- Slightly heavier weight
- The eraser is a bit small
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Verdict
If you can look past the issues, then the Pentel Graph Gear 1000 mechanical pencil is a great choice to go for. Especially considering its build quality, features and price, you get a lot of value for your money.
Also, the different convenience features, such as the retracting lead mechanism, the lead hardness indicator, rubber pads, and multifunctional document clip, make this mechanical pencil better than many other options. The tip retraction boosts versatility, you can use it for most tasks without any issues and travel puncture free.
That brings us to the end of this Pentel Graphgear 1000 review. We’ll be back with more informative articles soon, so keep watching this space. Meanwhile, checkout the previous Pentel Graphgear 500 option along with our next suggestion rOtring 600 mechanical pencil.
