I have tried external circlip pliers as recommended but can't get them to work because when you squeeze the pliers, the clip tightens instead of opens. Internal circlip pliers in theory would work but in practice don't because the clip usually is in its open position if the two eyes overlap but this is not possible with the circlip pliers.
I assume that Honda workers on the assembly line neither use their fingernails nor screw drivers to get the clip positioned correctly over a tube. Probably there are some pliers which press on the outside of the eyes and at the same time have something like a slot in each tip which prevents the clip from twisting when being compressed. Yes, and 90° orientation of the tips would be preferable.
Something like this with a slightly different head:
(from: http://blog.toolsource.com/index.php/2010/04/toolsource-exclusive-meritool-hose-clamp-pliers/)