Do the piercing stretchers hurt to get?

It really depends on your pain tolerence.

If they're done properly, and the width is increased a little bit at a time, then they don't hurt that much.

If you go from a 1mm gauge to a 6mm in one step, you risk tearing your ear, so take it slowly and it shouldn't be too bad.

Not to discredit the previous answer, but to elaborate on it: if done properly stretching a piercing should not be painful at all. Maybe a slight pinching sensation and maybe some very mild soreness for a few hours after, but there shouldn't be any burning or stinging and definitely nothing more major. You should only stretch one size at a time, with tapers or tape (PTFE or bondage), with proper lubrication in the case of tapers (natural oils such as Vitamin E, Emu, or Jojoba are best), and adequate wait times between sizes. Though every person's body is different a good guideline is to wait three months for each full millimeter between your previous and current size before stretching to the next size up. More time can only help you end up with healthier, better looking piercings once you reach your goal size.

Below is a suggested minimum wait time between sizes. However, you must keep in mind that this is a "in general" time scale, as some piercings require more time to heal and others less.

Fresh piercing to first stretch: Approx 5 to 6 months

16g to 14g - 1 month

14g to 12g - 1 month

12g to 10g - 1.5 months

10g to 8g - 2 months

8g to 6g - 3 months

6g to 4g - 3 month

4g to 2g - 3 months

2g to 0g - 4 months

0g to 00g - 4 months