Did you know that the quality of your work can depend on your pencil? That’s right — your measurements should be accurate, so you need a reliable writing tool in your workshop.
In getting a pencil in the wrong size or material, you risk imprecise estimates that could make you work longer. Thankfully, our team has you covered in finding the best pencils for woodworking.
Reviews of the Top Pencils for Woodworking
1. Outus Carpenter Pencils
Starting off our list are Outus pencils that are made to last a long time. Besides having durable, moisture-resistant graphite refills, the pencils are designed for heavy use before they can break.
Outus carpenter pencils are comfortable to use and easy to control, owing to their non-slip knurled aluminum grip. Some added features include a weight balance and pocket clip that allows you to attach them to your shirt or a notebook.
Our team also liked the pencils for their versatility. Thanks to its carbide scriber, the pencils can be used on surfaces such as steel, ceramics, and glass.
What We Like
- Graphite refills are moisture-resistant
- Can be used on different materials
- Comes with aluminum grip for easy use and control
- Has a pocket clip for on-the-go woodworkers
What We Don't Like
- Does not include instructions for use
- Users cannot easily find the sharpener
2. Enhon Mechanical Carpenter Pencils
This Enhon mechanical carpenter pencil kit is a great workshop addition. You get four pencils, two of which are deep hole carpenter pencils extending 45 mm in length. These are convenient for marking holes or tight areas, should your project plan require it.
Moreover, the kit also has both 2 mm and 2.8 mm refills for ordinary and deep hole carpenter pencils, respectively. You don’t have to go anywhere with dull tools as the portable pencils have a sharpener on the top of them.
These are also ideal for various industries, including construction and automotive. The pencils can be used on wood, plastic, metal, and glass, among others.
What We Like
- Can mark holes and tight areas
- Comes with a sharpener
- Works on various surfaces
- Has an anti-slip design
What We Don't Like
- Cap falls off occasionally
- Refills are not as durable as desired
3. Irwin Carpenter Pencils
The best pencil for woodworking doesn’t always have to be a mechanical pencil. Irwin carpenter pencils can do the job even without the frills. These are also ideal for carpenters, tradespeople, builders, and more as long as they require a tough tool that works on different surfaces.
The pack of six medium pencils has broad lead that can do both fine and coarse lines. They write very clearly so that you don’t have to waste any material when working.
The oval design of the pencils also means they don’t slip or roll away easily. No sharpeners are included, but knives or razors work just as well.
What We Like
- Marks are very clear
- Designed for easy grip
- Doesn’t break even with heavy use
- Can be used by carpenters, tradesmen, builders, and more
What We Don't Like
- No sharpener
- A bit pricey than other non-mechanical pencils
Pencils for Woodworking Buyer’s Guide
Pencil Type
Woodworkers will have to choose between ordinary pencils or mechanical pencils. While the former work just as well, mechanical pencils have added features such as grip, sharpeners, and erasers. They can also be made in metal or plastic.
Grip
Pencils should be easy to use and control. If you have sweaty hands [1], you can benefit from pencils with a non-slip, rubber, or silicone grip.
Versatility
The pencils are not exclusive to woodworkers. You can use them in various industries and different surfaces, including wood, glass, plastic, and metal.
FAQ
Why do carpenters use rectangular pencils?
Carpenters use rectangular pencils because they provide an easier grip. This prevents the pencil from slipping even when carpenters work on uneven or rough surfaces.
With their larger surface area, carpenter pencils are also used as a gauge for drawing thick or thin lines that are not easy to erase.
Our Top Pick For a Woodworking Pencil:
Outus Carpenter Pencils
Our veteran woodworkers loved the Outus carpenter pencils for their durability and ease of use for different types of wood projects.
The refills are top quality and great for different materials such as wood, glass, and steel. The aluminum grip also makes it easy to control so that you can make precise measurements every time.
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