Pilot Pencils

Write and draw accurately with Pilot pencils. These mechanical pencils offer certain benefits over wooden ones. Besides writing consistent lines, they never need sharpening and have a more ergonomic heft. As refillable writing instruments, they’re reusable and can last much longer than wooden pencils. Browse the large inventory of writing supplies and instruments at Staples to find different types of mechanical pencils from Pilot.

Choose from different lead advancement mechanisms when ordering Pilot pencils
The lead advancement mechanism refers to the method used for pushing out the lead core through the tip of the writing tool. Pilot offers models with twist, shaker, and push-button mechanisms. Push-button is the most common mechanism used. A pencil that uses this method advances a fixed amount of lead at the push of a button. While most of Pilot’s push-button models have clickers at the top, a few have them come with buttons built into their clips.

A twist mechanism uses a knob on the nose cone or top of the pencil to push out and retract the lead tip. The shaker mechanism uses a built-in sliding weight to trigger an internal clicker when advancing the lead. Pilot pencils that use this method require two shakes to push out lead. This helps prevent tip breakage by ensuring that lead tips don’t deploy accidentally.

Consider point size and lead grade when shopping for Pilot mechanical pencils
Point size describes the diameter of a pencil’s lead tip. The brand offers most of these writing instruments with 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm points. These two sizes are ideal for everyday writing and drawing, and they’re available in different lead grades. If you’re a heavy-handed writer or prefer bolder lines, choose models with 0.7 mm lead cores over those with 0.5 mm tips. There are thinner and thicker lead tips, but they’re only suitable for specific applications. Thinner tips write finer lines but break easily, while thicker ones are unsuitable for fine writing and sketching.

All Pilot mechanical pencils come with HB leads. The HB grade sits in the middle of the hardness scale and offers an excellent balance of hardness and blackness. HB tips enjoy excellent break resistance and are equivalent to the lead found in the #2 pencil. Select Pilot models are also available with H (harder and lighter) and B (softer and darker) leads.

Is grip important when comparing Pilot mechanical pencils?
The size of the grip section contributes to the tool’s weight distribution and user comfort. Units with narrow grips are ideal for people with small hands, while a wider grip is more comfortable for individuals with large hands. A wider grip may also be the better option for those suffering from arthritis as well as wrist and repetitive strain injuries. Contoured and textured grips are more comfortable to hold for extended periods. 

What materials do Pilot use for the grips of its mechanical pencils?
The brand uses latex-free rubber grips for its pencils. This hypoallergenic rubber has a padded feel that improves comfort. Unlike bare metal grips, it’s not hard and cold to touch. It’s also softer and looks more attractive than plastic grips.  

Does Pilot offer multi-function pens with pencils?
Pilot makes all-in-one writing instruments that combine four ballpoint pens with a mechanical pencil. These also have concealed erasers hidden under their caps.