Mercedes Benz repair: 2002 E320 Mercedes, upper body strength, hood struts

Question
I am trying to replace front hood struts (shocks) on a 2002 E320. What tool or trick is used to compress the new strut since it is under pressure and has to be compressed about 3 inches in order to snap into place. Thank you for your help

Answer
Answer:

My way:
Prop the hood open, attach the new cylinder to the hood, use your upper body strength to force the cylinder up/into the mount.

The safe way:
Take it to your local service shop or dealer.

IMO; this is the dangerous way:
I have seen others run a binder strap around the ends, and draw it in the correct amount, this is dangerous if the strap slips at the wrong moment.