To keep the loops from coming out, you need to have the needle either going sideways or with thread coming out from behind, just not in front cause then you'll pull it out (I haven't done it in a while, so I could have the front and back mixed up).
I like the clover punch needle. The handle is short so it is easier to thread. I used a brand called "Dimensions" before, longer handle, but difficult to thread, and then the needle started to push into the handle (which is good so you can change the loop size, but it wouldn't stay in place). To get the longer one threaded, I would thread it backwards, through the the tip into the tube, and then thread the other end through the whole in the tip.