New clips will have more spring to them than older worn out ones.. If you can get half of them to clip you should be able to get the rest.

Make sure you are getting the chrome UNDER the clips. Sometimes prying up on the clip to start the chrome helps.. We use to "karate" the chrome in with the side of our hands or take the plastic install tool and lightly hammer on the edge of the chrome with it on some tough ones. BUT be careful as you can dent or kink the chrome easily...