I pin a lot and I sew over them...try not to hit any but it happens and sometimes I have to get the pliers and yank it out....all my needles have knicks in them....I take my pin out after I sew.....I just buy new pins from time to time...was also taught in "Home Ec." it was okay to do this....and for the most part I miss the pins...been sewing this way for 30 years at least...what is the point in pinning if you take them out at the critical time?....never have had to have my machine serviced as of today.....knock on wood.....and I did take a timing class just incase.......call me crazy....:-)