Earlier this month, I ordered new straight pins. I just dumped the mess that I had, and found new ones on sale. I like the somewhat shorter pins (size 17 - 1 1/8" long) for my pining of quilts and clothing. And the price was right - 2 pkgs, qyt 350 ea for $4.25. I was having so much trouble with my pins not wanting to go through and things that I decided that replacing them and starting over was the best thing. And it is been easier. I am figuring that it is like replacing you machine needle with your project and regularly replacing your rotary cutter blades.