Put on latex gloves.
Adjust the gap between the contact screw tip and the spring on the armature bar to 1.25 mm --- the thickness of a U.S. dime. Screw down the front binding post.
Select an outlining needle. Make sure the packaging is still intact before opening.
Insert the needle, tip first, through the tube taking care not to touch any part of the machine with the tip of the needle.
Connect the loop on the opposite end of the needle's tip to the top-hat grommet and secure in place using a rubber band around the shaft of the needle and the frame of the machine.
Adjust the tube of the tattoo machine by turning it so that the needle tip is flush with the tube.