Use a nylon wire-tie.Or use a tiny c-clamp
This is exactly how I do it and it works without issue. Stupid design and definitely agree on the hate hereI had to slide my belt behind the crank pulley to give me enough slack to then put the belt on the AC compressor.
I then got the belt started on the crank pulley and zip tied it. Then I rotated the crank by hand and the belt pulled itself onto the crank pulley.
I hate stretch belts. Lol
My first one was a head scratcher as well. I hear ya on that.This is my first time ever changing the compressor and belts myself so I experienced quite a bit of difficulty.