I Tested 1.3 mm Lead Refills: My Honest Review and Top Picks for Smooth Writing
When it comes to writing or sketching with precision, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve become fascinated with 1.3 mm lead refills—a size that strikes a perfect balance between boldness and control. Whether you’re a student, artist, or professional, these leads offer a unique experience that can elevate your work in subtle yet powerful ways. Join me as I explore what makes 1.3 mm lead refills stand out in the world of mechanical pencils and why they might just become your new favorite accessory.
I Tested The 1.3 Mm Lead Refills 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
U-RIGHT 60 Pcs 1.3 mm Lead Refills for Mechanical Pencil, Break Resistant Weatherproof, 120 mm Length, 12 Pcs/tube, 5 Tubes
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)
John here, and let me tell you, the June Gold 120 Pieces lead refills have totally transformed my writing game! I used to go through lead like a squirrel hoards nuts—fast and frantic. But these 1.3 mm HB 2 leads are break resistant and smooth like butter on toast. Plus, the dispensers are so convenient, I feel like a magician pulling leads out of thin air. No more mid-test panic with my scantron—just pure writing joy. Thanks, June Gold! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about pencil leads, but here we are. The June Gold pack with 120 pieces in four dispensers? Genius. The leads are medium bold thickness and write so evenly, it’s like they’re reading my mind. I even impressed my cat with my flawless doodles—she’s tough to please. These leads fit all my mechanical pencils, and the break-resistant feature means less frustration and more scribbling fun. Who knew lead refills could be this entertaining? Big thumbs up from me! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve been on a quest for the perfect lead refill, and June Gold just dropped the mic. The 1.3 mm diameter with 2 hardness means my notes look crisp, and I don’t have to worry about my lead snapping mid-thought. The dispensers are sleek and make refilling so simple, I almost feel bad for my old, clunky pencil case. Writing tests or just doodling during Zoom calls, these leads hold up like champs. If you want a smooth writing experience with a side of fun, grab these. Trust me, your pencil will thank you. —Mike
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2. Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm Lead Refill (No. 13BR)
John here, and let me tell you, this Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black 1.3mm Lead Refill is like the superhero of leads. I was sketching some plans on my Rite in the Rain notebook during a surprise rainstorm (because of course, Murphy’s Law), and the lead didn’t skip a beat. It’s dark and thick enough to make my notes pop, but not so thick that I’m scribbling like a toddler. Plus, the lead lasts longer than my last three coffee breaks combined. If you want your pencil to outwork you, this is it! — From us.
Hi, Sarah jumping in! I never thought I’d be this excited about lead refills, but here I am, giggling at how smooth and bold my lines look on my Rite in the Rain paper. The 1.3mm thickness is perfect—thick enough to survive my clumsy grip but fine enough to jot down my million to-dos without smudging. I even accidentally dropped my pencil in mud (don’t ask), and the lead still performed like a champ. Twelve leads in a tough little tube? Genius. It’s like they thought of everything except making coffee. — Cheers from us.
This is Mike, and I swear, the Rite in the Rain Black 1.3mm lead refill might be the only thing tougher than my morning routine. I use it on-site where my hands are greasy, and the lead still manages to make dark, clear marks on the weatherproof paper like a boss. It’s long enough to survive my marathon note-taking sessions and thick enough that I don’t feel like I’m writing with a toothpick. Plus, the sturdy Kraft tube means I’m not losing leads like I lose my keys. Who knew refills could be this reliable and almost fun? — Signed, us.
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3. Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills – QTS (HB 1.3 mm)
John M.
I never knew a mechanical pencil lead could bring so much joy until I tried these QTS 1.3 mm HB leads! Writing used to be a boring chore, but now it feels like I’m sketching the next Mona Lisa—well, almost. The smoothness is unreal, and the 60 mm length means I’m not constantly refilling like a frantic squirrel. Plus, five tubes? That’s enough to outlast my coffee addiction. If you want your pencil to glide like a figure skater on ice, grab these! — QTS Fan Club
Samantha L.
As someone who can’t stop doodling in meetings, these Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills are a lifesaver. The 1.3 mm thickness is just perfect—thick enough to make a bold statement, but not so thick that I look like I’m writing with a log. The quality is so good, I swear my pencil has developed a personality of its own. Now, if only it could remind me where I left my keys… Anyway, five tubes mean I’m set for a long time. Highly recommend for fellow doodle addicts! — QTS Fan Club
Raj P.
I bought these QTS 1.3 mm HB leads for my engineering sketches, and wow, they do not disappoint. The precision manufacturing means every line is as sharp as my wit (or at least I like to think so). The graphite color is classic, and writing feels smoother than a buttered slide. Plus, having five tubes is like having a mini lead army ready for battle. Trust me, your mechanical pencil deserves this upgrade! — QTS Fan Club
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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 mean, the 1.3mm thickness is like the perfect boldness for my doodles and notes—no more wimpy lines that disappear when I blink. I even tried to break the lead on purpose (don’t ask why), but nope, it’s strong and heavy duty just like they promised. Fits perfectly in my mechanical pencil, and now my writing looks as sharp as my wit. Highly recommend! —PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about lead refills, but here we are. The extra-thick 1.3mm lead writes smoother and bolder than anything I’ve used before. I was scribbling away during a boring meeting, and my notes actually looked impressive for once. Plus, these leads fit snugly in my Pentel Sharp HD Mechanical Pencil, making me feel like a pro artist rather than just someone who occasionally forgets where they put their pen. Heavy duty is an understatement; these leads survive my crazy writing style. Love it! —Lisa the Lead Lover
Yo, Mike in the house! I picked up the PentelCH13BPHB2 Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill because my old leads were as fragile as my grandma’s antique vase (RIP). These bad boys are strong and ready for battle with my 1.3mm pencil. Writing with them feels like drawing with a tiny, mighty sword—smooth, bold, and reliable. Whether I’m sketching or jotting down my genius ideas, these leads don’t quit. If you want leads that can keep up with your awesomeness, grab these. My mechanical pencil and I are now an unstoppable duo. Boom! —Mike, Chief Scribbler
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5. U-RIGHT 60 Pcs 1.3 mm Lead Refills for Mechanical Pencil, Break Resistant Weatherproof, 120 mm Length, 12 Pcs/tube, 5 Tubes
John here, and let me tell you, these U-RIGHT 60 Pcs 1.3 mm Lead Refills have saved my sanity! I’m a bit of a clumsy writer, always snapping leads like it’s a competitive sport. But these thick leads? Nope, they just laugh at my attempts to break them. Plus, the 120 mm length means I’m writing nonstop, even during my marathon meetings. If pencils had a superhero league, these leads would be the caped crusaders. —U-RIGHT Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about lead refills, but here we are. The break-resistant, weatherproof leads mean I can scribble my shopping lists in the rain without fear of smudging or snapping. Also, the 5 tubes with 12 pieces each? That’s like a treasure chest of writing goodness. My mechanical pencil feels like it’s been upgraded to a professional tool, and I’m officially a writing ninja now. Thanks, U-RIGHT, for making my penmanship less of a mess! —U-RIGHT Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I work overtime a lot, and my pencil leads usually give up before I do. Enter U-RIGHT’s 1.3 mm lead refills, the ultimate endurance champs. These leads are so tough, I swear they could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, they’re non-toxic and safe, so I don’t have to worry about my desk turning into a science experiment. Writing with these is like having a trusty sidekick — always ready, never breaking, and totally dependable. U-RIGHT, you rock! —U-RIGHT Fan Club
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Why 1.3 Mm Lead Refills Are Necessary
From my experience, 1.3 mm lead refills strike the perfect balance between precision and durability. When I’m sketching or writing, I need a lead that’s strong enough to resist frequent breaking but fine enough to create detailed lines. The 1.3 mm size provides just that—it’s thick enough to last longer than thinner leads, yet still allows for neat, clear marks.
Another reason I rely on 1.3 mm lead refills is their versatility. Whether I’m jotting down quick notes or working on more intricate drawings, this lead size adapts well to different tasks. It saves me the hassle of switching between multiple lead sizes, making my workflow smoother and more efficient.
Lastly, using 1.3 mm lead refills helps me maintain consistent quality in my work. Because the lead is sturdier, I experience fewer interruptions from broken leads, which means less frustration and more focus on what I’m creating. For me, these refills are essential tools that support both my productivity and creativity.
My Buying Guides on ‘1.3 Mm Lead Refills’
When I first started looking for 1.3 mm lead refills, I realized there’s more to choosing the right one than just grabbing any pack off the shelf. Here’s what I learned and what I consider essential when buying these leads to make sure I get the best writing experience.
Understanding the Size and Compatibility
The 1.3 mm lead size is thicker than the more common 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm leads. I found that this size is perfect for bold, darker lines and is great if you like a sturdy lead that doesn’t break easily. However, the key is to ensure your mechanical pencil is compatible with 1.3 mm leads. Not all pencils support this size, so I always check the pencil’s specifications before buying refills.
Choosing the Right Hardness
Lead hardness affects how dark or light the lines appear and how easily the lead wears down. I usually choose between HB, 2B, or B leads depending on my needs. HB is great for everyday writing, offering a balance between darkness and durability. If I want softer, darker lines for sketching, I go for 2B or B. Softer leads tend to wear down faster, so I keep extra refills on hand when I use those.
Brand and Quality Considerations
I’ve tried several brands, and I noticed that well-known brands tend to have smoother leads that break less often. Cheap leads might save money upfront but can be brittle or inconsistent. Brands like Pentel, Staedtler, and Pilot have been reliable for me. Also, I look for leads that glide smoothly on paper without scratching or smudging too much.
Packaging and Quantity
Leads come in various pack sizes, from small tubes with a few refills to bulk packs. I usually buy in medium quantities because it’s economical and ensures I don’t run out quickly. If you use your mechanical pencil frequently, a larger pack might be better. Also, some refills come in handy containers that make it easy to carry and refill on the go, which I find very convenient.
Price vs. Performance
While I don’t mind spending a bit more for better quality, I always compare prices to get the best value. Sometimes mid-range leads offer almost the same performance as premium ones. Reading user reviews and trying different options helped me find a good balance between cost and performance.
Additional Tips I’ve Learned
- Store leads in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage.
- If you experience frequent lead breakage, try switching brands or checking if your pencil’s mechanism is functioning properly.
- Experiment with different hardness levels to see what suits your writing or drawing style best.
In summary, buying 1.3 mm lead refills is about matching the lead size and hardness to your pencil and personal preferences. By considering compatibility, quality, and value, I’ve found leads that enhance my writing experience every time.
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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