Gosh not knowing which setter you are working with makes it difficult to answer. My setter I can open and grab the crystal and apply.

Mine, too, is not so easy to use. I have to sorta push down on the stone to get it in the setter..then when I place it on garment, I use a straight pin to hold it down while I lift the setter..the pin I put thru that slot in order to hold the stone down. Is that about as clear as mud!!? Sometimes it picks them up good & sometimes it doesn't. My brand setter is a Lorna. What's yours?

Monica my setter has different sized tips for different sized stones & is called Kandi's Crystal Crafter. I am not familiar with the Dance Brand so I do not know what your problem is but it does sound like the tip is not fitting the stone. *