@Kelly527 it sounds like you are definitely too close to the top of the skin go a little deeper you will definitely feel the difference,they definitely will slide in much easier when you are in the right plane.also don't use old threads they do have a shelf life.especially after you have opened the pack from what I can remember reading you have about a week to use them. Try a digger gauge needle and get them from a reputable dealer not from eBay. And use them as soon as you get them.