I have hit pins etc with my Featherweights and so far it has not damaged anything. Just make sure that the needle is in correctly and rethread. Many times, I have been asked to have a look at a Featherweight when at a quilt guild retreat that is acting up. Don't see anything wrong, but go through and double check and when I get done, works perfectly! Not sure why it was not working for the owner just a few minutes before. They say that I have 'the touch' to get them working. Just check everything!