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⍣ engineering | drafting supplies you must have⍣
69
items This back-to-school engineering list is made up of my personal recommendations and favorites as an engineering student myself. These are the essentials I’d recommend to any engineering student who wants a smoother, more reliable study flow.
Sections
9
⭒ technical pens ⭒
⭒ drafting rulers and scales ⭒
⭒ pencils ⭒
⭒ erasers ⭒
⭒ light tables and light boxes ⭒
⭒ drawing boards⭒
⭒ technical pens ⭒
I found the Isograph really helpful because it gave me consistent line weight every time. I didn’t have to keep fixing uneven lines or going over the same stroke twice, which saved a lot of time. It was especially useful for technical drawings and de...
Isograph technical drawing pen
The industry standard for a reason. These are essential for archiving your best work because the 'Pigma' ink is chemically stable and won't bleed, even on thin drafting paper. They are perfect for technical labeling and intricate diagrams where you n...
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens and Sets
Precision and consistency define these technical pens. Ideal for drafting, detailed illustrations, or architectural work, they deliver clean, uniform lines without skipping or bleeding. The variety of nib sizes allows for fine detail and bold outline...
Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph Pens and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
the ink is waterproof and fade-resistant meaning your diagrams won't smudge under a ruler or bleed through your paper. With various tip sizes in one set, you can easily vary your line weights to make your blueprints and notes look professional.
Uni Pin Fine Liner Pens and Sets
These fineliners are all about clean, consistent precision. The ink flows smoothly without skipping, and the fine tips make them excellent for detailed line work — whether you’re annotating technical drawings, inking illustrations, or adding crisp ou...
Winsor & Newton FineLiners and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
These pens deliver smooth, reliable ink flow and crisp, dependable lines — perfect for technical drawings, illustrations, or detailed hand‑lettering. The variety of tip sizes gives you control from fine detail to bold outlines, and their consistent p...
Artline Drawing Pens and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
your engineering survival kit. It covers everything from rulers to lead refills, saving you the hassle of multiple purchases.
Mr. Pen 15 pcs Professional Geometry Set
I used the Isograph liquid ink (23 ml, black) because it works reliably with technical pens and doesn’t mess up the nib. The ink flows evenly, dries fast, and gives solid black lines without blotting or skipping. It made my drawings cleaner and saved...
Isograph Technical Drawing Pen Liquid Ink, 23 ml, Black
Classic and dependable, Higgins Drawing Inks are known for their smooth flow, rich pigmentation, and versatility across pens, brushes, and dip tools. They’re great for detailed line work, illustrations, cartoons, or expressive washes, and the reliabl...
Higgins Drawing Inks | BLICK Art Materials
Renowned for its deep, rich black pigment, this ink is perfect for bold, precise lines and dramatic illustrations. It flows smoothly, dries quickly, and maintains consistency across pens, brushes, or technical tools. Its intense, waterproof finish ma...
Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star India Ink | BLICK Art Materials
A classic inking staple, this waterproof India ink delivers rich, deep black lines that stay put once dry — no smudging, no bleeding. It’s smooth to work with whether you’re using dip pens, brushes, or technical nibs, and it’s dependable for detailed...
Higgins Waterproof Drawing India Ink | BLICK Art Materials
⭒ drafting rulers and scales ⭒
made measuring and scaling drawings faster and more accurate. Having multiple scales on one ruler saved time since I didn’t need to switch tools or guess conversions. It helped keep my lines straight and my proportions correct, especially for technic...
Architect Scale and Triangular Ruler
Precision meets durability with these triangular architect scales. The clear, evenly spaced markings make measuring and drafting accurate and effortless, while the triangular shape prevents rolling and ensures a stable, reliable guide for technical w...
Staedtler Mars Triangular Scales | BLICK Art Materials
A versatile, lightweight tool for precise measuring and scaling. The three-sided design offers multiple graduations for architectural and engineering work, while the open, divided markings make reading measurements clear and accurate — perfect for st...
Alvin Scholastic Triangular Scales | BLICK Art Materials
it features both metric and imperial scales, you’re covered for any project, regardless of the units required. Because it’s aluminum, the edges stay perfectly straight and won't get nicked by blades, making it a tool you'll buy once and keep forever.
Staedtler Aluminum TSquares
This T-square feature a stainless steel blade with fine inch and metric calibrations for accurate drafting. The sturdy head ensures stability, while the clear markings make aligning and drawing straight lines effortless — a must-have for technical dr...
Alvin Stainless Steel Graduated T-Squares | BLICK Art Materials
this T-square features a full-length cork backing that prevents slipping on your work surface. Its durable aluminum body and clearly calibrated blade make drawing straight, accurate lines effortless, whether for drafting, technical work, or detailed ...
Fairgate Cork-Backed T-Square | BLICK Art Materials
allow you to draw smooth, professional curves like the aerodynamic profile of a wing or the ergonomic grip of a tool that are impossible to do by hand. This set of four gives you every radius you’ll ever need, and because they’re clear, you can see e...
Westcott Set of French Curves, Set of 4
These French curves are all about smooth precision and control. Each template lets you draw consistent, flowing curves that are hard to achieve freehand — ideal for technical drafting, design work, or refined illustrations. Lightweight and easy to ha...
Pacific Arc French Curves | BLICK Art Materials
A versatile tool for creating smooth, precise curves of any shape. The metal core coated in flexible plastic allows you to bend and hold the curve exactly where you need it, while the clear inch and metric graduations make measurements accurate. Perf...
Staedtler Mars Flexible Curves | BLICK Art Materials
Lightweight and precise, these transparent acrylic triangles make drawing straight lines and accurate angles effortless. The smoke-tinted design ensures easy visibility, while the double inking edge prevents smearing and the center cutout finger lift...
Art Alternatives Plastic Triangles | BLICK Art Materials
This set gives you the high-grade tools needed for exact measurements and clean layouts. It’s essential for any student who needs professional-level accuracy that cheaper, plastic alternatives simply can’t provide.
Staedtler Mars Professional Measuring Set
They made drawing perpendicular and angled lines much faster and more consistent than trying to eyeball it. The edges stayed sharp without wearing down quickly, and having both 30–60–90 and 45–45–90 angles covered most of the layouts I work on, so I ...
Westcott Triangles
A handy tool for precise measurements and scaling, the Derwent Scale Divider allows you to transfer distances accurately or divide lines evenly. Its simple design makes it reliable for technical drawing, drafting, or any project where exact proportio...
Derwent Scale Divider | BLICK Art Materials
This proportional scale lets you enlarge or reduce measurements consistently. Its clear, see-through construction makes aligning and transferring dimensions simple, making it a reliable tool for drafting, technical drawing, and scaled artwork.
Westcott Proportional Scale | BLICK Art Materials
A compact, portable tool for precise measurements and scaling, perfect for engineers and drafters on the go. Its flat design fits easily in a pocket or sketchbook, while the clearly marked graduations ensure accurate, reliable results for technical d...
Alvin Flat Pocket Engineer Scale | BLICK Art Materials
A reliable and easy-to-use compass designed for precision circles and arcs. Its durable metal construction and universal holder fit most pencils, while the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to grip and control — perfect for technical drawing, geo...
Maped Study Compass | BLICK Art Materials
A precision compass perfect for students and beginners in technical drawing. The ribbed legs provide a secure grip, and the universal adapter fits most pencils or leads. Compact yet capable, it draws accurate circles up to nearly 12 inches, making it...
Staedtler 550 Compass with Universal Adapter | BLICK Art Materials
A step up in control and comfort, this precision compass is built for accurate circles and arcs in drafting and technical work. The ergonomic handle and smooth adjustment mechanism make it easier to set exact measurements, while the sturdy constructi...
Staedtler Mars Comfort 551 Precision Compass | BLICK Art Materials
⭒ pencils ⭒
A set of premium graphite pencils designed for serious drafting and detailed sketching. Each pencil delivers smooth laydown, rich tonal range, and precise control. Reliable, break-resistant cores and consistent grading make this set a dependable stap...
Staedtler Mars Lumograph Sketching Sets
I found the Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte pencils really helpful because they let me get dark, solid shading without the shiny glare you usually get from graphite. That made a big difference when I needed to scan or photograph my drawings—what I ...
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencils and Sets
These pencils combine the soft, velvety texture of pastels with the control of a pencil, making them perfect for precise, layered color work. The pigments are rich and blend beautifully, allowing smooth transitions and subtle shading without messy sm...
Derwent Pastel Pencils and Sets
A professional-grade lead holder built for precision and durability. It grips 2mm leads securely, allowing for consistent, clean lines whether you’re drafting, sketching, or detailed technical drawing. The sturdy construction, balanced weight, and re...
Staedtler Mars Technico 780 Lead Holder
A reliable, everyday mechanical pencil designed for precision and comfort. The 0.5mm lead delivers clean, consistent lines, while the lightweight barrel and smooth lead advancement make it perfect for note-taking, drafting, or detailed sketches. Dura...
Pentel Sharp Mechanical Pencil
Rich, velvety, and deeply pigmented, these charcoal pencils let you create bold, dramatic lines or soft, subtle shading with ease. They’re perfect for expressive sketches, figure drawing, or adding depth to technical compositions. The pencils hold th...
General's Charcoal Pencils and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
I found the Rapid Pro mechanical pencil really helpful because it felt solid and balanced in my hand, which made long drawing and drafting sessions easier. The lead advanced smoothly without breaking often, and the grip gave me good control for preci...
Rapid Pro mechanical pencil
It’s built to survive being tossed into a heavy backpack full of textbooks.The 0.5mm lead is the sweet spot for detailed diagrams and complex equations where space is tight.
Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil
A favorite for precision drafting and technical work, these mechanical pencils are engineered for consistency and comfort. The knurled metal grip provides a secure hold, while the lead advances smoothly without slipping. Durable, precise, and balance...
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Pencils | BLICK Art Materials
A versatile set of graphite pencils that delivers smooth, expressive marks across a range of tones. Whether you’re drafting detailed technical lines or laying down softer shading, these pencils feel responsive and balanced in hand. They’re a dependab...
Blick Studio Drawing Pencils and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
What makes these iconic is the depth and range of tones they produce — from the softest, smoky shadows to crisp, controlled lines. The graphite feels smooth and responsive, blending beautifully without turning muddy, which makes them a staple whether...
Staedtler Mars Lumograph Drawing and Sketching Pencils and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
What sets these apart is their rich, deep graphite and smooth laydown. They write boldly and consistently without feeling scratchy, and the 2mm thickness makes them sturdy enough for both precise writing and expressive sketching without constantly sn...
Mars Carbon 2mm Leads
These are made for accuracy. The lines come out clean, consistent, and controlled — no unexpected breaks or uneven strokes. They hold their point well, which is exactly what you want when working on technical drawings where precision actually matters...
Staedtler Leads | BLICK Art Materials
A dependable little essential for drafting kits. The two-hole design fits both standard and larger pencils, and it sharpens evenly without chewing up the wood or breaking the core. The grip feels secure in hand, and the lid keeps shavings contained —...
Staedtler Pencil Grip Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener | BLICK Art Materials
A precision tool made specifically for 2mm leads, this rotary pointer sharpens smoothly and evenly without wasting material. The automatic cutting stop prevents over-sharpening, while the built-in point cleaner keeps your tip crisp and accurate. It’s...
Staedtler Mars Lead Pointer | BLICK Art Materials
A compact, dual-blade sharpener designed to create precise points without eating away at your pencils. It gives colored and graphite pencils a clean, smooth tip with minimal breakage, making it especially reliable for detailed work and layering. Simp...
Premier Pencil Sharpener
Built for technical precision, this rotary lead pointer sharpens 2mm leads to a clean, consistent point with controlled accuracy. The smooth turning mechanism prevents uneven tips, making it ideal for detailed drafting and measured line work. A depen...
Rotary Lead Pointer
A simple but essential tool for refining 2mm leads with precision. The sandpaper surface lets you shape and sharpen the tip exactly how you need it — whether sharp for crisp drafting lines or slightly rounded for controlled shading. It’s especially u...
Staedtler Mars Sandpaper Lead Pointer
⭒ erasers ⭒
Soft, pliable, and incredibly versatile, these erasers lift graphite and charcoal gently without damaging the paper. You can mold them into fine points for precise highlights or flatten them to lighten larger areas, making them perfect for controlled...
Blick Kneaded Erasers | BLICK Art Materials
It crumbles softly as it erases, lifting graphite without damaging delicate paper — perfect for thin pages or detailed sketches where you don’t want to risk tearing anything.
Gum Eraser / Cleaner
What makes this stand out is how exceptionally clean it erases — no gray smudges, no torn paper, barely any residue. It lifts graphite effortlessly, leaving your notes looking untouched, like the mistake was never there in the first place.
Mars Plastic Eraser
I found the Staedtler Mars Plastic retractable stick eraser really helpful for drawing and drafting because it gave me precise control when correcting lines. I could erase small sections without disturbing nearby details, which mattered a lot for cle...
Staedtler Mars Plastic Retractable Stick Eraser and Refills
This electric eraser removes graphite quickly and cleanly with controlled accuracy. It’s especially useful for detailed highlights, fine corrections, and technical drawings where manual erasing might be too broad. Powerful yet precise, it gives you c...
Derwent Battery-Operated Eraser | BLICK Art Materials
A precision-focused eraser housed in a pen-style holder for controlled, detailed corrections. The slim eraser refills allow you to target small areas without disturbing surrounding lines, making it ideal for technical drawings and fine drafting work....
General's Factis Mechanical Eraser | BLICK Art Materials
⭒ light tables and light boxes ⭒
I didn’t realize how much time and energy I was losing until I started using Lightpad. Tracing felt smoother, details were clearer, and my eyes weren’t fighting the work anymore. It helped me stay in the zone longer without frustration, and my result...
LitEnergy A4 LED Copy Board Light Tracing Box
A versatile tool for tracing, transferring, and visualizing designs with ease. The LED surface provides bright, even illumination, making it ideal for drafting, illustration, calligraphy, stenciling, and other creative projects. Lightweight and durab...
Artograph LightTracer Light Box | BLICK Art Materials
Ultra-thin, lightweight, and highly portable, this LED light box delivers bright, even illumination for precise tracing and design work. Fully dimmable and edge-to-edge lit, it’s perfect for calligraphy, illustration, stenciling, or any project that ...
Daylight Wafer LED Light Box | BLICK Art Materials
⭒ drawing boards⭒
A professional-grade drawing board built for precision and comfort. Its smooth melamine surface and five-position tilt allow you to work ergonomically, reducing back strain, while the parallel straightedge ensures perfectly accurate lines every time....
Martin Pro-Draft Deluxe Parallel Straightedge Drawing Board | BLICK Art Materials
A compact, portable solution for accurate drafting on the go. The smooth, warp-free melamine surface is easy to clean, while the precision aluminum straightedge with rubber grips ensures consistent, straight lines. Ideal for students, architects, or ...
Alvin PXB Portable Parallel Straightedge Board | BLICK Art Materials
A lightweight, versatile drawing board designed for artists, designers, and engineers on the move. Its durable plastic construction, built-in straightedge, and secure paper clamps make it easy to work anywhere — from office desks to outdoor locations...
Koh-I-Noor Portable Drawing Board and Head | BLICK Art Materials
spacious, sturdy wooden drawing surface that tilts to multiple angles for comfortable sketching or drafting, offers plenty of room for large artwork, and includes practical features like a pencil ledge and T-square while folding flat for storage—maki...
Extra Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing
⭒ templates /stencils ⭒
Designed for interior design, architectural drafting, and furniture planning, these durable templates make precise layouts effortless. Made from flexible, translucent smoke-gray plastic with built-in risers, they prevent smudging and ensure clean lin...
Chartpak Pickett Architectural Templates | BLICK Art Materials
Durable, precise, and versatile, these aluminum triangles feature permanent inch and metric markings for accurate measurements. The stain-resistant finish protects your work surface, while cutout templates allow quick drawing of circles and arcs. Ava...
Blick Aluminum Triangles | BLICK Art Materials
Durable and versatile, these translucent smoke-gray templates make drawing precise circles quick and easy. Made from partially recycled plastic, they feature built-in risers for smooth placement and accurate tracing, accommodating a wide range of cir...
Chartpak Pickett Circle Templates | BLICK Art Materials
This is a massive time-saver for your hand-drawn schematics. Instead of struggling to freehand perfect circles, squares, or hex nuts, you have every standard shape ready to go in one pocket-sized sheet.
Staedtler Mars Pocket GeneralPurpose Template
A precise and practical tool for architects, engineers, and designers. Made from durable, flexible translucent green plastic, it features the most commonly used architectural symbols at a 1/4" = 1 ft scale. Compact yet reliable, it’s perfect for crea...
Westcott Architectural Template | BLICK Art Materials
⭒ drafting papers⭒
Strathmore is the standard for me. the surface is exceptionally smooth, allowing your fine liners to glide without bleeding or feathering. It’s transparent enough for complex multi-layer tracing, yet durable enough to withstand repeated erasing when ...
Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper
When I'm not using Strathmore, Hilroy is my go-to. This pad is essential for smaller, detailed desk work where a giant roll is too much. The top-bound design keeps the pages secure while you work, and the 9" x 12" size is perfect for tucking into you...
Hilroy Studio Art Tracing Pad 9x12, 88pg
⭒ others ⭒
Before I used a canister for plates, I struggled with keeping them flat and protected. They’d get bent, scratched, or dusty when stored loosely. Using a canister kept the plates stacked properly and safe, especially when moving them around or storing...
TRANSON Durable Poster Storage Tube with Straps 24
Absolutely essential for keeping your tracing paper and blueprints from sliding around while you work. I use this because it’s 'low tack,' meaning it holds your paper firmly to the desk but peels off without ripping your project or leaving a sticky m...
2 Pack White Artist Tape 1in x 360ft