I wrap one inch wide masking tape on the braid (no more than two wraps) and use a hi speed cut off wheel and use the center of the masking tape as a guide to get a straight cut. I leave the tape on in as it helps keep the wires in place as I thread it onto the cap. The hose should not bottom out on the inside of the cap but have a small gap (about 1/8 or less). I use WD-40, but on the male part of the fitting when putting the two togather to help it slide into the hose better. The last step is to use a razor blade to cut off the masking tape that is sticking out the back of the fitting.