Electric eraser buyer’s guide: Uses, best products, and more

Everyone makes mistakes, but undoing them requires the right tool. There are many types of erasers on the market. Most are manual, which is great, but they have a tendency to smudge your beautiful pencil work.

That’s why electric erasers are a must-have for many artists. But so much variety makes shopping difficult. Should you get one that’s corded or battery-operated? Expensive or economical? Will a 5mm eraser do, or would a more delicate tip be more effective? 

Whether you’re a beginning art student or an industry professional, this buyer’s guide explains everything you need to know to find the best electric eraser for you.

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What to look for before buying

With so many electric erasers on the market, picking the best one for you can be hard. Ideally, you want to consider the following points before deciding:

• Price and budget
• Your personal needs for an electric eraser
• Rechargeable vs. battery-powered electric erasers
• Different sizes of nibs
• Weight and ease of use

First, consider how much you’d like to spend. Electric erasers can sell from less than $10 to over $50, so there’s an eraser for every price point. While higher prices generally reflect higher quality, you can find suitable electric erasers for less.

Next, consider your intended use. Are you a student or a serious hobbyist? Is an electric eraser necessary for your job? If you expect to use your electric eraser often, buy the best you can afford. 

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Specifications are also essential to look at before making a purchase. A battery-powered or rechargeable eraser may work well for those interested in portability. Others may prefer a corded model to save money on batteries over the long term. 

Also, not all erasers accommodate the same size nibs. If you want to do very detailed work, double-check that the holder can grasp smaller 2.3mm erasers.

An electric eraser’s weight can influence performance. The average weight for an electric eraser hovers around two to four ounces. 

Lighter erasers are easier to control, but heavier ones provide more stability. If the eraser is battery operated, then the weight of those batteries must also be factored in.

Best electric erasers

Below you’ll find a list of our top picks, including best budget buys to top-of-the-line automatic erasers. There’s also a description of each item’s key features and the tasks they’re best suited for. 

1. Jakar Mini Electric Eraser Pen

This electric eraser pen gives users extreme precision and control. It’s ideal for fine art applications and watercolor, thanks to its accuracy. The Jakar Mini allows artists to create highlights and shading marks, and it runs on two AAA batteries.

Five spare eraser refills come in the package, and extra refills are sold separately in a pack of 30 for just over a dollar. I recommend getting refills when you first order if you’ll be using this tool frequently.

This eraser features a transparent plastic body and comes in four fun colors for a little craft desk aesthetic: yellow, green, pink, and blue.

For most budding artists, this is one of the best electric erasers you can buy. Plus, at less than $5, it’s one of the most affordable. However, it ships from the UK, so those in the US can expect slight shipping delays.

2. Helix Automatic Cordless Eraser

The Helix Automatic Cordless Eraser is compact and runs on two AA batteries. Since it works quickly on both pencil and ink, this eraser is perfect for technical drawing and precision-type work. It holds 5mm erasers, and the purchase includes ten refills.

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The body of this eraser is a deep blue and measures 5.5″ long x 1.25″ wide x 1″ thick. Its boxy shape may not appeal to those who prefer an eraser with more rounded edges, but it is a workhorse. 

3. Derwent Battery Operated Eraser

The Derwent Battery Operated Eraser is a cordless eraser powered by two AAA batteries (not included). Its sleek, ergonomic design is comfortable for both right-handed and left-handed users. 

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And it only weighs 2.5 ounces! The top-mounted power button makes it impossible to accidentally turn the device on or off while working.

It comes with eight long-lasting replacement erasers, which are about 4 to 5mm. The Derwent Battery Operated Eraser works well on pencil drawings and perfectly complements any artist’s tool kit.

4. AFMAT Rechargeable Electric Eraser

This rechargeable electric eraser features a 600mAh Li-ion battery, and you can use it 600 times on a single charge. It’s very versatile and can hold 2.3mm and 5mm erasers.

This kit includes one USB cable, 40 big eraser refills, 100 small eraser refills, a brush, and a set of three spare rubber holders.

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The device has a smooth design and a sensitive ON/OFF button. The powerful motor creates small, circular movements, allowing users to target any area effectively. Slight pressure will completely remove any undesired marks.

This electric eraser is one of my favorites and popular among both amateurs and professionals because of its reasonable price. Plus, it comes with plenty of refills and a brush. The extra holders also add great value, especially since most electric erasers don’t typically include these items.

It’s an excellent tool for fine art and technical drawing. The AFMAT Rechargeable Electric Eraser comes in three color options: black, white, and blue.

5. Derwent USB Rechargeable Eraser 

The Derwent USB Rechargeable Eraser is yet another rechargeable option that can gently remove the finest of lines or add soft highlights. It features a built-in, long-lasting 500mAh lithium-ion battery. Those who love illustrating and technical drawing will enjoy precise erasure.

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A convenient power button allows the user to control the device with one hand. The eraser’s curved body is comfortable for righties and lefties. It comes with 20 eraser refills, but you can purchase a 30 pack separately (which comes with 15 large 5 mm erasers and 15 extra-fine 2.4 mm erasers).

It is a bit more pricey than other options on the list. Still, this is a great electric eraser to buy if you’re a professional artist needing versatility, portability, and precision.

6. Sakura Cordless Electric Eraser

Professional artists also adore the Sakura Cordless Electric Eraser. It’s a compact, battery-operated device that uses two AAA batteries. And unlike most other electric erasers, this one comes with batteries. 

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The Sakura is virtually weightless, coming in at a total of 2.4 ounces with the batteries installed. It has a smooth, elliptical design that fits snugly in the user’s hand. The erasers are extra fine, making detailed work quick and easy.

That said, it’s one of the most expensive options on the list, and it only fits one eraser size. However, it will prove a worthy investment if you can afford it!

7. Ohuhu Electric Eraser Kit

The Ohuhu Electric Eraser Kit runs off of two AAA batteries, and the kit includes 20 eraser refills and a handy brush to sweep away eraser shavings. 

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This cordless and compact device offers precise control. At the push of a button, a powerful rotating tip obliterates every stray mark in its path. Use this eraser to touch up drawings and architectural plans, or use it to polish other arts and crafts projects. 

One potential downfall is locating additional eraser refills. You may have luck with Derwent brand replacement erasers, but they aren’t quite a perfect fit.

8. Amazon Basics Electric Eraser

Amazon Basics isn’t known for the highest quality products on the market, but for simple tasks, this electric eraser fits the bill perfectly.

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The two-holder kit fits both smaller and larger erasers (depending on the bit you install) and includes a whopping 90 refills. The eraser itself isn’t the highest quality, but for arthritic puzzlers or novice artists, it should more than suffice.

Perhaps the best thing about this product is the price. It’s less than $5, and if you (somehow) run out of erasers, you can buy a refill pack for even less than that!

9. Sinzau Electric Eraser Kit

The Sinzau Electric Eraser is compact and is powered by two AAA batteries. There isn’t too much special about it, but it is yet another affordable (and versatile) option for artists.

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This eraser works well on both pencil and ink, so it’s perfect for technical drawing and precision-type work. It holds both 5 mm and 2.3 mm erasers, and the kit comes with ten larger refills and 12 smaller refills.

10. Toolsand Electric Pencil Sharpener, Eraser, and Vacuum Set

This electric pencil sharpener and eraser kit has everything you need (and more!) and features three battery-operated items: a pencil sharpener, eraser, and mini vacuum. Plus, the batteries for all devices are included.

The product also comes with four spare blades and 70 eraser refills. The compact sharpener works with any size pencil, except woodless ones. It can hone a dull pencil in one second or sharpen a new one in five!

It’s eraser is quiet and safe and incorporates a shavings bin that locks into place to avoid spills or accidental injury. It also features a simple, push-button design, incorporates a handy manual for precision work, and is compatible with two different-size refills.

Several eraser kits on this list have a brush, but the Toolsand outdoes them all with a vacuum to suck up eraser shavings. There will be no more need to sweep shavings off your lap and desk! The vacuum has an easy-open bin and washable filter. 

Each item in this kit is backed by the Toolsand brand Lifetime Warranty and supported by the company’s unmatched, American-based customer service.

What is an electric eraser used for?

When most people think of erasers, they might imagine Paper Mate’s Pink Pearl, the rubbery coral trapezoid from elementary and grade school. But erasers can do so much more than buff out a mistake on a multiple-choice test.

Enter the electric eraser, a go-to tool for many artists and professionals alike. This innovative product has a shape and size similar to a pen; with a slightly larger body to accommodate batteries. 

Imagine something similar to a lighter or pocket knife. On the tip, you’ll find a tiny eraser instead of ink. Plus, there is often an on-off button on the side of the tool.

The erasers in the tool are about the same size as those found in mechanical pencils. When powered, the tool’s motor causes the tip to vibrate very quickly, creating enough motion to erase marks more efficiently than a manual eraser. Many times, leaving the paper underneath entirely white!

And while you may think that a motorized eraser would cause paper to rip upon contact, that isn’t the case. Even while moving rapidly, electric erasers work gently enough not to ruin surfaces while removing lines and marks effectively. This is a big selling point for electric erasers considering their manual counterparts are more likely to cause ripping.

Artists and illustrators especially love electric erasers for their precision. Apart from a lower risk of ripping paper, electric erasers won’t smudge the artist’s creation. Because the eraser tip is small, artists also have a convenient amount of power and control.

Besides paper, electric erasers work well on chalk, pencil, charcoal, pastels, and other dry media. While they aren’t suitable for lighting values because they’re so strong, their power makes highlighting a breeze. This is great news if you like adding touches of realism to your work, especially if figure drawing.

Other FAQs

Is an electric eraser worth it?

Electric erasers are ideal for artists and professionals because they provide greater precision and control than manual or kneaded erasers. Fine-tipped nibs prevent accidental smudges. Electric erasers are also great for those who suffer from arthritis or other wrist pains.

How do I use an electric eraser?

Electric erasers are simple and easy to use. If your eraser is battery-powered or rechargeable, double-check the power level. Insert the eraser into the holder and press the power button. Hold the eraser over your paper to remove fine lines or create highlights.

Where can I buy electric erasers and refills?

You can purchase electric erasers and refills at any fine arts supply store or online retailer. Michaels and Hobby Lobby are popular choices in the United States, and of course, you can find anything on Amazon. 

Take care to check the dimensions of the refills before you purchase. Not all electric erasers can hold smaller nibs. It’s best to only buy extra erasures from the same brand or company, but if you accidentally purchase refills that are larger, shaving them down can help solve the issue.

How do I change the eraser in my electric eraser?

First, squeeze and pull out the metal nib to remove both the holder and the eraser. Then separate the eraser from the tip and insert a replacement eraser. Push the metal nib back into the motor, making sure it fits securely. Now you’re ready to use your electric eraser.

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That’s it for this comprehensive buyer’s guide for electric erasers! If you have any other questions feel free to drop them in the comments below, and we’lll address them as soon as possible.