Assemble your high hat stand, with cymbals, and place it to the left of the snare drum as you're sitting behind the drum kit. Adjust the height of the stand so that the cymbals are 6 to 8 inches above the level of the snare drum.
Once the height is adjusted, place your foot on the high hat pedal and move the high hat so your leg is bent at a 90-degree angle.
Take your foot off the pedal, and adjust the top cymbal so that it's about 1/2 to 1 inch above the lower cymbal. Tighten the thumb screw holding the cymbal, and press down on the pedal so the cymbals close together. They should close tightly.