Pentel
GraphGear 500 Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm
Why we picked it
Costs around $5 and lasts decades
Warranty: N/AMade in: JapanSatisfaction: 96%
The Pentel GraphGear 500 is a BIFL legend among mechanical pencils, with one beloved post from a user who used the same pencil for every exam since 9th grade through age 35. The graduated metal tip provides excellent visibility for drafting, the brass mechanism is smooth and reliable, and the knurled metal grip never wears out. All this for around $5.
N/A Made in Japan
$5.10
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Community & Review Summary
4.7/ 5
11,230 Amazon reviews
96%
Reddit satisfaction score
620
Total mentions (610 positive)
#11
Amazon sales rank
Why Reddit Recommends This
Price History
Above AverageOct 25Apr 26
Lowest
$4.50
Dec 1
Average
$5.05
Highest
$5.49
Oct 1
Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +Costs around $5 and lasts decades
- +Brass mechanism is ultra-reliable
- +Metal grip with excellent knurling
- +Graduated tip for visibility
- +Perfectly balanced weight
- +Standard lead and eraser refills
Cons
- -Clip can bend if pocketed roughly
- -Eraser is very small
- -Tip can bend if dropped point-first
- -Only one lead size per pencil