Best 0.5Mm Retractable Drafting Pencil

[jakelogan]

You ask about retractable tip MPs but you favor the Pentel P205 which is fixed.

 

For fixed tip my favorite is the Pentel PG5. The PG5 was a 0.5mm pencil but there was a whole series in different sizes and features - Mechanica, PMG, PG2, PG4, PG5, PG7. I had a PG5 for over 20 years before I fell asleep during a boring lecture and dropped it tip down and bent the tube. It was so well used the chrome wore off the entire metal section and looked like frosted brass when it passed.

 

For the type that retracts into the barrel for storage, Pilot made a "Vanishing Point" pencil a few years ago. It did not look anything like the Pilot/Namiki VP FPs or BPs. The model number was - Pilot H1005 or PIL50028. They are still available NOS but usually above the original MSRP.

 

Another nice MP is the Pentel Kerry. It's sort of like the Pilot Long/Short FP. Capped, the pencil is shorter than most but when the cap is removed and when placed on the back the pencil becomes full size. The lead knock can be operated when the cap is on/off/or posted a very unique design and very comfortable. The only downside is that th lead tube is shorter than a true drafting pencil. It can be used with most templates, but not with thicker triangles.

 

I do drafting everyday, unfortunately mostly ACAD. When I need to do a quick sketch on paper, the Kerry and H1005 are my everyday pencils.

I brought up the P205 to explain that I enjoyed a stiff tip but need a retractable pencil.

I saw the PG5 on Jetpens and the slim design looks interesting. Reviews seem to say that they are similar but of higher quality than the P205s.

 

I searched up the elusive H1005 today - I had hunted for them a year ago but gave up - the price was around $90. I'm not sure I was prepared to pay that much for one; should have invested in a dozen when they were available.

 

I do have a Kerry but prefer a knurled metal grip.

[gks]

I really like my Rotring 800. Just got it about 2-3 weeks ago. But it is a fantastic pencil.

 

My only complaint is the eraser. Kind of small, kind of expensive, and a pain to get to if you keep the cap on.

 

Otherwise, great weight, great feel and super nice.

[Tdot]

I have one that is almost perfect (smooth grip section but I still love it), it's probably 20+ years old and I don't know the model name, but it's a Pilot that works very much like the Vanishing Point pen. The fixed sleeve and base retract like a ballpoint by clicking the top.

 

For the type that retracts into the barrel for storage, Pilot made a "Vanishing Point" pencil a few years ago. It did not look anything like the Pilot/Namiki VP FPs or BPs. The model number was - Pilot H1005 or PIL50028. They are still available NOS but usually above the original MSRP.

 

I searched up the elusive H1005 today - I had hunted for them a year ago but gave up - the price was around $90. I'm not sure I was prepared to pay that much for one; should have invested in a dozen when they were available.

 

Pilot H1005 - That's it! (Dang, I wish I had bought a case of them, but I thought just one was expensive at the time).

 

If pencil people are really as crazy as pen people, this one is going on the block. I love it, but never put it to use, because it's tall/thin and no metal grip. I preferred my other drafting pencils at my desk, and the Kerry was my pocket-pencil (and it shows from the wear on the finish).

[Ethereal Winter Wind]

I want to get a Pilot H1005 but they're too hard to find/too expensive

[Andrew H]

I just took apart my Graphgear 1000. I don't know about you guys, but there is no wobbling on my end, before or after the dis-assembly.

 

I'm inclined to think you're imagining the give. Why? The lead sleeve/tip you see on the Graphgear is actually really long and is directly screwed into the ratchet mechanism that drives the lead forward. Try budging the tip in other ways besides "wobbling" and tell me what you think. For example, you can try pressing the tip against your fingernail.

 

Or the wobble could stem from the grip, as it does cushion your stroke slightly.

 

NB: I have a second generation Pentel Graphgear 1000, 0.5mm. Though I doubt the first generation is much different (they fixed the clip).

Edited July 13, 2012 by Andrew H

[Emperor]

http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Shift-Pipe-Lock-Drafting-Pencils/ct/709

 

I second this. Unique design + good looks, though watch the durability of the plastic locking piece

[Sleepy]

Apparently, taking the tip off the graphgear 1000 and wrapping a little tape around the mechanism will eliminate the wobble. Might be worth a try.

[TJ_OHTOAmericas]

Hi. I would like to know what OHTO Promecha model you have? Honestly speaking, if you want zero wobble from a retractable sleeve pencil, I am not sure that you will be able to find it. My experience has been that most drafters want to be able to control the guide pipe length (hence adjustable sleeve length) and/or customize the drafting experience as best they can. If you can, instead go with a fixed sleeve or cap-able pencil.

[stuartk]

The Pilot H1005 still has a bit of slop in the mechanism. I think it's probably impossible to avoid with a retractable pencil.

 

The Pentel PG5 is a good quality drafting pencil, but I have always preferred the P205 for drafting or drawing.

 

I've never had to carry a drafting pencil in my shirt pocket, so the fixed tip has never been an issue. (I need more equipment for drafting than I can carry in a shirt pocket anyway.)

 

I have, literally, hundreds of MPs in my collection, but the P205 has remained a favorite. I got my first one 40 years ago.

 

For general writing, I like the Parker Jotter and Vector 0.5mm pencils. The tips aren't as pointy as the P205, and they can use up more of each lead than most pencils. (The clutch is very close to the tip.)

 

I also really like the Uni-ball Kuru Toga pencils. I have one of each of the high grade versions in 0.5mm, and 2 of the less expensive models, one 0.5 and the other 0.3mm. (The 0.3mm turns out to be too thin. It tends to dig into the paper when I'm writing.)

 

Someone mentioned the sliding sleeve version of the P205, which is the PS315. I have one of those and also one in 0.7mm in beige, which was intended for use with the Pentel lead made for drafting film. They work quite well for drafting, and I never noticed that the slight amount of play in their tips effected anything.

 

BTW, the "ultimate" drafting pencil is probably the Faber-Castell TK-Matic L. After noticing too many people paying attention to it when I was in college, I stopped carrying it with me.

Edited July 16, 2012 by stuartk

[ThirdeYe]

I love MPs, and have a ton at home. However, I don't use them nearly as often as I'd like. I have a Graph Gear 1000, which I do not really remember wobbling. I'll have to check it when I get home. I do remember the Kuru Toga having a noticeable wobble to it, due to the lead rotating mechanism.

[stuartk]

I love MPs, and have a ton at home. However, I don't use them nearly as often as I'd like. I have a Graph Gear 1000, which I do not really remember wobbling. I'll have to check it when I get home. I do remember the Kuru Toga having a noticeable wobble to it, due to the lead rotating mechanism.

 

Yes, there's a certain amount of give to the mechanism. It's never bothered me though. (However, it's not a pen I would use for drafting.)