Pentel GraphGear 500: Metal Grip Drafting Pencil
The Pentel GraphGear 500 is an inexpensive drafting mechanical pencil Pentel launched in 2001. It has a knurled metal grip that puts weight near the point, a fixed 4 mm lead sleeve and an eraser under the cap. US models run from PG523 (0.3 mm) to PG529 (0.9 mm). JetPens lists about 141 mm and 15 g.
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Product facts
- Product
- Pentel GraphGear 500 mechanical drafting pencil (PG525, 0.5 mm; PG515 in Japan)
- Brand
- Pentel
- Brand origin
- Japan
- Made in
- Japan*
- Material
- Plastic barrel, metal (brass) knurled grip and tip, metal clip
- Released
- 2001*
- Price range
- $$$5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count)
Notes on these facts
- Made by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand. Made in Japan: Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide lists Japan as the origin of the GraphGear 500 (PG523 to PG529). Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state the country of manufacture. Source. Price: example listing. Released: Pentel Japan's October 9, 2025 news release calls it the GraphGear 500 released in 2001.
- Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
- Pentel Japan dates the GraphGear 500 to 2001; its 2025 release chose it for a 60th-anniversary drafting-pencil edition.
- Pentel of America sells four lead sizes, PG523 (0.3 mm) to PG529 (0.9 mm); Pentel Japan adds a 0.4 mm PG514.
- JetPens lists about 14.1 cm (5.6 in) and 15 g (0.53 oz) with lead, and a 4 mm fixed sleeve.
- Pentel Japan lists it at ¥638 (about US$4.00), and it sits in our $$ band ($5–20) in the US.
- Pentel of America's product guide lists Japan as the country of origin.
What is the Pentel GraphGear 500?
The GraphGear 500 is Pentel’s budget drafting mechanical pencil: a plastic barrel with a heavy knurled metal grip and a fixed 4 mm lead sleeve. Pentel Japan dates it to 2001, a year before the GraphGear 1000.
Pentel Japan says the tip and grip are one piece, so the point can’t work loose while you write, and that the metal grip’s weight steadies the hand. Pentel of America sums it up as “weighted at your fingertips”.
It is also widely searched for its price. ASINSIGHT estimated about 1,127 Amazon US searches for “graphgear 500” in the week of May 24–30, 2026.
Pentel GraphGear 500 specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo |
| US models | PG523 (0.3 mm), PG525 (0.5 mm), PG527 (0.7 mm), PG529 (0.9 mm) |
| Japan models | PG513, PG514 (0.4 mm), PG515, PG517, PG519 |
| Released | 2001 (Pentel Japan) |
| Lead sleeve | 4 mm, fixed |
| Grip | Knurled metal, one piece with the tip |
| Lead loaded | HB (Pentel Japan) |
| Eraser | Under the cap; refill Z2-1N |
| Length | About 141 mm (5.6 in) (JetPens); 147 mm for the anniversary edition (Bungu Store) |
| Weight | About 15 g (0.53 oz) |
| Japan list price | ¥638 (about US$4.00) with tax, ¥580 (about US$3.70) before tax |
| JAN (PG515) | 4902506172891 |
| Made in | Japan (Pentel of America) |
Pentel Japan doesn’t publish a length or weight. Bungu Store’s listing of the 2025 anniversary PG515-ANA gives 10 × 8 × 147 mm, 15 g, a recycled ABS barrel, a brass tip and grip and an iron clip. Pentel Japan lists the regular body color as silver; US listings show black and other barrel colors by model.
Which lead size should you choose?
Choose 0.5 mm (PG525) for everyday writing and drafting; the last digit of the model number is the lead size.
- 0.3 mm (PG523): fine lines and small writing; the thin lead breaks more easily.
- 0.5 mm (PG525): the all-round size.
- 0.7 mm (PG527): bolder and stronger, good for heavy hands.
- 0.9 mm (PG529): sketching and the strongest lead.
- 0.4 mm (PG514): listed by Pentel Japan only, so expect to import it.
Why does it have a 4 mm sleeve?
A long, thin sleeve lets the point run along a ruler or template while you see the line. Pentel of America says the 4 mm tip “makes it ideal for use with rulers and templates”.
The cost is fragility. The sleeve doesn’t retract, and a JetPens reviewer bent it in a fall from coffee-table height, so carry it in a case.
How does it compare to the GraphGear 1000 and Graph 1000 for Pro?
The GraphGear 500 is the simplest of Pentel’s three classic drafting pencils: no retracting tip, no grade window, but the heaviest grip for its price.
| GraphGear 500 | GraphGear 1000 | Graph 1000 for Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2001 | 2002 | 1986 |
| Grip | Knurled metal | Knurled metal, rubber pads | Metal, rubber pads |
| Sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, retractable | 4 mm, fixed |
| Grade indicator | No (JetPens) | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | About 15 g | About 20 g | About 11 g |
| Price band | $$ | $$ | $$ |
Figures for the other two come from our guides to them. JetPens reviewers also miss a lead-clearing wire and find the eraser very small.
What lead and eraser does it use?
Any standard lead in the pencil’s size; it comes loaded with HB. The eraser under the cap takes Pentel’s Z2-1N refills. For stronger refills, see our Pentel Ain Stein lead guide; our best mechanical pencils puts the GraphGear family in context.
Where is the Pentel GraphGear 500 made?
In Japan, according to Pentel of America’s product guide, which lists Japan as the origin of all four US models. Pentel’s Japanese product page doesn’t state the country of manufacture.
Pentel Japan lists it at ¥638 (about US$4.00) including tax as of October 2026, and the 2025 anniversary edition at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00). In the US it sells in our $$ band, $5–20 per pencil.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the GraphGear 500 and the GraphGear 1000?
The GraphGear 500 has a fixed 4 mm sleeve, a plain knurled metal grip and no lead-grade indicator. The GraphGear 1000 adds a sleeve that retracts, rubber pads in the grip and a grade window, and weighs about 20 g against roughly 15 g.
What lead sizes does the Pentel GraphGear 500 come in?
In the US, 0.3 mm (PG523), 0.5 mm (PG525), 0.7 mm (PG527) and 0.9 mm (PG529), per Pentel of America. Pentel Japan sells the same sizes as PG513 to PG519, plus a 0.4 mm PG514.
Is the GraphGear 500 tip retractable?
No. The 4 mm lead sleeve is fixed, and JetPens reviewers warn it isn't pocket safe; one bent the sleeve in a fall from coffee-table height.
How heavy is the GraphGear 500?
About 15 g (0.53 oz). JetPens lists roughly 15 g with lead, and Bungu Store lists 15 g for the 2025 anniversary edition.
Does the Pentel GraphGear 500 have an eraser?
Yes, a small one under the cap. It takes Pentel's Z2-1N refill erasers, four to a tube, per Pentel Japan.
When did the GraphGear 500 come out?
In 2001, according to Pentel Japan. In 2025 Pentel gave it a black 60th-anniversary edition alongside the Graph 1000 for Pro and GraphGear 1000.
Where is the Pentel GraphGear 500 made?
In Japan, according to Pentel of America's product guide. Pentel, now ASTRUM Corporation, is based in Tokyo.
Sources
- グラフギア500 (Pentel Japan product page: PG513 to PG519, JAN codes, HB lead, ¥638 list price, one-piece tip and metal grip, Z2-1N eraser)
- ぺんてるが製図用シャープペンシル発売60周年を記念し… (Pentel Japan news release, October 9, 2025: GraphGear 500 released 2001, 4 mm guide pipe)
- 製図用シャープペンシル 60周年限定 (Pentel Japan: limited GraphGear 500 PG515-ANA, ¥1,100)
- Pentel of America 2023–2024 Product Guide, p. 90 (GraphGear 500 PG523, PG525, PG527, PG529; origin Japan; 4 mm tip; eraser refill Z2-1N)
- JetPens: Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencil, 0.5 mm (PG525A; about 14.1 cm, 15 g with lead, 4 mm fixed sleeve, no grade indicator)
- JetPens: Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencils (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm)
- Bungu Store: Pentel GraphGear 500 60th Anniversary Edition PG515-ANA (10 × 8 × 147 mm, 15 g, materials)
- ASINSIGHT: Graphgear 500 Amazon US search volume and sales report (week of May 24–30, 2026)