What is the Best Pencil for Woodworking? (2023)

If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.

Share It
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Reddit

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.

Premium Choice
Enhon Mechanical Carpenter Pencils
Editor's Choice
Outus Carpenter Pencils
Budget Option
Irwin Carpenter Pencils
Enhon Mechanical Carpenter Pencils
Outus Carpenter Pencils
Irwin Carpenter Pencils
• Deep hole pencils
• Can mark holes and tight areas
• Has portable sharpeners
• Ideal for different industries
• Moisture-resistant refills
• Non-slip aluminum grip
• Great on various surfaces
• Made for heavy use
• Solid pencil lead
• Draws clear thin and thick marks
• Very durable
• Non-slip oval design
Premium Choice
Enhon Mechanical Carpenter Pencils
Enhon Mechanical Carpenter Pencils
• Deep hole pencils
• Can mark holes and tight areas
• Has portable sharpeners
• Ideal for different industries
Editor's Choice
Outus Carpenter Pencils
Outus Carpenter Pencils
• Moisture-resistant refills
• Non-slip aluminum grip
• Great on various surfaces
• Made for heavy use
Budget Option
Irwin Carpenter Pencils
Irwin Carpenter Pencils
• Solid pencil lead
• Draws clear thin and thick marks
• Very durable
• Non-slip oval design

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

What We Don't Like

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

What We Don't Like

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

What We Don't Like

Pencils for Woodworking Buyer’s Guide

Pencil Type

Woodworkers face a choice between ordinary pencils and mechanical pencils. Although both options work effectively, mechanical pencils for woodworking projects helps with built-in grips, sharpeners, and erasers. They are also available in both metal and plastic variations.

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.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
Related Articles
Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free!

Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free!
popup-cutout.png