the reason you have had a tough time may be that the hose did not match the fittings. some manufactures are not the same as others (russel, earls, goodridge, ect ect ect.). i see no problem removing the fitting you have now and re-cut the hose. i prefer to cut it with a bandsaw. useing a little duct tape wrapped around were you want to cut also helps to keep the braids together. some actually use a hatchet which ive done succesfully, and some even use a hammer and chisle. i prefer the bandsaw because it doesnt callaps the hose as you cut it. just be sure to blow out any debrit that gets in the line. good luck, and whatever extra lines you dont use send em my way.