Thanks for your concern, but previous to using it, I had done alot of research on the web, and I saw that there was mixed reviews, some hating it and others loving it, but then I discovered the 'microstitch' - this version is ultra small the tacks are so small you can hardly see them. A fellow member of my group brought one back from the U.K. and so I could actually see how good this version is. I have already used it and after abit of practice like you suggest decided it was safe to use. I had a couple of misfires, but believe it was down to me just getting used to it. I will take a photo of the pins close up so you can see.