I use the rooting lamp. It heats up the head and then it is easy to stick the needle into the softened vinyl. I use 42g needles and have not broken one in years.
I use these, that I bought fro Germany,
https://www.heavenly-illusions.de/shop1/de/kategorie-2/normaler-artikel-2
I think “city of reborn angles” in Australia stocks them now.
The rooting lamp https://www.heavenly-illusions.de/shop1/de/waerme-lampe
If buying from o/s be careful to make sure you are getting one suitable for AU power (240v), and one that has the wide plastic disc on the bottom and spring to hold it firmly in the neck, or you can damage the head by the hot lamp. The lamps are actually sold as “salt lamps” but not all have the plastic disc, although that can be altered.
These lamps are also good to use for checking your parts for faults. I always make sure there are no black spots or bubbles as soon as kit arrives.
That’s it. Just slip it over the needle and twist it onto the white part. I’m not sure the rooting lamps will fit in a 10 inch head, or if it does, the bulb might be too close to the vinyl and melt it. A heating pad might work for your tiny baby if you want to try heating.
Yes, you are right, the lamp will not be any good for this one, but it will fit in the bigger baby if rebornnana tries to do bigger ones.
I love the Heavenly Illusions needles but they don’t fit in my rooting pen so I had to make my own tool with InstaMorph Moldable Plastic.
I found I do not need any holder with the plastic coating, and I could root for hours (my back permitting)…
I have arthritis in my hands and carpal tunnel in both wrists so I have to use something thicker than the needle or it hurts.