Are you tired of sharpening your wooden pencil again and again? Mechanical pencils will reduce your labor during drawing, sketching, writing, drifting, woodworking or precision, so there is no need to be concerned about the best features that will meet your needs.
A gripping pencil commonly referred to as a mechanical pencil, has a thick pigmented core called “lead” which is replaceable and mechanically adjustable. The lead is not attached to the exterior casing and can automatically lengthen when its point wears down during use. You do not need to sharpen it repeatedly. To find the best mechanical pencil for various niche applications, we examined nearly 100 distinct models. Here We have taken into account the structure of the pencils, user preferences, the thickness or size of the graphite, and the hardness of the graphite.
Get clean and precise work without interruption.
How we selected the best mechanical pencils:
To determine the best mechanical pencil for various niche applications, we examined nearly 100 distinct models. Here We have taken into account these qualities-
- The structure of the pencils
- The thickness or size of the graphite
- The hardness of the graphite
- Body construction
- Grip and comfort
- Durability
- User preferences
We’ve assembled a list of the best mechanical pencils based on these qualities and perspectives of usage.
Top 7 Best Mechanical Pencils in 2024 for Drawing, Drafting, Sketching, Writing, and Carpentry Work
| Name of the mechanical pencils | Specialized for |
| Uni Kuru Toga Pipe Slide | Drawing |
| Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil | Sketching |
| Pentel Graphgear 500 Automatic Mechanical Pencil | Drafting |
| Alvin Draft-Matic Pencil | Technical Drawing |
| Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil | Professional Precision Writing |
| Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga | Ergonomic |
| Markal 96270 PRO Holder/Starter Lead, Holder & Starter Lead, Blue | Carpentry |
Here are some mechanical pencils that are ideal for achieving your work’s objectives based on how well they function for a particular application.
Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing
1. Uni Kuru Toga Pipe Slide Mechanical Pencil
2. Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil
3. Mr. Pen Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead and Eraser Refill
Best Mechanical Pencils for Sketching
1. Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil
2. Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil
3. WSD Sketch Up Mechanical Pencil
Best Mechanical Pencils for Drifting
1. Pentel Graphgear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil
3. Koh-I-Noor Mechanical Pencil Set
Best Mechanical Pencils for Engineers/Technical Drawing
1. Rotring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil
2. Caran D’ache 844: Mechanical-pencil Metal Fluo Yellow 0.7 mm
3. Alvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil
Best Mechanical Pencil for Professional Precision Writing
1. Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil
2. Staedtler Mars 780 Mechanical Pencil
3. Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm
Best Mechanical Pencils for Ergonomic
1. Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil
2. Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.9 mm Mechanical Pencil
3. Kokuyo Enpitsu 1.3mm Mechanical Pencil
Best Mechanical Pencils for Carpentry
1. GraphGear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil (0.9 mm)
2. FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter 5.5mm Mechanical Pencil
3. Markal 96270 PRO Holder/Starter Lead Mechanical Pencil
Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing
1. Uni Kuru Toga Pipe Slide Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
To keep the pencil lead rotating while you write, the Kurutoga has a core rotation mechanism. Whenever you lift the pencil off the paper, a spring-loaded clutch slightly twists the lead so It Never Loses Its Point. It gives you an impressive thin line in your drawing. A pipe slide system is installed at Kuru Toga. The lead is protected along Its entire length by the guide Pipe. Your papers stay clean without smudges from broken lead dust because there is no lead breakage.
Pros:
- Rotatable lead technology
- Plastic body for lightweight
- Retractable tip is available
- Any 0.5 mm lead can be used to refill it.
- Excellent for rapid drawing
- Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Leaves eraser smudges
- Eraser is too small
2. Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
There is no need to release your grip on the pencil and re-grip it each time you want to lengthen the lead. Your lead will automatically rise when you shake the pencil up and down. You can also press the clip downward; performing this common click movement is incredibly simple. The clip must be pushed up to lock the shaker mechanism. The lead won’t come out of the pencil even if you shake it when it is locked (“Fure lock” Mechanism), so there is nothing to worry about unintentionally extending it. The large guide pipe makes it possible to see where you are drawing. The eraser can be extended as long as the cap could be rotated gently. Before using the shake mechanism, lengthen the lead using the clip knock if it won’t advance.
Pros:
- Twist type mono eraser is available
- The lead can be advanced without having to re-grip the pencil because of the shake mechanism.
- Shake lock feature
- side clip-knock
Cons:
- Considerable force is required to shake it.
- Too wide for grasping
3. Mr. Pen Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead and Eraser Refill
Mechanism:
This pencil is equipped with an integrated lead sharpener for 2mm lead. Every mechanical pencil is color-coded to make it simple to choose the required lead size. In this set, you will find 5 different lead sizes (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, And 2mm) according to your necessity. Lead and eraser refill pack is also available in the set. Except a plastic lead holder and a plastic casing, the interior is primarily made of metal. When pressure is applied at a 45-degree angle to the pattern edge, the slender metal pencil tip does not twist.
Pros:
- Excellent and creative design
- Easy and comfortable to hold
- Color-coded
- Provides a matte finishing
- Organized packaging
- Extra erasers are available
Cons:
- Lead is a little bit fragile
- Refilling the lead and replacing the eraser is a little bit tricky.
4. Zebra Pen M-301 Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
A modern, stainless steel barrel that resists corrosion and is simpler to clean than plastic is featured on the 0.5mm fine point refillable mechanical pencil. The shorter length appears to fit into shirt pockets; the stainless steel barrel is lightweight but strong. This durable pencil may be refilled with M-Pencil Eraser Refills and Zebra Pen Standard 0.5mm HB Lead Refills. It is designed to be a retractable lead with a click function. You can reload the lead simply by pulling off the eraser cap and eraser, then load the lead. This is not retractable. They are quite comfortable to write or draw with because they have a great weight that balances well.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Hardly found any lead breakage
- Corrosion resistant
- Stainless steel barrel
- Comfortable grip
- Sleek design
- Replaceable eraser
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Low-quality plastic builds up the inner component.
- The eraser is compact and thin.
- It needs to release the lead whenever you want to use the eraser.
Best Mechanical Pencils for Sketching
5. Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
The entire sleeve and lead have a special “Twist and Click” retractable function. The retractable system is engineered for durability and safety. The chamfered metal grip is non-sleepable. For effortless writing and drawing, use a hexagonal ergonomic metal barrel that is also designed so that it won’t slide around when placed on tables. The lead is specifically designed to help guide sleeves that offer a full vision of the page for accurate ruler-based drafting while preventing breakage. The brass mechanism is available for proper lead advancement.
Pros:
- Aesthetic Design
- Comfortable to hold
- Lightweight
- Well balanced
- Works flawlessly
- Premium instrument has been used
Cons:
- There is a slight wobbling in the pencil’s tip.
- Feels quite sturdy in the hand.
- Quite pricey
- The twisting lock mechanism is fairly tight.
6. WSD Sketch Up 5.6mm Mechanical Pencil with Built Sharpener (Gold)
Mechanism:
It is precisely manufactured, made of a brass and aluminum alloy. It arrives with a 2B lead, which is fairly soft. But It can be found in the expected shed utilizing larger lead sizes. It feels substantial, and the balance is pleasing because the building is well made of this pencil. There are six flats on the sides to prevent it from rolling away, and there are polished channels all over to give it a good grip. The cap has a built-in sharpener that is simple to attach to and remove from the holder. To sharpen the pencil you have to unscrew the cap, insert the lead and twist it. This pencil allows WSD disc tips, and charcoals up to 5.6mm X 90mm lead. This is the most comfortable shape at a better price.
Pros:
- Feels sturdy
- Comfortable
- Stylus attachment
- sucker-ridged surface
- Thick lead
Cons:
- Shorter than a regular standard pencil
- Thick grip
- Heavyweight
Best Mechanical Pencils for Drifting
7. Pentel Graphgear 500 Automatic Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
A 4mm fixed sleeve is included with the GraphGear 500 technical drafting pencil for use with technical drawings and layout work. A 4mm fixed sleeve is perfect for template work since it prevents lead from breaking. Fine, uniformly dense lines are produced by 0. 5 mm lead. It is suitable to use with templates and rulers because of having a 4 mm tip length. A thin, curved arm with a metallic grid grip enhances writing control. Pre-loaded with a sharpening-free, super-high-polymer (HB) lead from Pentel, it is quite strong and draws a sharp, dark line. Sizes are available in color-coded formats for quick and easy lead size identification in 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm sizes. It has a cap that protects your eraser and keeps it clean.
Pros:
- Comfortable to hold
- Eraser is extensible and simple to remove
- 3 pieces of Pentel lead are included.
- Lightweight
- Thin body
Cons:
- Plastic body
- Feels tight on the hand
- Difficult to remove the eraser
- Bad knurling
- Imbalanced weight between the top and bottom
8. Koh-I-Noor Mechanical Pencil Set
Mechanism:
A set of six mechanically propelled pencils without clips in the colors yellow, green, blue, red, black, and brown, along with office-useable erasers in the matching colors and leads with a diameter of 2 mm. When the sharpener knob is pressed in the leaned pencil position, the clamp opens, allowing the lead to be slid out as needed. The pencils’ grips are comfortable in your hand. The pencil’s knob contains a sharpener that may be used on the leads. One piece of 2.0 mm lead, matching the color of the barrel, is included with each pencil. The pencils and eraser are kept in a shaped insert and packaged in a metal sheet box with an attractive label on the lid.
Pros:
- Metal clutch pencil
- Sturdy
- Don’t smudge
- Durable
Cons:
- Loosen tip
- Color on the paper can’t be erased by an eraser
- No clips
Best Mechanical Pencils for Engineers / Technical Drawing
9. Rotring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
The most professional writing and sketching tool available in this retractable mechanical pencil because it is durable, smooth, and precise. Greater standards of superior level in writing and doodling experience, and break resistance are provided by the moveable sleeve and padded lead mechanism. The entire metal body offers a perfect weight distribution and a cozy anti-metal grip. You can move lead in a regulated manner thanks to an innovative push mechanism. Under the push-button cap, there is a built-in sharpener. Accurate lead advancement is constructed with the Rotring brass component. 0.5 mm lead is incorporated into the silver-finished body.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Aesthetic design
- Feels comfortable
- makes perfect lines
- It has a stable tip
- Don’t wiggle the lead while working
Cons:
- lack of clean-out wire with the pencil
- Tiny eraser
- Eraser cap becomes loose after a year
10. Caran D’ache 844: Mechanical-pencil Metal Fluo Yellow 0.7 mm
Mechanism:
0.7 mm metal fluo yellow mechanical pencil is made for sophisticated preferences. Aluminum bodies with low-weight electromagnetic particle coating in both traditional and fancy shades that resists wear. Writing and holding a pen feel wonderful. A superior mechanical pencil that is as effortless to use as clicking and sketching. To aid in shading, a pencil’s small end facilitates holding it at unusual angles. It is made to endure, therefore you won’t need to be concerned about its sustainability. Precision line-making ability gives you an amazing benefit in your engineering career. Button-driven lead advancement that is produced in Switzerland puts no doubt about its quality.
Pros:
- Elegant body color
- Hexagonal metal body
- Comfortable grip
- Solid mechanism
- Flexible Clip
Cons:
- a little costly
- Clicking mechanism isn’t so improved
11. Alvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
For more than 50 years, Alvin has been the preferred brand of drafting equipment and drawing supplies among engineers. The goal of these mechanical pencils was to flourish in the fields of drafting, engineering, and design. They are renowned for offering a large assortment of affordable high-quality tools. Turning lead angle windows, and cushion points to create a pleasant, harmonious writing control. Stainless steel finger grips with knurling for extremely moderate or medium grip preferences. Quality lead that is far less likely to break while writing or sketching is included with this pencil. Work for a period of time rather than constantly correcting your pencil. Because the body and other parts of this pencil are constructed of steel, it is a sturdy item that you can use on numerous tasks in the future. Developed for usage by both professionals and students When used for a variety of tasks, such as drafting, engineering geometry drawings, and taking notes, this pencil delivers a superior experience.
Pros:
- Creates bold and dark lines
- Comfortable grip
- Sturdy mechanism
- Lightweight
- Balanced weight
- Solid lead advancement
Cons:
- Plastic body
- Poor quality eraser
- Lead feeding system is quite tricky
Best Mechanical Pencils for Professional Precision Writing
12. Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
A ring-shaped grip of the Kuru Toga Roulette provides an ergonomic hold and balanced weight. When writing, the Uni-Ball Kuru toga core rotation mechanism may rotate the pencil lead automatically. Your impression will differ considerably on how the pencil is rotated every time you write. When you lift the pencil a spring-loaded clutch twists the lead slightly. This enables the pencil lead to be worn uniformly and always maintain its pointed tip. So you can possibly ignore the drawback of using pencils. Additionally, it provides an amazingly thin line and has less breakage of lead. That is absolutely suitable for professional precision writing.
Pros:
- Solid body
- Metal clip
- knurled grip
- front-center distribution of weight
- Auto-Rotating lead
- maintain constant sharpness
- Precise lines
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Small eraser
- Metal texture grip can be hard at hand
13. Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm
Mechanism:
The Staedtler Mars Technico 780 is a clutch pencil that accepts 2mm leads. The construction is of the highest caliber you could hope for from a German manufacturer. Because of the surface’s roughness, its grip is superb. When compared to a wooden pencil sharpener, this might possibly be more precise. One can also sharpen the lead with the end cap at the back, but the tip will be less tapered. Any 2mm lead brand or colored lead can be used. The lead generally pulls out naturally with the assistance of gravity instead of being pushed out like in mechanical pencils, then simply locks in place with the clutch. The lead holder functions exactly like a regular pencil. It seems considerably heavier than a wooden pencil. You can also use it to shade. Its plastic body and metal tip give it extra weight at the tip end, making your writing feel more natural and precise. There is no concern about lead breakage because it can entirely retractable the lead when not in use.
Pros:
- Metal body and strong to hold
- doesn’t get clogged
- Sharpener on the cap
- creates a thin, dark, and precise line.
- Balanced weight
- Durable
- Availability of lead pointer
- Retractable
Cons:
- No built-in eraser
- Lead advancement mechanism is quite tricky
14. Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm
Mechanism:
A unique and uncommon pencil that offers a cap is the Pentel Sharp Kerry. The barrels are considerably brighter whereas the caps have metallic surfaces, giving the mechanical pencil a well-balanced appearance. For the pencil to forward the lead and be used, unscrew the cap and click it into position on the back. The lead can be operated with or without the cap put just on the pencil’s end. The sharp end is visible whenever the cap is removed. This pencil fits well in pockets, handbags, and cases while not in use. since the lead and point are safely sealed off. The click mechanism is perfectly functional in either position thanks to its engineering and design. Stylish grip for extended writing sessions because In the hand, this is quite cozy. It features a refillable eraser that is concealed beneath the cap and is great for daily writing and drawing.
Pros:
- Feels comfortable
- great to hold
- Smooth writing
- Elegant color
- Removable cap
- Solid body
- Pocket friendly
- Availability of push button
Cons:
- It lacks the best anti-slip grip capabilities.
Best Mechanical Pencils for Ergonomic
15. Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
When you lift the pencil up, a spring-loaded clutch is used to twist the lead so sequentially. This enables the pencil lead to be worn consistently, maintaining its sharp tip. A core rotating mechanism in the Kuru Toga may rotate the pencil lead as you write. Consequently, you are just utilizing half of the lead surface in this mechanical pencil. A silver plastic cone or cap that ends in the lead sleeve is located beneath the grip. The pencil starts off with a pointed tip, but as you write more, the tip doesn’t become dull, your lines become thinner and less breakage of lead. The angled tip doesn’t scratch the paper. This is the best ergonomic pencil that is used by professionals. Moreover, You can use the renowned break-resistant mechanical pencil with the utterly comfortable and soft lead.
Pros:
- Comfortable to hold
- Easier to write, draw and sketch
- Fine grip
- Break resistance
- Well-balanced weight
- Creates thin line
- No Smudge
Cons:
- Small eraser
- Might be quite stressful for people who hold the pencil close to the tip of the pencil.
16. Pentel Twist-Erase III Automatic Pencil, 0.9 mm Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
For lessening writing fatigue, the Pentel Twist-Erase III has a plush, extra-soft latex-free grip. It’s a great size, and the big rubberized grip makes it easy to hold. Push down on the eraser to release the tiny bit of lead when the lead runs low and starts retracting into the chamber. For maximum writing comfort, the barrel design has a sleek, soft latex-free grip. There is a polished metal pointed tip that closes with a lead tube. It’s really helpful when you can doodle, sketch, and erase without any thought at all. You can replace the eraser because it is a really large eraser and the pencil name has been taken by the beautiful feature of the eraser.
Pros:
- Quite comfortable to grip
- Reliable lead deployment
- Giant twist-eraser
- Smudge-proof
- Creates clear dark line
- Big barrel
- No need to sharpen
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Clip’s edges are jagged.
17. Kokuyo Enpitsu Mechanical Pencil(1.3mm, Black) Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
The Kokuyo Enpitsu appears to be a straightforward pencil at first glance, but it has a few different qualities that make it stand out. The barrel’s rubber coating offers a great grip surface. It is cozy, solidly constructed, and seems up to any challenge to do any kind of work with it. The cap is secured with a slit for the lead to be inserted at the top. The retractable feature for safety when not in use, which aids in preventing harm in the event that a mechanical pencil is dropped, is always appreciated. It is Ideal for crossword puzzles and any light or soft material. In addition to having a beautifully rounded triangular shape, this pencil includes a grip texture that covers the entire pencil, making it incredibly comfortable to hold.
Pros:
- Nice to hold
- Comfy rubber sleeve
- Creates fine lines
- Pleasurable grip
Cons:
- No eraser
Best Mechanical Pencils for Carpentry
18. GraphGear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil (0.9mm) Mechanical Pencil
Mechanism:
There are five various sizes of the GraphGear 1000, each of which is color coded and a cap is included to keep your eraser clean. For usage with rulers and templates, its 4mm tip length is appropriate. The Retractable tip is available in this pencil and by pressing the end cap or the clip, it can be expanded or retracted. The Pencil tip is protected from breaking by a dual-action retractor that both moves the pencil forward and backward. The grip is made of knurled aluminum with invaginations that resemble soft gel. It is a delicately honed metallic grip with a latex-free, plush pad. The pentel super, you may reload it using Hi-Polymer Lead and a Z2-1 Eraser. The best drafting pencil for experts and carpenters.
Pros:
- Superb grip
- Metal body construction
- Comfortable to hold
- Pocket clip
- Nicely balanced
Cons:
- Tiny Eraser
19. FastCap Fatboy Extreme Carpenter 5.5mm Mechanical Pencil with Cap
Mechanism:
For writing on hard surfaces like concrete, wood, and stone, the Fat Boy mechanical pencil’s 5.5mm lead is ideal. Its housing is made of aluminum which is comfortable and light. It can be sharpened effortlessly with a typical pencil sharpener. Sharpening to a fine point or dull point is simple. It balances the mechanical pencil’s practicality with the carpenter pencil’s durability.
Pros:
- Removable eraser and clip
- Hidden eraser
- Extra thick lead
- Heavy duty
Cons:
- Expensive
20. Markal 96270 PRO Holder/Starter Lead, Holder & Starter Lead, Blue
Mechanism:
The starter lead pro holder from Markal is made to be sturdy and has an enlarged needle nose tip for pushing into small spaces. For use in the most difficult projects, heavy-duty metal construction bodies are extremely reliable. For the ideal amount of lead, use a 1-click advancement mechanism that is super easy to keep your progress. For the refill, there are numerous color options. Although I believe it will withstand spills and misuse, the metal pocket clip is a potential problem because it could shatter after extensive use. If you use this tool to mark wood or metal in a semi-open atmosphere, it can do a lot of work at your convenience. The included sharpener guarantees clean, precise lines.
Pros:
- Well-constructed body
- Built-in-Sharpener
- Pocket clip availability
- Easy to use
- Easily refillable
- Comfy
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bigger size than any other mechanical pencils.
Things you should consider before choosing a mechanical pencil:
According to a particular niche
When you are finding a mechanical pencil to buy, then of course you should care about your particular niche for which work you need a mechanical pencil. Because there are different specifications of different mechanical pencils according to their purpose of work. And their built-in quality is also not the same. Some mechanical pencils are built for sketching purposes especially if you choose this as your writing material then you wouldn’t experience the best results. So, at first, try to find a mechanical pencil according to your niche.
According to Pencil’s Construction
The body of the pencil plays a vital role in order to accomplish your certain work perfectly. Some pencils’ outer side is made of metal but the inner body is made of plastic, that’s why it doesn’t ensure durability. Again, mechanical pencils can be gripped easily or they are comfortable to hold, some are not. They feel rough or do not give an ergonomic feeling. Few mechanical pencils have a built-in- eraser and sharpener or few pencils don’t need to sharpen ever. Retractable features are also considerable besides the pointed tip or pocket clip.
According to Lead Size
Generally, a mechanical pencil’s lead or graphite size is measured by millimeters. The appropriate sizes of the mechanical pencils are 0.5,0.7.0.9 mm in diameter. 0.5 mm lead creates a fine and thin line. Gradually the size of the line increased with lead size. For that, select the right mechanical pencil for your work.
According to the Lead Hardness
An evaluation technique used to ascertain the hardness of a substance, usually coating materials, is the pencil hardness test. To understand the lead hardness you should know what they actually mean and their grade designations. The H stands for Hardness and B for Blackness. The number, it shows how hard or how black the pencil will be.
Check out this article to understand the hardness of pencil and you may have a look at the below to realize the concept at a glance.
Our Top 3 Picks
Final words:
Mechanical pencils are made up of high qualities with wonderful specifications. You can create fine, thin, thick, or more precise lines than usual wooden pencils. They don’t need to be sharp after a while, you will get a sharp point whenever you write, draw or sketch. They are also ergonomic and handy. The Mechanical pencil comes up with various designs that will amaze you. If you want to compare it with your wooden pencil, then mechanical pencils are more cost-effective and convenient for use for a long period.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs):
Q) How does a mechanical pencil work?
A)A spring-based system enables the flow of lead from the barrel to the nib, which is how they function. Check out the video to watch how a mechanical pencil works.
Q. What lead size is the best for my mechanical pencil?
A. It depends on what purpose you are finding a mechanical pencil. If you need a mechanical pencil for thin lines then go for a 0.3,0.5mm mechanical pencil. On the other hand, if you need a mechanical pencil for thick, constant lines, that 0.7mm pencil will be more suitable for you.
Q. Is a mechanical pencil good?
A. Mechanical pencils are much superior to the standard wooden pencil. They will give you a more precise and fine line without sharpening, superb grip, and durability.
Q. How to refill the lead in a mechanical pencil?
A. At the very beginning, choose the right size for your mechanical pencil. Then check out the click button and find the twist mechanism. Twist the pencil clockwise and open the graphite. Then refill the lead and twist anti-clockwise. Here’s the video to check out the different mechanisms of pencils and how to deal with them.
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