Whether you’re building a piece of furniture, renovating a house or working on crafts, a high-quality pencil is indispensable.
In fact, if you’re serious about your pencils, then you’ve got to consider getting a carpenter’s pencil. These writing instruments are larger and tougher than typical pencils, which makes them perfect for many projects.
Of course, finding the best carpenter pencil is no small feat. That’s why we set out to identify the best options, both mechanical and traditional.
Let’s dive into the results of our extensive search. We think you’ll find options here for every budget and project.
Contents
- 1 Our Top Recommended Carpenter Pencils
- 2 10 Best construction Pencils:
- 2.1 1. STKR Concepts Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
- 2.2 2. Swanson Tool AlwaysSharp Refillable Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
- 2.3 3. Silverline 250227 Carpenters Pencils and Sharpener
- 2.4 4. FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter/Mechanical Pencil
- 2.5 5. Neon Yellow Carpenter Pencils
- 2.6 6. IRWIN Tools STRAIT-LINE 66400 Carpenter’s Pencil
- 2.7 7. Staedtler Medium Carpenters Pencil
- 2.8 8. Bulk Wholesale Lot
- 2.9 9. RevMark Carpenter Pencils with Printed Ruler
- 2.10 10. OX Tools 10-Pack Trade Carpenters Pencils
- 3 Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Carpenter Pencil
- 4 Carpenter Pencil FAQs
- 5 Making The Decision
Our Top Recommended Carpenter Pencils
- STKR Concepts Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
- 8.1 x 0.5 x 3.5 inches
- Carpenter Pencil w / 3 pcs of replacement lead
- Swanson Tool AlwaysSharp Refillable Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
- 2 x 4.8 x 8 inches
- Includes 2 pencils each with 8 tips, plus 8 extra replacement tips
- Silverline 250227 Carpenters Pencils and Sharpener
- 10.2 x 1 x 4.7 inches
- Set of 13
10 Best construction Pencils:
1. STKR Concepts Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
Review
A frequent complaint about traditional carpenter pencils is that it’s impossible to use all of the lead. This mechanical carpenter pencil changes that. It’s also worth noting that you’ll never have to sharpen this pencil, and the lead is 18 percent thicker than the average pencil lead.
Additionally, the pencil’s body is constructed from high-impact ABS, which is a durable material. If you need to use this pencil on worksites, it’s up to the challenge.
This STKR pencil is manufactured in the US. It’s a sturdy and reliable product that many people trust. Nonetheless, some users had difficulty with the mechanism that retains the lead in the pencil.
- Extra-wide lead
- Comes with replacement leads
- Durable construction
- Problems with the mechanism that holds the lead do
The STKR pencil is a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t want to sharpen lead and spends time on worksites.
2. Swanson Tool AlwaysSharp Refillable Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
Review
Carpenters know that it’s critical to find the best pencil for woodworking. This selection comes with two pencils, and each one comes with eight tips. These tips are easy to switch, and they never require sharpening.
Additionally, this package comes with eight more refill tips. Making thin, precise lines is no problem. Plus, the leads are sturdy. Users love how easy it is to pop out one tip so that the next one advances. Critics suggest that there is a slight wobble in the tips that makes straight lines difficult.
- Tons of lead included
- An innovative design
- Easy to switch lead tips
- Tips may wobble
Anyone who wants to avoid sharpening pencils and wants to ensure that their pencil is nonetheless always sharp is encouraged to try this product.
3. Silverline 250227 Carpenters Pencils and Sharpener
Review
This selection is for the person who prefers traditional construction pencils. Assuming an oval shape, each of these 12 pencils is equipped with soft lead. The oval shape ensures that the pencils won’t roll away, and the soft lead is ideal for marking on wood and other surfaces.
These pencils work well on smooth and rough surfaces. Users will find that they can make either thick or thin lines with ease. While many fans appreciate having a sharpener readily to hand, some are unhappy with the design of the sharpener, which may make it harder to craft an appropriate tip.
- A traditional, reliable choice
- Includes a sharpener
- Comes with 12 pencils
- Some users have trouble with the sharpener
These traditional carpenter pencils are an old-fashioned but reliable choice
4. FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter/Mechanical Pencil
Review
With its built-in eraser and three extra leads, this carpenter pencil uses a 5.5 mm lead that’s really tough and durable. Plus, this Fatboy pencil is made from aluminum so it is lightweight but sturdy enough to survive the job site.
A flat pencil is preferable because it is less likely to roll across inclined surfaces. Fortunately, this selection has a clip that should prevent this annoyance. Many people swear by this pencil for marking wood, saying that it works well even on rough surfaces.
Nonetheless, some people don’t like that this mechanical pencil requires sharpening.
- Built-in eraser
- Made of lightweight aluminum
- Comes with three leads
- Lead requires sharpening
The large size of this pencil makes it durable and easy to hold, a clear winner in the category.
5. Neon Yellow Carpenter Pencils
Review
If you’re on the hunt for a woodworking pencil that’s inexpensive and traditional, then you need to give this selection a closer look. This set of 12 pencils is painted neon yellow so that you never lose them. If you don’t like this color, choose one of the nine others.
With their oval shape, these pencils won’t roll. They compare favorably with the traditional carpenter pencils that are found at hardware stores as they are more durable. Additionally, the wood and lead in these pencils sharpen to a point with ease.
People love the bright colors on these pencils, but there are a few complaints about the graphite falling out of the pencil.
- Easy to see thanks to bright paint
- Oval shape to prevent rolling
- Made with high-quality wood and lead
- The graphite may fall out of some pencils
These traditional carpenter pencils with a brightly colored twist are a definite bargain.
6. IRWIN Tools STRAIT-LINE 66400 Carpenter’s Pencil
Review
This set of six carpenter pencils is a remarkable value. The broad lead is suitable for making fine or thick lines depending upon what type of work you’re doing. With a medium-hard lead, this wood marking pencil is an ideal choice for many applications.
Thanks to the oval shape, these pencils don’t roll. The strength of the overall pencil and its lead is excellent. It simply doesn’t chip or break.
Fans love how easy to see the marks are that this pencil makes, but critics are unhappy that although pictures in advertisements show a made-in-the-USA product, the pencils actually are made elsewhere.
- Traditional oval shape
- Tough lead that doesn’t chip or break
- A straightforward, reliable tool
- Not made-in-the-US as some ads claim
A product tested by time, this pencil is basic but fantastic
7. Staedtler Medium Carpenters Pencil
Review
The oval-hexagonal shape of these pencils ensures that they don’t roll and that they are particularly comfortable in the hand. Painted a bright red, these pencils are eye-catching so that they are less likely to get lost.
Packaged in a cardboard sleeve, this set comes with 12 pencils. These robust writing instruments are simple, straightforward and designed to stand the test of time. The medium lead is perfect for most surfaces.
Many fans say that these are the best carpenter’s pencils they’ve ever used, but some remark that the lead chips away when used on a rough surface.
- Super-comfortable in the hand
- Robust materials
- Makes dark marks
- The lead may chip on rough surfaces
A trusted product from a reliable brand, these also are an economical choice.
8. Bulk Wholesale Lot
Review
This option is a great choice for anyone who isn’t devoted to a particular brand and is incredibly cost-conscious. Mistakes happen, even in the production of professional carpenter’s pencils. That’s why you’re able to get 24 of these pencils with misprints and misspellings.
Rest assured that these are new, good-quality carpenter’s pencils. They are made of wood and contain number two lead. You’ll get a variety of colors and logos, and most of them are oval-shaped to prevent rolling.
People who have tried this selection love the variety and the fun of seeing all of the different company names and logos. In most cases, the pencils are excellent quality. However, this is a mixed lot, so you may experience some splitting or breaking.
- A true value
- A fun grab bag
- Most pencils are perfect quality
- Some pencils may not be quite up to par
If you’re looking for pencils that will be conversation starters, look no further.
9. RevMark Carpenter Pencils with Printed Ruler
Review
Whether you’re a carpenter or not, you’ll find that these pencils are incredibly useful thanks to the ruler that’s printed on each one. These made-in-the-USA cedar pencils come in packs of 24 and help you with standard and metric measurements.
These writing instruments earn high praise for being long-lasting. While the white-painted pencils are the basic choice, these come in a variety of eye-catching colors. The medium lead is a good option for many surfaces.
While most users love the addition of the rulers, some wish that the lead made darker marks.
- Standard and metric rulers on each pencil
- Good value
- Made in the USA
- The lead isn’t particularly dark
Measuring and crafts of all sorts go hand-in-hand with these useful pencils.
10. OX Tools 10-Pack Trade Carpenters Pencils
Review
Packaged with a sharpener, this set of 10 carpenter’s pencils in really convenient. They feel great in the hand thanks to their comfort grip, and they have the standard medium lead to suit various applications.
One of the nicest features of these pencils is their sturdy lead. Unlike many inferior carpenter’s pencils, the lead in these seems less prone to breakage.
Because this set comes with the necessary sharpener, many people swear by it. However, some say to be gentle with the sharpener as it breaks easily.
- Comes with a sharpener
- Sturdy pencils
- Lead doesn’t break easily
- Must be gentle with the sharpener
This is a great choice for anyone who needs several pencils and the sharpener to go with them.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Carpenter Pencil
Since the early 16th century, builders have relied upon carpenter pencils. While some say these writing tools are “just pencils,” they are more than that.
Construction pencils
Construction pencils, as they are sometimes called, are larger than standard pencils. Moreover, they have an oval shape with two broad, flat sides so that they won’t roll away.
Carpenter pencils generally are equipped with wider lead so that they can make broader marks.
Because of their unusual size and shape, it’s critical to realize that sharpening these pencils requires special tools. You can use a specialized sharpener or a knife.
Materials
Increasingly, people are switching to mechanical carpenter pencils that don’t require sharpening. Although these models are more expensive, many users value not having to sharpen pencils.
When they are well made from quality materials, these mechanical pencils can be just as sturdy and durable as a traditional-style carpenter-pencil.
How it feels to hold in your hand
When choosing a carpenter pencil, it’s wise to consider how it feels to hold the pencil in your hand. Many people feel much comfortable holding the larger, oblong shape of the carpenter pencil. If you get a round mechanical pencil, then you may be missing out on an extra level of comfort.
Mechanical or traditional
Nonetheless, some users love mechanical carpenter pencils because they are equipped with a clip so that the pencil can grip a pocket, hat, clipboard or another surface.
The round shape also is handy if you prefer to keep your pencil behind your ear. An oval-shaped pencil is difficult to perch behind your ear.
If you do decide to go with a traditional carpenter pencil that requires sharpening, then you either need a special sharpener or you need to be familiar with the sharpening technique with a knife. This requires some practice, and there’s always the danger that you could cut yourself.
Carpenter Pencil FAQs
Why is a carpenter’s pencil flat?
Anyone who has used a traditional rounded pencil is familiar with their tendency to roll. A carpenter’s pencil is flat so that it can’t get away from you while you work.
How do you sharpen a carpenter’s pencil?
When it comes to how to sharpen square pencils, you’ll have to either use a specially designed sharpener or a knife or another blade. To sharpen with a blade, firmly grasp the pencil in one hand, leaving several inches between your hand and the pencil’s end.
Take your knife in the other hand, positioning it at a 45-degree angle to the pencil about one-half inch from the end of the pencil.
Beginning on one of the narrow sides, begin slicing away the wood. Move on to the wider sides afterward, taking care not to cut into the lead itself. You’re done when about one-quarter inch of the lead is exposed.
If the lead is too sharp, rub it against some sandpaper
Is a mechanical carpenter’s pencil better than a traditional one?
This comes down to personal preference. People love not having to sharpen pencils, so they choose a mechanical option. Others prefer the added strength and durability of a traditional pencil.
Making The Decision
If you prefer a mechanical pencil that doesn’t require sharpening, then we recommend the outstanding STKR Concepts Mechanical Carpenter Pencil. It’s the best carpenter pencil thanks to its extra-wide lead and durable construction.
Those who would rather have a traditional pencil are encouraged to try the IRWIN Tools STRAIT-LINE. It’s nearly flawless with regard to functionality.
