--- title: "Platinum Pro-Use 171: The Adjustable Drafting Pencil" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-pro-use-171/" description: "Platinum Pro-Use 171 explained: a drafting pencil with an adjustable lead pipe and switchable cushion, four lead sizes, 145.2 mm and 23.1 g, colors and price." category: "Pencils" type: "Mechanical pencil" published: 2026-10-22 updated: 2026-10-22 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 9 products: - name: "Platinum Pro-Use 171 drafting pencil, 0.5 mm (MSDA-1500B), #56 Blue" brand: "Platinum" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "ABS barrel; chrome-plated brass grip and taper; chrome-plated iron clip (Platinum)" released: "2017-05-15" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)" model: "Pro-Use 171" mpn: "MSDA-1500B" gtin: "4977114211614" url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/mechanical-pencil/9571/" --- # Platinum Pro-Use 171: The Adjustable Drafting Pencil > The Platinum Pro-Use 171 is a drafting mechanical pencil that Platinum launched on May 15, 2017. Its Snork system lets you twist the taper to change how far the lead pipe sticks out and switch a lead-cushioning spring on or off. It comes in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm, measures 145.2 mm and weighs 23.1 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-pro-use-171/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-22 - Updated: 2026-10-22 ![Blue Platinum Pro-Use 171 drafting pencil drawn to scale at 145.2 mm, with an inset of the adjustable lead pipe](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/platinum-pro-use-171-16x9.png) *The Pro-Use 171 at Platinum's 145.2 mm, drawn at 1 mm = 4 px.* Original drawing (SVG): . Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Platinum Pro-Use 171 drafting pencil, 0.5 mm (MSDA-1500B), #56 Blue | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | ABS barrel; chrome-plated brass grip and taper; chrome-plated iron clip (Platinum) | 2017-05-15 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Platinum Pro-Use 171 drafting pencil, 0.5 mm (MSDA-1500B), #56 Blue): Japan. The barrel imprint reads 'MADE IN JAPAN' in Platinum's product photo on the Amazon US listing for the 0.7 mm MSDA-1500C. Platinum's spec pages don't state the country. Source: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FCCM4X ## Key takeaways - Platinum launched the Pro-Use 171 on May 15, 2017, in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm (MSDA-1500A to D). - Platinum gives 145.2 mm (5.7 in) long, 10 mm at the widest and 23.1 g for the standard model. - The Snork system: twist the taper to adjust the lead pipe, twist the body to switch the lead cushion on or off. - The standard model lists at ¥1,650 (about US$10) and the matte black MSDA-2500 at ¥2,750 (about US$17) in Japan. - JetPens names it the best fine-tip drafting pencil; US listings fall in our $$ band of $5 to $20. ## What is the Platinum Pro-Use 171? **It is Platinum's drafting mechanical pencil with two adjustments most pencils don't have: an adjustable lead pipe and a lead cushion you can switch on or off.** Platinum calls the pair the Snork system and launched the pencil on May 15, 2017, as a new generation of its long-running Pro-Use line. Platinum says it made the 171 because more people now use drafting pencils every day, and their weak point is lead that snaps under pressure. Its answer was to borrow the Safety Slide Mechanism from its Press Man and OLEeNU pencils. ## Platinum Pro-Use 171 specs | Spec | Pro-Use 171 (MSDA-1500) | |---|---| | Lead sizes | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm | | Length | 145.2 mm (5.7 in) | | Diameter | 10 mm max | | Weight | 23.1 g | | Barrel | ABS resin | | Grip and taper | Chrome-plated brass | | Clip | Chrome-plated iron | | Eraser | Rubber-100A1 | | Japanese list price | ¥1,650 (about US$10) including tax | | Launch | May 15, 2017 | All values come from Platinum. Its 2017 release gave the price as ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax. ## How does the Snork system work? **Two twists: one for the pipe, one for the cushion.** Rotating the metal taper changes how far the lead pipe sticks out, so you can set its height against a ruler or the paper, or shorten it to protect the tip. Rotating the body while holding the grip turns the lead cushion on or off. With the cushion on, a spring lets the lead slide back under heavy pressure instead of breaking; with it off, you get the firm, direct feel of a normal drafting pencil. ## What lead sizes and colors are there? **Four lead sizes, each in its own barrel color: 0.3 mm silver, 0.5 mm blue, 0.7 mm black and 0.9 mm white.** Platinum gives the same size and weight for all four. ![Pro-Use 171 lead sizes to scale: 0.3 mm silver MSDA-1500A, 0.5 mm blue MSDA-1500B, 0.7 mm black MSDA-1500C, 0.9 mm white MSDA-1500D](https://stationerytimes.com/images/platinum-pro-use-171-lead-sizes.svg) *Each lead size has its own barrel color.* Platinum added an all-matte-black MSDA-2500 in 0.3 and 0.5 mm on July 20, 2020, including a black lead pipe, at ¥2,750 (about US$17). It is slightly shorter and heavier, at 144.5 mm and 24.5 g. Platinum also sells limited colors from time to time. ## How does the Pro-Use 171 compare with other drafting pencils? **It's the one with a switchable cushion; the others protect the lead in other ways.** | | Pro-Use 171 | [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) | [Zebra DelGuard](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) | [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Lead protection | Cushion, on/off | Retracting pipe | Spring guard, always on | None | | Pipe | Adjustable length | Retracts with clip | Fixed | Fixed | | Grip | Knurled metal | Metal with rubber pads | Ribbed | Knurled metal | Figures for the other pencils come from their guides. JetPens calls the Pro-Use 171 its best fine-tip drafting pencil, and a reviewer there compares it to the GraphGear 1000 with a better grip. ## Who should buy the Pro-Use 171? **People who use 0.3 or 0.5 mm lead and break it often, or who want one pencil that feels firm for drafting and forgiving for notes.** The adjustable pipe also suits anyone who carries a drafting pencil in a pocket. At 23.1 g with a low metal grip, it's heavier than a plastic pencil such as the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/); if you prefer light pencils, try one first. For more options, see our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/). ## Where is the Pro-Use 171 made? **In Japan: the barrel is printed "MADE IN JAPAN", as Platinum's product photo on the Amazon US listing shows.** Platinum Pen is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does 'Snork' mean on the Pro-Use 171? It's Platinum's name for the two adjustments: twisting the taper changes the length of the lead pipe, and twisting the body while holding the grip turns the lead cushion on or off. ### Does the Pro-Use 171 stop lead breaking? With the cushion on, Platinum says the lead won't break even under strong pressure. It uses the Safety Slide Mechanism from Platinum's Press Man and OLEeNU pencils. ### Can the lead pipe retract for a pocket? Twisting the taper shortens the exposed pipe, which JetPens notes protects the tip in a pocket. Platinum describes it as adjusting the pipe height against a ruler or the paper. ### Pro-Use 171 or Pentel GraphGear 1000? Both are metal-gripped drafting pencils with a pipe that pulls back. The Pro-Use 171 adds the switchable lead cushion; the GraphGear retracts its pipe with the clip. A JetPens reviewer prefers the Pro-Use grip. ### What eraser does the Pro-Use 171 use? Platinum lists the Rubber-100A1 replacement eraser, under the cap. ### Is there a matte black Pro-Use 171? Yes. Platinum launched an all-matte-black MSDA-2500 in 0.3 and 0.5 mm on July 20, 2020; it is 144.5 mm long and 24.5 g. ### Is the Platinum Pro-Use 171 made in Japan? Yes. The barrel imprint in Platinum's product photo reads 'MADE IN JAPAN'. ## Sources - [Platinum Pen (English): New Product Specifications PRO-USE 171 (May 15, 2017; MSDA-1500A-D, 145.2 mm, 23.1 g, materials, Snork system, JAN codes)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/en/news/detail/?pid=8648) - [Platinum Japan news (Japanese): 驚きの使い易さを搭載した次世代の製図用シャープペンシル誕生 (¥1,500 before tax in 2017)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/news/8648/) - [Platinum Japan: プロユース 171 MSDA-1500D (¥1,650 tax included, 145.2 mm, 10 mm, 23.1 g; read October 22, 2026)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/mechanical-pencil/6247/) - [Platinum Japan: プロユース 171 matte black (MSDA-2500, ¥2,750, 144.5 mm, 24.5 g)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/mechanical-pencil/9571/) - [Platinum Japan news (Japanese): PRO-USE 171 マットブラック (July 20, 2020)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/news/9624/) - [JetPens: The Best Fine-Tip Mechanical Pencils (Pro-Use 171 as the best fine-tip drafting pencil)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-Fine-Tip-Mechanical-Pencils/pt/331) - [JetPens: Platinum Pro-Use 171 Drafting Pencil 0.5 mm](https://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Pro-Use-171-Drafting-Pencil-0.5-mm/pd/21709) - [Amazon US: Platinum Pro Use 171 Mechanical 0.7mm Black Pencil, MSDA-1500C#1 (product photo with 'MADE IN JAPAN' imprint)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FCCM4X) - [Amazon US: Platinum Pro Use 171 Mechanical Pencil Matt Black 0.5 mm, MSDA-2500B (310 ratings on October 22, 2026)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GWQQ593)