I had the tip fail to retract once a few days after I first got it. There was a short piece of lead, about 3/4" long in the tube that must have been blocking part of the mechanism. I removed it and the retraction has worked fine since. I try to only keep whole leads in the tube now, besides the one in use.
You can clean that knurled section. Get a spare cheap toothbrush or save a worn toothbrush and scrub it with soapy water. It'll look like new afterwards! :-) The lead shouldn't rotate. You might want to see about clearing the lead channel of dust. Or, you might have a deficient example. There were some troubled releases of the 800 where leads would break and tips would wobble. rOtring remedied that later.
Great review! Keep ‘me coming. I want a drafting pencil and was going to get this one, but I’ll wait for a better revision. Wonder why it sticks. Review more!!!
The issue with the rotating led is likely due to you getting very close to the end of that piece of led. I believe the mechanism that grips the led has two pressure points, one of which is far enough up the barrel that when a led piece gets down to its last ½" or so, the grip is not as secure. I could be wrong but I've noticed the same issue. A new piece of led always fixes it.
Definetly is the most durable and well made from the body to the mechanism. It is by far the most reliable. If I had to use one pencil for the rest of my life it would be rootring 600 or pentel p205 or 207.
After 2 years my dear 800+ is completely unusable, broken; no retraction, no lead pushing, just a piece o metal. Some humidity I guess clogged every thing inside. Bad experience. Going for the 600 this time.
I got my first rotring back in 10/20 and it is the rapid pro it serviced me well with no problems maybe you should do an update on the rotrinb rapid pro
zafer özkeleş you pretty much have to boil the pencil (thats what i did) but you gotta be careful because there are plastic parts in the mechanism that bends and stuff. Pretty much any misalignments seemed to break my 800 so i gotta buy a new one. Just dont bother opening them up.
I didn't drop my pencil or anything but my rotring 800 just broke after 1 day and I still haven't been able to fix it, very annoying especially since I don't have money to buy a new one
I had the same problem last week! But with mine, only the lead doesn't come out. If anyone knows the problem please share. I love the pencil and I don't want to buy a new one...
@Samogitia Sarmatian I did not solve it, I just gave up. But that is good to know. I may order another one now, because I'm not sure where it is...ha ha
Really good review. For me that was a deal breaker. I've bought both the 800+ and the Rapid Pro and neither have this problem and are excellent writing/drawing instruments and very well made. You are also the first I've heard who has pronounced the word hex-āgonal properly (not hexa-gonăl) which really butcher's the English language. Regards from Salisbury in South Australia.
Thanks for pointing out the fact that the barrel rotates to the dull side of the lead when writing. I was going to buy one and use it as my main drafting pencil, but after seeing this issue you just saved me the money and likely the disappointment. Looks like I'll be sticking to my GraphGear 1000.
Had the later Rotring Tikky 0.5 and a .35.Great feel but not so reliable.The .35 didn't even last the first lead and broke.Something is really wrong with their internal mechanism designs.The Steadtler Micro .3 also had the same issues.Must be a German thing.Get the more reliable Japanese Pilots or Sakura variants.If you just can't shy away from German made then try Stabilo.Enjoyed the 3137N. O,try the Japanese Tombow monograph as well.Hope Rotring and Steadtler models get sorted out.
I have the same pencil and i've had a catastrophic problem with mine and I wonder if you can help. I've contacted the manufacturer and they said they couldn't help and to resort to google or youtube. For you to help, I'd probably need to send you a few pictures. So first question is will you try to help me? Second question, if you can then should I post pictures here in the comments or somewhere else. I just don't want to clutter up your posts comment section with a drawn out conversation with me. Thanks in advance!
@@konstantinganchev9137 Better using at least HB or H, especially on those retractable-tip (more complex with more moving parts mechanisms) models. Best hardness in my opinion to avoid breakage issues and subsequent mechanism stucks. Besides, the thicker the lead, the safer against breakages, again more especially on retractable-tip models like the 800. So better 0.7 than 0.5 and better H/HB than 2B. With regards to lead self-turning when writing, it usually happens on all mechanical pencils when the lead in use arrives to its last 1/4th of length or so.
@@mauriciolacruz I appreciate the advice but I firmly believe that a $50 pencil should not care what graphite it's fed as long as it's size-compatible. Lead Manufacturers know their product's limits. For example, you'll never or rarely see a 3-4B 0.3 mm graphite.
@@konstantinganchev9137 Yes, I understand and in fact I agree with you. Morover, reliability should be inherent to any article regardless its price. However, reliability of mechanical pencils do also depend on the quality of the leads you use, because it's the other part of the equation. Sometimes failures come by using low quality leads.
mine is all metal inside, it wobbled a bit for like the first minute but then it stopped. I can't feel the wobble at all and when I push the led up the gold colored thing stays still. Its perfect rn and I am so happy. Not to mention I got it for 23$
I have this pencil and the lead keeps pushing back into the metal piece. It’s VERY poor quality and I DEFINITELY wouldn’t buy again. Get a regular pencil imo.
I have learnd on the harder way, that Rothring is a junk. Now i use just Pentel. Exp. GG1000 Orenz, etc. And Staedler is junk to, i had couple of them, one lasted even whole 3 days...
I was also very surprised with the product. I own the 600 and the Rapid Pro and haven't experienced issues with either. Orenz Nero is absolutely great. I've actually had the Graph Gear 1000 "explode" in my hand.
The lead twisting problem occurs because the lead is breaking inside the mechanism. Are you using soft lead?If yes try to use a little bit harder one.If no try to contact rotring.
How do you know that? Give some proves please. Thanks. Am I safe with my 800s bought now in December 2020? Is this version (0.5 and 0.7) from 2020 reliable?
I can prove it because I have that version. This version has metal instead of plastic in the mechanism and it seems to have tighter tolerances that combat the movement -while-writing issue.
@@nikthegreek4223 From which year did Rotring launch this new version? Are the units being sold now in 2020 (the ones I recently bought) the latest version?
@@nikthegreek4223 After a search, I found the following picture showing "old vs new 800" internal mechanism (the old one [with a plastic part] on top and the new one [the same part in metal] down): images.app.goo.gl/iGj61mvt84dPvt4c6 Full article: m.imgur.com/gallery/wHnR3 I checked out mines and they are the new version. 👍🏻 However, I still would like to know when did Rotring launch this new version?
Your rant about the self correcting mechanism where the lead will rotate so it's always sharp, is completely pointless. That's one of the features of this pencil, so if you bought it without knowing about it then that's your own fault for not researching before buying a product. The 600 is the model for those who don't want that feature
I had the tip fail to retract once a few days after I first got it. There was a short piece of lead, about 3/4" long in the tube that must have been blocking part of the mechanism. I removed it and the retraction has worked fine since. I try to only keep whole leads in the tube now, besides the one in use.
You can clean that knurled section. Get a spare cheap toothbrush or save a worn toothbrush and scrub it with soapy water. It'll look like new afterwards! :-)
The lead shouldn't rotate. You might want to see about clearing the lead channel of dust. Or, you might have a deficient example. There were some troubled releases of the 800 where leads would break and tips would wobble. rOtring remedied that later.
you shouldnt have to worry about that cause it costs alot of money the 600 is the best
@@slurp3194 Yes but it has the advantage, that you can carry it safely in your pocket.
@@slurp3194 just cause it's more expensive doesnt mean you shouldn't have to clean it or take more care of it
cytherians you might have to many leads in the pencil. Rotring recommends to have 2-3 leads in the pencil to reduce the dust.
does that really work
Great review! Keep ‘me coming. I want a drafting pencil and was going to get this one, but I’ll wait for a better revision. Wonder why it sticks. Review more!!!
The issue with the rotating led is likely due to you getting very close to the end of that piece of led. I believe the mechanism that grips the led has two pressure points, one of which is far enough up the barrel that when a led piece gets down to its last ½" or so, the grip is not as secure. I could be wrong but I've noticed the same issue. A new piece of led always fixes it.
for this reason I have bought the 600, the best pencil in my opinion
Michel Castonguay I agree. I have all models and the 600 is my favorite.
only problem is im afraid to put it in my pocket since the tip is exposed
Alex Diaz get a small case for it
Definetly is the most durable and well made from the body to the mechanism. It is by far the most reliable. If I had to use one pencil for the rest of my life it would be rootring 600 or pentel p205 or 207.
After 2 years my dear 800+ is completely unusable, broken; no retraction, no lead pushing, just a piece o metal. Some humidity I guess clogged every thing inside. Bad experience. Going for the 600 this time.
I got my first rotring back in 10/20 and it is the rapid pro it serviced me well with no problems maybe you should do an update on the rotrinb rapid pro
You should make a “$1 pencil vs $100 pencil” video lmao
How can i disassemble the top part of Rotring 800? If you know the solution I really would be very happy...
zafer özkeleş you pretty much have to boil the pencil (thats what i did) but you gotta be careful because there are plastic parts in the mechanism that bends and stuff. Pretty much any misalignments seemed to break my 800 so i gotta buy a new one. Just dont bother opening them up.
How could I identify which gen my 800 is? What to look for to know if it is the updated version? thanks.
I know this is a little late but the new versions have all metal if you take off the tip of it
I would love to see review on drop clutch pencils/leadholders
I didn't drop my pencil or anything but my rotring 800 just broke after 1 day and I still haven't been able to fix it, very annoying especially since I don't have money to buy a new one
I had the same problem last week! But with mine, only the lead doesn't come out. If anyone knows the problem please share. I love the pencil and I don't want to buy a new one...
@Samogitia Sarmatian I did not solve it, I just gave up. But that is good to know. I may order another one now, because I'm not sure where it is...ha ha
Really good review. For me that was a deal breaker. I've bought both the 800+ and the Rapid Pro and neither have this problem and are excellent writing/drawing instruments and very well made. You are also the first I've heard who has pronounced the word hex-āgonal properly (not hexa-gonăl) which really butcher's the English language. Regards from Salisbury in South Australia.
*butchers
The ameriacans learned english over a hundred years ago and still haven't mastered it :P
Thanks my men. Saved me the hassle of dealing with this pencil problem and saved me the cash.
A newer model was released with all-metal internals and I haven't seen any negative reviews on that model.
Thanks for pointing out the fact that the barrel rotates to the dull side of the lead when writing. I was going to buy one and use it as my main drafting pencil, but after seeing this issue you just saved me the money and likely the disappointment. Looks like I'll be sticking to my GraphGear 1000.
Glad I could help!
Very well done review.
Had the later Rotring Tikky 0.5 and a .35.Great feel but not so reliable.The .35 didn't even last the first lead and broke.Something is really wrong with their internal mechanism designs.The Steadtler Micro .3 also had the same issues.Must be a German thing.Get the more reliable Japanese Pilots or Sakura variants.If you just can't shy away from German made then try Stabilo.Enjoyed the 3137N. O,try the Japanese Tombow monograph as well.Hope Rotring and Steadtler models get sorted out.
I have the same pencil and i've had a catastrophic problem with mine and I wonder if you can help. I've contacted the manufacturer and they said they couldn't help and to resort to google or youtube. For you to help, I'd probably need to send you a few pictures. So first question is will you try to help me? Second question, if you can then should I post pictures here in the comments or somewhere else. I just don't want to clutter up your posts comment section with a drawn out conversation with me. Thanks in advance!
Pencils are cool...
even though i am big rotring fan, think that price for this models are too expencive
well, its full metal with silver lining and brass. I think 60 bucks for the 800+ and 50 for the 800 is reasonable.
Casey Chang it’s not full metal. Shit plastic parts inside that brake
@@s__6292 It's inside the pencil, how's it going to break?
If you buy the Rotring 500 you can shave down the sharp edges with an exacto knife, because the bodies of the 500 are plastic.
What lead is that
Not sure, maybe tikky?
I don't remember what it was at the time, but I typically don't use anything other than Pilot Neox Graphite 2B.
@@konstantinganchev9137
Better using at least HB or H, especially on those retractable-tip (more complex with more moving parts mechanisms) models. Best hardness in my opinion to avoid breakage issues and subsequent mechanism stucks.
Besides, the thicker the lead, the safer against breakages, again more especially on retractable-tip models like the 800.
So better 0.7 than 0.5 and better H/HB than 2B.
With regards to lead self-turning when writing, it usually happens on all mechanical pencils when the lead in use arrives to its last 1/4th of length or so.
@@mauriciolacruz I appreciate the advice but I firmly believe that a $50 pencil should not care what graphite it's fed as long as it's size-compatible. Lead Manufacturers know their product's limits. For example, you'll never or rarely see a 3-4B 0.3 mm graphite.
@@konstantinganchev9137
Yes, I understand and in fact I agree with you. Morover, reliability should be inherent to any article regardless its price.
However, reliability of mechanical pencils do also depend on the quality of the leads you use, because it's the other part of the equation. Sometimes failures come by using low quality leads.
Would you do a video on your favorite mechanical pencil.
I would love to, especially since now I have the time.
Rotring is now a Japanese company not a German company
It's German owned, founded, and based (in Hamburg). Look it up. Even if a Japanese dude bought the whole company, it'd still be German.
How do you check which version you got?
mine is all metal inside, it wobbled a bit for like the first minute but then it stopped. I can't feel the wobble at all and when I push the led up the gold colored thing stays still. Its perfect rn and I am so happy. Not to mention I got it for 23$
@@TonyDaExpert The newer versions have a silver-colored metal threading rather than a matte black coating.
Rotring R800 is a very poor design. My 0.7 mm version broke the lead all the time- inside of the pencil. It never took a new lead from the magazine.
Most pencil you preffer it
I have this pencil and the lead keeps pushing back into the metal piece. It’s VERY poor quality and I DEFINITELY wouldn’t buy again. Get a regular pencil imo.
I have learnd on the harder way, that Rothring is a junk. Now i use just Pentel.
Exp.
GG1000
Orenz, etc.
And Staedler is junk to, i had couple of them, one lasted even whole 3 days...
I was also very surprised with the product. I own the 600 and the Rapid Pro and haven't experienced issues with either. Orenz Nero is absolutely great. I've actually had the Graph Gear 1000 "explode" in my hand.
For a 30-40 dollar pencil thats a huge problem
800+ never has that issue. Clean your pencil regularly or get a 800+ or 600.
The lead twisting problem occurs because the lead is breaking inside the mechanism. Are you using soft lead?If yes try to use a little bit harder one.If no try to contact rotring.
There is a newer version that seems to solve those problems.
How do you know that? Give some proves please. Thanks.
Am I safe with my 800s bought now in December 2020? Is this version (0.5 and 0.7) from 2020 reliable?
I can prove it because I have that version. This version has metal instead of plastic in the mechanism and it seems to have tighter tolerances that combat the movement -while-writing issue.
@@nikthegreek4223
From which year did Rotring launch this new version? Are the units being sold now in 2020 (the ones I recently bought) the latest version?
@@mauriciolacruz do you have the pencil in your hands?
@@nikthegreek4223
After a search, I found the following picture showing "old vs new 800" internal mechanism (the old one [with a plastic part] on top and the new one [the same part in metal] down):
images.app.goo.gl/iGj61mvt84dPvt4c6
Full article:
m.imgur.com/gallery/wHnR3
I checked out mines and they are the new version. 👍🏻
However, I still would like to know when did Rotring launch this new version?
Your rant about the self correcting mechanism where the lead will rotate so it's always sharp, is completely pointless. That's one of the features of this pencil, so if you bought it without knowing about it then that's your own fault for not researching before buying a product. The 600 is the model for those who don't want that feature
The hell? You’re literally wrong