I have always used them and I really like them...no pins. I put them about every 2 to 3 inches and as I take them out I feel like I'm really moving along. I buy them in the department where they sell brushes,etc in walmart...much cheaper and the same thing ( I have even seen them in the dollar stores). Now,Mom,she wouldn't use them all...she likes to get pricked with the pins,I guess....LOL