I guess when making 100's to 1,000's of hose assemblies I just used the quickest and most efficient tools to get the job done. An abrasive wheel chop saw or actual hose cutting machine was always at my disposal. Any pesky debris was simply blown out with shop air. No sledge hammers needed or ever used.
And for spending big $$ on a "Cool Tool" just look around the garage to find a similar fixture. Take a plastic funnel and cut off the snout at a point where the ID is a little smaller than the hose OD. Make a slit down the spine to allow it to open up. Put it over the hose and pull the hose back so that it is flush. Stick your ferrule/socket on the end or on the work bench and give the hose a firm jab (similar process as a piston ring compressor and install). This should allow you to be quick enough to get it in past the fitting.
