Outlet loose connection?

Ok, I got the light fixture working, the mini plug is successfully
installed, and then I install the outlet into the tape run.

I drilled very shallow pilot holes with a #70 bit. The bit was
slightly smaller than the pins in the outlet. I pushed the outlet in
just far enough to hold in place, and plug in the lamp. It lights
fine, so I unplug it and attempt to push the outlet in further. No go,
so I drill the pilot holes deeper then push the outlet in. Lamp
doesn't light. I pull out the outlet, and wiggle it, and the light
comes on, sometimes.

Now, the instructions had called for a #75 bit for installing the
brads that mark where the outlet is going to be THROUGH the paper (you
paper over the brads, then push them through the paper, then pull the
brads out, then install the outlet in their place). I skipped that
part, but either way, you'll be working with a smaller pilot hole,
which means better contact.

So should I just drill smaller pilot holes? And did other people skip
papering over brads or not?

Cathy Weeks