To solve problems with poor conductivity on the outside plates, here I am adding a 9/32 inch hole to two corners located away from the vent holes. I center punched and drilled this hole 3/16 inch from the edges which puts the hole very close to the edge and far from the plates so the ground bolt doesn't touch the neutral or positive plates, even by accident. Of course, if you wire this with the outside plates as positive, you'll use this area for the positive lead instead of the ground. Either way, make sure there is a wire connected to both outside plates if you're using them, otherwise don't expect the bolts to carry the current. Even though there are 12 bolts, no washers, there tends to be poor electrical conductivity between the plates. Adding this hole makes sure the leads can be bolted tightly which is not the case for the 12 bolts that hold the cell together. The 12 assembly bolts should not be over tightened meaning poor conductivity may not be reliable. I've noticed at times the cell can be completely or nearly inactive until vibration causes the cell to pick up better conductivity. This more reliable connection should increase cell conductivity and performance a lot. Do this before sanding the plate and conditioning so any oil used in the drilling will be washed away.

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