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if using a pencil for too long causes
you to get hand cramps
it might just be time to get an
ergonomic pencil
we'll show you how to choose one as well
as some wrist exercises you can do to
prevent hand injury
most of our recommendations are
mechanical pencils but we do have a
couple of options for wooden pencil
users at the end
when you choose an ergonomic pencil
consider these factors
in general you want to pick a pencil
that's proportional to your hand size
we find thicker pencils easier to grip
than thinner pencils
some pencils are even made with special
contours to rest more comfortably in
your hand
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lighter pencils tend to cause less
fatigue over time
weight distribution is important as well
a pencil that's tip heavy is easier to
control
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pencil grips range in shape firmness and
texture
choose a soft one if you have a death
grip
a contoured one if you need help
positioning your fingers
and a textured one if your hands are
slippery
since you need to extend the lead in
your mechanical pencil as you write
look for mechanisms that take less force
to click
other lead advancement mechanisms like
shaking can also reduce strain and
introduce variety to your hand movements
the lead you use also affects your
writing experience
if you want to write with light pressure
but still get dark marks
look for a softer lead like b or 2b
if you're left-handed it might be better
to get a harder lead that's less
susceptible to smearing
like h or even 2h
let's jump right into our favorite
ergonomic mechanical pencils
we love how plush and luxurious the uni
alpha gel grip is
so it's no wonder it's our pick for the
softest grip
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two lines in particular stand out the
alpha gel kuru toga which uses the
kurutoga lead rotation mechanism for
consistently sharp lead and the alpha
gel chaka shaker
which has a gentle and easy to use
shaker mechanism for extending lead
for a medium grip we recommend the pilot
dr grip
ace shaker mechanical pencil the grip's
flared shape
prevents choking up or holding too close
to the tip
while its double layer cushioning
provides comfort
plus the barrel has a just right weight
balance
the ace shaker has a dual shake and top
button lead advancement mechanism
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the pentel twist erase 3 mechanical
pencil
is a handsome retro styled pencil its
rubber grip has a tiny amount of surface
texture
and feels comfortable even though it's
firm if you don't have a death grip
but still want a little something for
your fingers to hold on to this will
suit you perfectly
the zebra delguard type gr is the widest
mechanical pencil we offer
instead of clenching your fingers close
together you can have a more relaxed
grip
and still maintain confident control
the rubber grip is firm with a tiny bit
of added squish
where it flares out close to the tip
this alerts you when you're about to
slip off the grip
area the kokio fit curve mechanical
pencil has a center of gravity located
close to the natural grip it's also
thicker at the grip and thinner through
the body so it rests easily in your hand
helping provide effortless writing and
improve precision
now let's look at our picks for wooden
pencils and pencil grips
unlike the thin wooden pencils you're
used to the steedla triplus
jumbo learner's pencil has an extra
thick triangular body
because it doesn't have one designated
grip area you can hold it further back
for broad sweeping motions
this is especially useful for artists
since drawing with loose arm movements
is more ergonomic than small wrist
movements
if you have a favorite wooden pencil
you've already sharpened down to a stub
we can't recommend the sonic grip pen
enough
this pencil extender has a wide rubber
grip contoured and textured for comfort
it also includes a generous twist extend
refillable eraser
the tombow yoe slides onto a wooden
pencil and quickly improves your finger
posture and grip
which can reduce hand cramps it comes in
both left-handed
and right-handed versions even with a
good pencil and good habits you may
still
experience strain after sustained
writing the best cure is rest
but here are some simple stretches you
can do
place your hand flat on a wall or other
vertical surface
keeping it flat rotate it until your
fingers point down
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bring your fingers into your palms to
create a loose fist
then roll your wrists in circles
stretch your arm out in front of you
then point your fingers down
until you feel a stretch use your other
hand to gently pull your hand towards
your body
in general be sure to take breaks and
stretch and try to write with arm
motions
from the shoulder or elbow instead of
small movements in the fingers and wrist
we hope you were able to find a pencil
that works best for you
shop all of our picks at jetpens.com and
check out our ergonomic pencils guide
for more recommendations
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