Manufactured from high carbon conten steel - the same quality used in competitive "premioun" brands. They have heavier guages to produce tighter closing. The point is ground and buffed to ensure consistency and quality. Wrap around pin shaft creates a tighter more secure cap than the traditional "press fit" from of crimping. After nickel plating, the pins undergo a process that adds lubricity for easy penetration though the fabric and also enchances rust reduction. Black vapor barrier paper also lines the box to provide an extra level of moisture absorption to ensure rust-free pins.