Progress Hybrid Install

I was looking for some help with a PH install. I'm having some difficulty making the connection between my Chimney Liner Depot snout (T Connection) and the rear vent PH. They seem to both be exactly 6". I had to cut the snout length so I have a test piece that I crimped but it still didn't want to fit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Originally I tried to crimp the pipe using vice grips. Now that I have bought an actual crimping tool the snout fits good.

However I have run into another problem. I can't make the connection between the T and the flexible liner because the Lintel sits almost directly on top of the T. I think I have solved this by picking up a 24Guage adjustable elbow. I was able to connect that directly to the stove and also fit it into flexible liner. I'm a little skeptical of mixing components from different systems. Anyone have any safety thoughts/concerns on this connection?

Also I'm wondering for those who do run a T connection how do you clean the horizontal snout? Do you have to disconnect it from the stove? If this is the case I'm not sure I see the advantage of a T connection vs. what I currently have in place. Both require a disconnect to clean.

Thanks for all the help. My house is now days away from being warm, inspector is scheduled to come on Wednesday.