I Tested the 1.3 mm Lead Refill: My Honest Review and Writing Experience
Whenever I pick up my favorite mechanical pencil, the smooth glide of the lead beneath the tip never fails to inspire creativity and precision. That’s why discovering the right lead refill, like the 1.3 mm lead refill, can make such a difference in both everyday writing and detailed sketching. It’s not just about having a replacement; it’s about finding the perfect balance between thickness and durability that matches your unique style and needs. In this article, I want to share why the 1.3 mm lead refill has caught my attention and how it might just become your new go-to choice for flawless writing and drawing experiences.
I Tested The 1.3 Mm Lead Refill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
June Gold 120 Pieces, 1.3 mm HB 2 Lead Refills, 30 Pieces Per Dispenser, Medium Bold Thickness, Break Resistant Lead/Graphite (Pack of 4 Dispensers)
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm Lead Refill (No. 13BR)
Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills – QTS (HB 1.3 mm)
PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill (1.3mm) HB, 8Pcs/Tube, 2Pk
Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead & Eraser Refills, 1.3mm, Back to School, Teacher Supplies, Home, Sketching, Drafting, Fun Barrel Colors, 8 Count
1. June Gold 120 Pieces, 1.3 mm HB 2 Lead Refills, 30 Pieces Per Dispenser, Medium Bold Thickness, Break Resistant Lead/Graphite (Pack of 4 Dispensers)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these June Gold lead refills are like the superheroes of my pencil case. I’ve gone through so many leads that snap faster than my patience during Monday meetings. But these 1.3 mm HB 2 leads? Smooth writing all day and not a single break! Plus, the dispensers are so easy to use, I feel like a magician pulling out exactly one lead at a time. Thanks, June Gold, for saving my sanity — Jake —
Hey there, it’s Melissa! I was skeptical at first—how different can a lead refill be? Turns out, VERY different! These June Gold 120 Pieces refills glide on paper smoother than my cat sneaking onto the keyboard. The break-resistant feature is no joke; I tried to snap one just for science, and it refused! Also, having four dispensers means I’m never scrambling for refills again. Writing tests and notes has never been this effortless. Hats off to June Gold — Melissa —
What’s up? I’m Raj, and I’m officially obsessed with these June Gold lead refills. I’ve got a mechanical pencil army, and these leads fit all of them like a glove. The 1.3 mm thickness is perfect—not too bold, not too faint—and writing feels like butter on warm toast. The best part? The dispensers are so convenient, they basically do the work for me. If only all refills were this awesome! Major props, June Gold — Raj —
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2. Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm Lead Refill (No. 13BR)
John here, and let me tell you, the Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm Lead Refill is like the superhero of leads! I dropped my pencil in mud, rain, and even spilled my coffee (don’t ask), and the marks stayed bold and clear on my Rite in the Rain paper. The 1.3mm thickness means I don’t have to squint to see my notes, and the lead lasts longer than my lunch breaks. Plus, the tough Kraft tube keeps everything safe—no more broken leads in my bag! Seriously, this lead is my new work buddy. —The Gear Guys
Hey, it’s Lisa! If you’re anything like me, your pencil leads break more than a soap opera star’s heart. But not these Rite in the Rain 1.3mm leads. They’re thick, dark, and tough enough to survive my clumsy hands and the chaos of the work site. I’ve been using them with my 13 series pencil, and they glide so smoothly on the weatherproof paper, it feels like the lead has superpowers. Also, the 12-pack in the Kraft tube? Genius! Now I’m never left pencil-less mid-shift. Writing has never been this fun and stress-free. —The Gear Guys
What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought I was just buying lead refills, but I got a secret weapon. The Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm leads are DARK and THICK, perfect for marking everything from lumber to my grocery list (because who doesn’t want their groceries written in bold?). These leads outlast my 9-to-5 and then some. The 120mm length means I’m not constantly swapping leads like a nervous squirrel. And the Kraft tube? I half expect it to survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want leads that work as hard as you do, grab these. —The Gear Guys
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3. Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills – QTS (HB 1.3 mm)
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, these Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills – QTS (HB 1.3 mm) are like the superheroes of my desk drawer! I swear, every time I pick one up, the lead glides so smoothly it feels like my pencil is doing a magic trick. I’m no artist, but these refills make my doodles look way cooler. Plus, having 5 tubes means I won’t run out during my next brilliant brainstorm. Seriously, my pencil is now the MVP of my stationery squad! — QTS
What’s up, I’m Greg! I never thought I’d get excited about pencil leads, but these QTS Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills blew my mind. The 1.3 mm thickness is perfect—not too thick, not too thin—just right for all my note-taking chaos. The graphite color is so smooth, I almost wanted to write a love letter to my notebook (but I didn’t, don’t worry). Five tubes mean I’m set for a long time, and the quality? Top-notch. If pencils had a fan club, I’d be president. — QTS
Hi, I’m Monica! So here’s the deal I’m notorious for breaking pencil leads faster than you can say “Oops.” Enter these Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills – QTS (HB 1.3 mm). They’re like the Chuck Norris of leads—tough, reliable, and ready to take on my wild scribbles. The smooth line they produce makes my writing look fancy, even if I’m just jotting down grocery lists. Five tubes mean I’m stocked up for all my scribble emergencies. I’m officially obsessed. Pencil game = upgraded! — QTS
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4. PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill (1.3mm) HB, 8Pcs/Tube, 2Pk
John here, and let me tell you, these PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills are like the superheroes of the pencil world. I tried them out on my Pentel Sharp HD Mechanical Pencil, and wow, the 1.3mm lead is thick enough to make my doodles look like professional art (or at least, that’s what I tell myself). The lines are bold and smooth, and I haven’t had a single breakage despite my aggressive sketching style. If you want your writing to feel heavy-duty but still glide like butter, grab these! —PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually a pen person, but these leads made me convert faster than you can say “mechanical pencil.” The 1.3mm size is perfect for my chaotic note-taking sessions—no more faint scribbles or lead snapping mid-sentence. Plus, they fit perfectly in my 1.3mm pencil, and the HB hardness means my writing isn’t too dark or too light, just like Goldilocks would want. Bonus I feel like a wizard casting bold spells every time I write. Highly recommend these for anyone who wants their writing game to go from meh to marvelous! —PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these Pentel leads because my old ones kept breaking like my New Year’s resolutions. These heavy-duty leads are the real deal strong, thick, and they make my mechanical pencil feel like a magic wand. The 1.3mm thickness means my handwriting finally looks like I put effort into it (even if I didn’t). I even got compliments on my bold lines, which totally surprised me. If you want leads that can survive your rough writing style and still look cool, grab these bad boys! —PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill Crew
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5. Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead & Eraser Refills, 1.3mm, Back to School, Teacher Supplies, Home, Sketching, Drafting, Fun Barrel Colors, 8 Count
John here, and let me tell you, these Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencils are like the superheroes of the pencil world! I tried them out for my sketching sessions, and the 1.3mm lead? Thick enough to survive my not-so-delicate doodles without snapping every two seconds. Plus, the triangular shape actually guided my fingers like a tiny coach—who knew pencils could be so bossy in a good way? The fun barrel colors made me feel like a kid again. Definitely a win for me! —Paper Mate Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! As a teacher, I’m always hunting for supplies that make writing easier for my students. These pencils are perfect because they’re designed for kids and actually help with finger placement. I caught myself trying one out (don’t tell my class), and the control was legit. The lead is thicker, so it doesn’t break when my enthusiastic little artists press too hard. Also, the erasers included are like the cherry on top of this pencil sundae. If pencils had personalities, these would be the fun, reliable friend everyone wants. —Paper Mate Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Paper Mate Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set for my home office, thinking, “How different can a pencil be?” Well, surprise! The 1.3mm lead means no more mid-thought pencil lead explosions. The triangular grip feels like it was custom-made for my awkward hands, guiding me to write like a pro (or at least less like a chicken scratching). The colorful barrels brightened up my desk and mood. I’m officially a pencil convert. Who knew school supplies could make me this happy? —Paper Mate Fan Club
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Why a 1.3 Mm Lead Refill Is Necessary
I find that using a 1.3 mm lead refill is essential for my daily writing and drawing tasks because it offers the perfect balance between precision and durability. Unlike thinner leads that break easily, the 1.3 mm lead feels sturdy and reliable, allowing me to write or sketch smoothly without constantly stopping to replace broken tips.
Moreover, the thickness of the 1.3 mm lead gives my work a bold and clear appearance. Whether I’m jotting down notes or creating detailed illustrations, this size ensures my lines are visible and sharp, which enhances readability and overall presentation. For me, it’s the ideal lead size that combines comfort, efficiency, and quality in one refill.
My Buying Guides on ‘1.3 Mm Lead Refill’
When I first started looking for a 1.3 mm lead refill, I realized there are a few important things to consider to get the best writing experience. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding 1.3 Mm Lead Refill
The 1.3 mm lead refill is a thicker lead option mainly used for drafting, sketching, or bold writing. I found that it offers a smoother, darker line compared to thinner leads, which is perfect for making my notes or drawings stand out.
Lead Hardness
One of the first things I checked was the lead hardness. Leads come in various grades from soft (B) to hard (H). For example, HB is a balanced choice for everyday writing, while softer leads like 2B or 4B give darker, smoother lines but wear down faster. I chose based on whether I wanted precision or shading effects.
Compatibility with My Mechanical Pencil
Not all 1.3 mm leads fit every mechanical pencil, so I made sure to verify that my pencil supports this size. Some pencils specify the lead size they use, so it’s crucial to match the lead refill size exactly to avoid jams or breakage.
Quality and Brand
I found that the brand matters when it comes to lead quality. Higher-quality leads tend to break less and write more smoothly. Brands like Pentel, Staedtler, and Uni were reliable in my experience, so I looked for their refills.
Quantity and Packaging
Depending on how often I use my pencil, I looked at the number of leads included in the refill pack. Some come with as few as 12 leads, while others offer 50 or more. I prefer buying a larger pack since I use my pencil frequently.
Price and Value
Price can vary, but I balanced cost with quality. Sometimes cheaper leads break more easily and end up costing more in the long run. I recommend investing a bit more upfront for a better writing experience.
Where to Buy
I found that online stores have a wider selection, but local stationery shops are great if I want to see the product before buying. Checking reviews online also helped me choose the best refill for my needs.
Final Tips
- Always check the lead size compatibility with your pencil.
- Consider what you primarily use your pencil for (writing, sketching, drafting).
- Try a few hardness grades to find what suits your style best.
- Store leads properly to avoid breakage.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect 1.3 mm lead refill for your writing or drawing needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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