Any tips on "making" braided stainless fuel lines??

[Black97civic]

I have the hose ends and the braided stainless line, but I am having a hell of a time getting the line not to fray when I cut it.

I have tried putting tape around it, and that works to a point, and then when I take the tape off it "springs" out and makes it impossible to get the fitting on.

I am using a cut-off wheel as recommended by the directions.

Also, how far does the hose have to go into the hose end fitting to be safe as far as leaks are concerned?

These things are really frustrating.