Pentel Mechanical Pencils: Quick Click, AL405 and 0.5 vs 0.7mm

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-19

On 2026-10-19

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

A good Pentel mechanical pencil never needs sharpening and keeps a consistent line, which is why students, engineers and artists keep one in every pencil case. This Haanz Art Guide compares the Pentel mechanical pencils we stock, explains the difference between 0.5mm and 0.7mm lead, and shares tips for writing and drawing.

Pentel Quick Click (0.5mm)

The Pentel Quick Click is a 0.5mm mechanical pencil with a side click button, so you can advance lead without lifting your hand or changing grip. It has a built-in eraser and is light and comfortable. We stock three barrel versions:

Who it suits: students who write long notes or exams, and anyone who finds stopping to click the top annoying.

Pentel AL405 (0.5mm)

The Pentel AL405 is a reliable everyday 0.5mm mechanical pencil with an eraser cap and comfortable grip, for writing and drawing.

Who it suits: students and office users who want a simple, dependable pencil.

Pentel Mechanical Pencil in Pink (0.5 and 0.7mm)

Both have a reliable click mechanism and an eraser, for writing, sketching and technical drawing.

See all in Mechanical Pencils. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

0.5mm or 0.7mm?

0.5mm gives finer, crisper lines. Popular for writing small, neat notes, technical drawing and detailed sketching.
0.7mm gives a slightly bolder line and the lead breaks less easily. Good for people who press hard, for younger students, and for looser sketching.

If you often break leads, try 0.7mm or press more lightly. Always buy leads in the size that matches your pencil.

Which Pentel pencil should I pick?

For long exam answers and lecture notes: a Quick Click. The side button lets you keep writing without breaking your rhythm, and the light body is easy on the hand over a long paper.
For a simple everyday pencil: the AL405. It is straightforward, dependable and easy to refill, which makes it a sensible choice for school bags and office desks.
For younger students or heavy writers: the 0.7mm pink pencil. The thicker lead is more forgiving when pressure is uneven.
For neat diagrams and fine detail: any of the 0.5mm pencils, paired with an H or HB lead.

Many students keep two pencils: a 0.5mm for writing and diagrams, and a 0.7mm or a wooden 2B pencil for shading and quick sketches.

Choosing lead grades

Most mechanical pencils come with HB lead, a good all-round choice for writing. For drawing:

H or 2H gives lighter, crisper lines for construction and technical drawing.
B or 2B gives darker, softer lines for sketching and shading.

For more on grades, read Drawing Pencil Grades Explained.

Tips for drawing with a mechanical pencil

Keep only about 1 to 2mm of lead showing to prevent breakage.
Rotate the pencil slowly as you draw, so the lead wears evenly and lines stay consistent.
Use light pressure for construction lines, then darken the final lines.
Use a precision eraser for small corrections. See Precision Erasers and Blenders.

For sharpeners, leads and lead holders, see Mechanical Pencils, Leads, Sharpeners and Extenders, and for neat study tools read Study Stationery for Students.

Looking after your pencil

Don’t drop it tip-first; the lead sleeve can bend.
Refill leads before they run out completely.
Keep the built-in eraser for small marks and use a separate eraser for big areas.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use mechanical pencils for exams?

Yes, for written exams and technical drawing. Check your exam rules for anything specific.

Why does my lead keep breaking?

Too much lead is showing, the pressure is too hard, or the lead is too thin for your writing style. Try showing less lead or switch to 0.7mm.

How do I refill the lead?

Pull off the eraser cap, drop two or three leads into the barrel, replace the cap and click until the lead appears at the tip. Don’t overfill, as too many leads can jam the mechanism.

Is a mechanical pencil good for drawing?

Yes, especially for clean outlines, technical drawing and small details. For broad shading, a soft wooden pencil or graphite stick covers large areas faster.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose a mechanical pencil.

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