Sure pins don't have structural strength but I have never used them for that. I only use pins to hold something in place while the glue dries. It's great for that instead of clamping, especially with the new super glues I've tried that are more oriented to wood. Beyond that I'd say a pinner doesn't have much use for me. As for blowout, that can be a problem, but the Grex sales rep at a recent Woodworking Show I was at told me that it has to do with orientation of the pin in relation to the grain of the wood since the end is chiseled. I have yet to test out his recommendations. Having said that, I definitely have use for longer pins, up to 2" inches to help hold while glue is setting up.