Tomato,

Are you using a pressure regulator? I get a little help from good beefy needle nose pliers or a large blunt nose wire cutters. Aloha

1/2" barb fittings work on some hose, but then you have to mess with clamps. Compression fittings can be reused, they're just a pain in the behind to take off. Took me about 20 minutes one day, to take an elbow off that I had just put on. Gently rock the tubing and fitting while trying to pull on each end.

Yes there is a much better alternative to compression fittings : Direct-Loc Fittings: aka Spin Loc, Perma Loc, Easy Loc or Power Loc: Direct-Loc fittings are one the most versatile drip tubing connector fittings available for Drip irrigation. They are sold by most of the major online drip suppliers I have also seen them at Lowes albeit more expensive.

I use the Gardena connectors. The 1/2'/13mm pieces come in all different shapes, from inline, to T-shape, to 4-way connectors. And they're reusable.

In the US, you can get them from Amazon.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gardena micro irrigation components

To remove a compression fitting: Grab the pipe and fitting with about 4 inches of pipe between your hand and the fitting. Now: Pretend you are operating a crank. One hand is fixed, the other cranks in a 3" circle. While doing this keep a steady tension.

You will extract the tube about 1/50 of an inch with each revolution. The end of the pipe will be mangled. Snip off.

I am getting ready to purchase and install a drip irrigation system for my vegetable garden with raised beds. Can anyone tell me the difference between the brands Perma-Loc and Easy Loc. Perma-loc is sold by Drip Depot and others and Easy Loc is sold by Dripworks. Which is better, reusable, lasts longer, easier to work with and leak proof.