The first time I put my shield on, three bolts went in fine but the 4th one (didn't matter which one was last)was very hard to get started. After I ran it a season, the next time it went on fairly painlessly. Mine came with socket head screws(use a allen wrench), but I changed them to ARP 12 point bolts. Takes a smaller socket.
You need to fight through the pain and GET THAT SHEILD ON. It won't do your feet no good sitting on the bench in the shop.
Brian Dunnigan