Indeed, those compression collars are hard on the fingers to get on... I try to use these small needle pliers where I can. The trick to do it the easiest way possible, start the hose over the 1st barb, then slide the collar on, it will push the hose completely onto the barb & the collar all the way to the fitting.
Doing it this way, you gotta be careful not to squeeze the pliers too hard while pushing so not to distort the circumference of the collar.
