Having nothing to compare to LOL, they weren't too bad. I must admit though until they were taken out I was petrified of something happening & the whole thing popping open! When they were taken out was uncomfortable, they used a staple remover LOL that sounds stupid, but really it looked similar to a normal one!! Most were ok to come out, just the last one pulled a bit. I still have all my staples & the remover too!!!!