Papermate Auto Mechanical Pencil Non-Stop 0.7mm - Pack of 12 Assorted Barrel Colours

I've been using disposable mechanical pencils (with an eraser at one end) for years both for solving puzzles, where the eraser is most useful, and for woodworking, where they give a fine line for precision marking and never need sharpening. There are two designs of mechanical pencil currently being sold. The inferior version extrudes the lead by pressing on the eraser end so if you rub too hard too much pencil lead appears and there is no way to retract it. Even when you wish to push out more lead the control on the amount sticking out is crude and limited. Papermate's design is much better with the lead being extruded (or retracted) by turning the plastic at the pointed end. An altogether superior product. My only criticism is that, when used for puzzles, it is easy to use up the rubber whilst there is still plenty of lead remaining (though the only practical solution to this problem would be to sell replacement rubbers and I doubt that there would be much of a market for this) and it is at this point that I start using them for woodworking.

I prefer to use pencils over pens, for note taking and jotting down observations and equipment readings during my work. I have a fancy 4-function pen with a pencil option, but the mechanism repeatedly jams. With these pencils the lead is extended by turning the ferrule where the lead emerges, rather than the clutch-type of mechanism where you have to press the eraser and the lead emerges in preset increments. With these the lead can be extended by as little or as much as you wish. These Papermate pencils are really nice. - I find them comfortable to hold as I write, - I like the screw mechanism to extend or retract the lead, - I like that it is 0.7mm lead diameter rather than 0.5mm, it means the lead is less prone to breaking as you write, and I prefer the 0.7mm size of pencil line also. - I particularly like that after writing, with a quick turn of the mechanism the lead is retracted and does not break off in my bag. - the combination of the lead harness (HB) and the hardness/softness of the eraser means that the eraser works well to erase what you want without simply smudging or even abrading/tearing the paper, - I find that the eraser is long enough that I usually finish the lead well before the eraser is finished - and even though the pencils cannot be "refilled", I can remove the eraser and keep it as a spare (that might be useful if you are using these with children). - I prefer the see-through (neon colour) pencils to the opaque ones, as I can see easily how much lead is remaining. The pencils are not perfect though. - I have had 2 or 3 where for some reason the mechanism stopped working with 20%-50% of the lead unused. I could keep twisting it and it would "click" on each turn but not extend the lead, -The type of plastic used for the see-through neon pencil itself means that the "clip" that will slide over a shirt pocket or pages of a notebook is not very flexible and it will snap off after only a few uses - this has happened to me with every single one that I have used (even where I have been very careful, as I thought, not to over-extend it or over-stress it). It is annoying and the only aspect of design that I do not like - hence only 4 stars, I still "like" the pencils and repeatedly buy this brand and model.

I use these ALL the time at work. Superb pencils. Have also given some away to family who also love them. Great value for money too.

Lead could be better quality

Does come in a box unlike advertised pictures but is the same product inside. These are probably the best disposable mechanical pencils you can buy. They are absolutely excellent and the perfect denseness and thickness of lead for crisp lines and writing. You turn the nip for more lead to feed out. The lead is not forced back inside the pencil unlike pencils you click on the top. They aren't refillable but you do not lose the pressure on paper when you are using them and this is such an equal exchange. I'd much prefer to use these than any of the posh refillable ones I have used. These are my go to brand for years and are absolutely fantastic. I cannot recommend more. This is one of the best priced listings for the item too for 12 pencils 👍

The order came a day late, and contained 14 mechanical pencils that are neon yellow and neon pink, not like the picture. I cannot complain as they are still the twistable mechanical pencils which is what I was looking for.

It seems silly to evangelise about a pencil, but these really are very comfortable to use and a pleasure to write with. The rubber on the top isn't the best, as it doesn't always cleanly remove the pencil marks. I much prefer this simple style of continuous pencil compared to the ones that you have to click. The lead is fine, not quite as fine as a freshly sharpened pencil but very neat and readable. I tend to buy the neon colours as they are distinctive, but that doesn't stop them vanishing from my desk!

The propelling pencils are compact, colourful and functional. Ideal for completing puzzles where built in erasers remove the need for a pencil sharpener, as with conventional pencils.