One aspect of the technology relates to a method comprising the steps of: moving a frame movably holding at least one hollow bore pin having a liquid dispensing tip, such that the liquid dispensing tip of the at least one hollow bore pin moves into a respective well of a set of target wells, and the liquid dispensing tip makes contact with a bottom surface of the respective well; continuing to move the frame after the liquid dispensing tip makes contact, such that the at least one hollow bore pin moves to a particular position (e.g., vertical position) within a range of positions (e.g., vertical positions) relative to and permitted by the frame.