The 9 Best locking Drawing Compass (2023 reviews)

The staedtler locking drawing compass is capable of outshining several other compass featured in this list in overall features. It is perfect for sacred geometry. It can precisely draw any circle or arc at a wide range of diameters. The metal and plastic pieces are held together with tiny little roll pins that flex and flex. It has the nice feature of allowing any writing object such as pens/pencils to be attached. The squeeze-release adjustments are quite nice.

This compass comes with an attachment to hold a separate pen or pencil, in addition to the standard lead holder. The case is very nice and professional and protects your compass and lead and so forth. It is great for rapidograph pens and extra/ultra fine sharpies.

Why We Like This:

Works well as compass and for marking metal
Excellent compass, very smooth and precise
Feels solid and it locks in place for a nice circle
Fully extended, this compass can draw a circle with a 7" radius

Best For kids: Maped Helix USA locking Drawing Compass

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate compass. The maped helix usa locking drawing compass is exactly that - it's a simple compass that hits all the right notes. It is used for a high school geometry class. It is great because it has a screw you can tighten with your fingers to lock in a setting. The compass and protractor feels solid and durable. It still works and still holds the pencil in place. The metal tip is hidden until you slide it out for use. It is easy to use. The innovative safety tip automatically retracts when you close the compass legs, to avoid potential injuries in a bag or case. It is easy to tighten so it doesn't slip.

Why We Like This:

Very sturdy and is adjustable to hold various pencils/pens
Draws up to a 12 " diameter circle
Good solid protractor and compass set, holds pencil steady
Makes drawing actuate circles and round overs for cut out easy

Best For Students: Ferocious Viking locking Drawing Compass

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The ferocious viking locking drawing compass should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This compass set is complete and affordable. It is designed for traditional math work, but both compasses are metal and quite sturdy, so they would work fine with woodworking. An extension beam attaches to the big ferocious viking bow compass for drawing large circles and arcs up to 22 inch diameter, very useful for those times you need to think big. It has sturdy metal components and a nice box to hold all the tools in one kit.

It allows for drawing much larger circles with the same comfort, ease and precision as smaller circles. You can attach any writing utensil including a black marker in the "pencil" holder, which would work well for sheet metal. It has lots of pieces to entertain students with ideas of use for different scenarios.

Why We Like This:

Easy to change out the tools and adjust the diameter
Sturdy, handy and useful without extra gimmicks
Sturdy precision instruments and aesthetically pleasing too
Very good quality set, accurate and hold settings well

Best For normal Size pencils: ZLKSKER locking Drawing Compass

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The zlksker locking drawing compass is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular usage. This divider is well built and tight. It is used to mark evenly spaced holes for drilling. It is made of high quality carbon steel, good toughness, high hardness, sturdy and durable, wear-resistant, accurate measurement. It is 12.0 inches long, the maximum span (radius) is 16.2 inches, and maximum drawing circle diameter 32.0 inches. It is as accurate as any fair quality compass. This is heavy duty and is great for the shop.

Why We Like This:

More rummaging through the pots and pans lids
Very durable and easy to use
Sturdy, stays where you want it, and feels good in the hand
Makes those large circles a breeze

Best For paper: Yoousoo locking Drawing Compass

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate compass. The yoousoo locking drawing compass is exactly that - it's a simple compass that hits all the right notes. This product is used to introduce children to the wonderful world of construction geometrical forms. It is good for paper or wood. It includes a small pen that can be used in the slip handle or separately. It comes with a fluid ruling pen. It is good for a student who needs something better than a grocery store compass.

This geometry set is very easy to use. It comes with a universal adapter and extension beam for math, geometry, art, drafting and drawing. It is the best circle drawing tool for student, artist, mathematician, carpenter.

Why We Like This:

Awesome tool for air and water nav work
Very well made and gives you great versatility
Dual compasses included and very interesting accessories

Best With Ruler: EAI education locking Drawing Compass

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If you work with adolescents, these are a tremendous tool. The slide measure compass combines a ruler, drawing compass, and protractor in one handy tool. It allows students to hold compass securely in place with one finger while drawing, and the locking radius slider adjusts with the push of a finger for precise measurements. These are simple to use, and make a nicely accurate circle.

This compass is easy to use, holds its setting, and is accurate. It is designed to inspire teachers and engage students in the classroom. These compasses will change your life.

Why We Like This:

New and hot release
Delivers what they promise

Best For teacher: School Smart locking Drawing Compass

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The school smart locking drawing compass should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The perfect tool for geometry, art and drafting classes, this school smart ball bearing compass will help you create perfect circles, every time. It is designed to outline and sketch up to a 12 inch perfect compass circle with ease and accuracy. It is great for professionals and students for perfecting landscape or home renovation drafts, geometry and technical drawings, and more.

The ball bearing design of this smart ball bearing compass will help you create perfect circles, every time. It is designed with heavy-duty materials for durability and longevity. The pointed tip makes these compasses easier to use. These supplies will fit your budgetary needs while accommodating your day-to-day functions.

Why We Like This:

Good investment for long term
Good brand reputation

Best For Woodworking: Cualork locking Drawing Compass

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Not everyone likes to purchase compass for their regular usage, but the cualork locking drawing compass would be an anomoly. This geometry compass has a nice weight in the hand, comfortably heavier than old-fashioned metal grade-school compasses. It does the job, especially for someone who is dabbling with drafting or learning to draft. With a transparent soft plastic bag, it is easy to store and use. These compasses feel solid and the gears turn easily. It has sufficient quantity and replacement device.

These are easily adjustable and there is no slipping during use. The metal tip is exceptionally sharp. It is ideal for school, a nice set of two compasses for any geometry student.

Why We Like This:

Great compass, metal, very precise and exact measurements
Extra compass tips and graphite each are neatly stored in stoppered tubes
Smooth operation, nice accessories and storage pouch

Best For ages: Fiskars locking Drawing Compass

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention fiskars locking drawing compass for regular usage. It works with pencils, pens and thin markers to maximize versatility. The innovative plastic safety tip holds the compass in place without tearing or puncturing the paper. It holds the pencil well and it doesn't slip. It is ideal for ages eight and up, making circles up to. A locking mechanism helps prevent mistakes, a dial marked with both inches and centimeters makes measuring easy, and the innovative plastic safety tip holds the compass in place without tearing or puncturing the paper.

Why We Like This: