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It doesn’t matter if you are a carpenter, DIYer or woodworker, accurate measurements are essential for any wood-related project. You can mark areas to be sawed or write down the parts that belong where you are. This will help you get the final result. You cant just use any old pencil for the job, however, as not all of them write clearly on rough surfaces such as wood. Thats where carpenter pencils come in.
These pencils were made for carpentry and are not the same tools as those used to draw or write. They make it easy to see the markings on wood surfaces so you can get started with your projects. So no matter how large or small your work may be, our favorite carpenter pencils of 2022 are sure to make your life a little easier.
Carpenter Pencils Buying Guide
Carpenter pencils are incredibly handy for DIY projects. This buying guide will help you understand what to look for when shopping for them.
What Are Carpenter Pencils?
Carpenter pencils are pencils used for carpentry and woodworking. These pencils are ideal for creating thick lines that can last for many days or even weeks. These tools function much like regular pencils and are even sharpened in a similar way, but they are used specifically for making heavy-duty markings and measurements.
Carpenter Pencils Vs. Regular Pencils
There are some similarities and differences between regular pencils, and carpenter pencils. Regular pencils are thinner and more comfortable to hold for longer writing sessions. The design of a regular pencil is meant to make it comfortable on the fingers no matter how you hold it, with a circular shape that persists on all sides.
On the other hand, carpenter pencils have an oval shape that can be a bit awkward to write with at first. The purpose of the oval shape is to prevent the pencil from falling in the event that you place it on a slanted or tilted surface. While a regular pencil would roll down, an oval carpenter pencil stays in place.
Then theres the thickness. Although regular pencils come in a variety of thicknesses, they are generally thin enough to make legible lines. Carpenter pencils, however, do not care nearly as much about legibility. They offer bolder, thicker lines that can be used to make measurements and markings from far away.
Finally, theres the sharpening method. Most regular pencils have a supporting pencil sharpener that you can use to automatically sharpen the pencil with little to no effort. These pencil sharpeners work because the shape of the regular pencil is cylindrical, meaning that its got the same shape no matter how you turn the pencil lengthwise.
For carpenter pencils, the sharpening process is a little more involved. The pencil will need to be manually shaved with a knife or other similar tool. Although it takes a little longer and can be more dangerous than regular sharpening, you will get a pencil that is durable and won’t fall off the table.
Types Of Carpenter Pencils
Wooden carpenter pencils
Wooden carpenter pen pencils need to be sharpened manually. They are made from wood and require sharpening with a sharp tool. Because of their oval shape, you won’t be able to use a standard pencil sharpener to sharpen them. These carpenter pencils are easy to use and cheap, often sold in packs of three or more.
Mechanical carpenter pencils
Refillable tips make it easy to replace the lead in mechanical carpenter pencils. This design has the advantage that you won’t have to sharpen the pencil with wood shavings. You will need to buy more tips if you want to use the pencil for an extended amount of time, however, and this can cost more than just using a wooden carpenter pencil.
Tips When Sharpening Carpenter Pencils
Be careful
Sharpening a pencil for a carpenter is a dangerous job, no matter how skilled you are with woodwork. Youre moving a sharp blade, and while its usually pushed away from yourself, it only takes one slip-up to cut yourself or worse. To avoid accidents, make sure you are careful when cutting.
Sharpen in the right location
You can sharpen your carpenter pencil in your garage or shack, but that will leave wooden shavings for you to clean. Instead, consider shaving over some plants so that the shavings can decompose into the soil.
The Finest Carpenter Pencil Worth Considering In 2022
The traditional carpenter pencils can be a bit more difficult than average pencils to sharpen, but this set by Irwin Tools is a great exception. This pencil is made from medium lead and it’s extremely reliable. The lines aren’t too thick, but not too thin. This allows you to make clear and easily readable marks. The quality of the pencil is also worth noting, as its tough wooden exterior is great for heavy-duty environments. This carpenter pencil is ideal for DIY handiwork and carpentry.
Pros
- The design prevents the pencil from rolling
- It makes thick, but legible lines
- Six pencils per pack
Cons
- Must be manually sharpened
Looking for a great deal on carpenter pencils? You’ve come to the right place – the RevMark carpenter pen pencil set includes 24 pencils. This is more than enough for a few months. The pencils also come with a standard ruler printed on the side. This allows you to use the pencil in pinches as a measuring instrument or device. The green color may not be for everyone, which is why you can also get the pencils in pink, yellow, and white. These bright colors are great for busy garages or work sites. They also make it easier to lose your pencil. There are two lead options: black and red. These can be helpful when measuring on different surfaces.
Pros
- Options for lead in black and red
- Pencil available in four colors
- Features printed standard ruler on the side
Cons
- It is not easy to measure with
