Yeah, I've noticed the difference between pins made 40 years ago and pins of today. Safety pins, even bobby pins are thinner. Seems like they bend in the wind.
I have been collecting those hat pins, the longer, stronger ones with the white ball on top, about 2 inchs long. I have about 50 of them now. If they were cheaper in price, I would use those all the time. I like them for the toughter jobs.
I don't like the flower heads at all.
The pins that I have the most of are the ones that have the yellow or white ball on top, 1 1/2 inches long. Can't think of who makes them at the moment.
Sylv