Hey Ian, from what your describing it sounds like you may be putting too much juice in the atty. 2-3 drops is correct, but maybe you are filling too soon. If your atty broke it wouldn't work. You will get the hang of it.
As far as tightening the atty, screw it on til its snug. Aligning the holes isn't neccessary. Don't try and turn it til you cant turn no more.