DeWalt Cells

I have an new intact DeWalt 36V pack, and I'm considering using SPTs to make the DeWalt cells into two 5S1P packs.

1) To use the SPTs, can I leave the cardboard sleeves on the cells or should I remove them and use heatshrink to insulate them again?

2) And what to do with the tabs? Leave them on and trim them to fit the sleeves? Reading from the notes on the MEC site, peeling off the tabs is discouraged in order to not "leave holes in the battery case."

1. Remove the cardboard tubes and replace with the shrink tube included in the SPT kits.

2. Trim the tabs so they are shorter than the diameter of the cell tp prevent the Neg. tab from shorting on the side (+) of the cell.

3. Assemble the SPT & go for it!