# Modifying Dev Kit End Caps

**URL:** https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/t/modifying-dev-kit-end-caps/426
**Category:** Community
**Created:** [September 26, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/t/modifying-dev-kit-end-caps/426 "2024-09-26T19:16:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![NickRaymomd](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/bristlemouth.discourse.group/nickraymomd/32/140_2.png) [@NickRaymomd](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/u/NickRaymomd)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/t/modifying-dev-kit-end-caps/426/1 "2024-09-26T19:16:45Z")

</div>

Here is an example of how I added three bulkheads to one of the Bristlemouth dev kit end caps using a 2D stencil and a drill press.

This is the end result: one underwater pressure sensor + pressure vent + wetlink cable penetrator all fit snuggly on the end cap.

 ![Screenshot 2024-09-26 at 12.10.34 PM](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/e50ef17221d7e296ef210e88f1bfd77e9c303d9f.jpeg)

**Step 1**  
Create a 2D template for where to install the hardware. I used the CAD models to check for interference with the assembly tool + nuts that need to get installed on the backside of the end cap.

Note, there is a engraved shape on the top surface of the end cap, this is the “safe zone” to install your bulkheads or other hardware. It’s a general recommendation - be sure to check the inside of the end cap to verify you have room for any tools or fasteners that might rub on the inner wall. CAD is a good tool for this.

 ![D09A6690-F4F1-4CA7-B80D-3171FC33C54C_1_201_a](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/81b27b344740bbc749004b2ffd811081050a0f11.jpeg)

**Step 2**  
Print out scale 1:1 and tape it to the end cap. Use a punch to transfer the center marks for your holes to the end cap, this prevents the drill bit from walking around on the surface and makes things more accurate.

 ![782CDC3A-E190-43CB-899F-71099E3F4939_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/8e95a87bc26c753a8d57e97ee29a5443159aa170.jpeg)

 ![DF31E472-291A-4FA3-A4CC-99EEBD0EA980_1_201_a](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/858c56649419c7b89587cebf0e63fdcb16006d59.jpeg)

**Step 3**  
Drill out the holes. I suggest using a small drill bit to create a pilot hole, then progressively use a larger drill bit to work your way up to the final hole size. I used 3 different sized drill bits.

The plastic material is POM which can be brittle and chip easily. Take your time to make a clean and accurate hole. The bulkheads that I am using use a small o’ring to mechanically seal against the end cap - if the edges of the holes are jagged this could cause issues for your o’ring seal.

I suggest securing the end cap in place during the drilling process. Use a piece of wood and a clamp or some other way to hold the part in place while you drill. This helps to create an accurate and clean hole.

Nothing fancy, just a scrap piece of wood and c-clamp.

 ![EF39A5D2-B2D2-464D-96A5-94E924F83F12_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/3f6fb5ccf6a9204609467fe016f471aa34a06c9a.jpeg)

 ![6C87282C-C6EF-4382-8040-4426FDD9EDE6_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/6f255f3db19ca8f380d668804c055e2315af93c7.jpeg)

**Step 4**  
Install the hardware using the required tools + following the manufacters [guidelines for assembly](https://bluerobotics.com/learn/wetlink-penetrator-installation-guide/). Bluerobotics has a set of special tools that are designed to fit in tight spaces for their [wetlink](https://bluerobotics.com/store/cables-connectors/penetrators/wlp-vp/) connectors. These tools came in handy for this install.

 ![Screenshot 2024-09-26 at 12.11.23 PM](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/61c4b9612140429a899d5a6bded3bdca38cfc473.jpeg)

Here you can see how close the tool gets to one of the nuts on the other bulkhead. It’s a tight fit, but it works! The CAD for the tools can be downloaded from the manufactures website.

 ![53A72A8F-FCE2-4743-AA4F-900D9E4CBA86_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/dc053e427461eb816de937d63ed26f17ba0f092b.jpeg)

 ![4D00714F-9C4D-4336-AD0C-3AAE83880F82_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/60d6aa34b6283460ee4014cf802f1d787d7f114e.jpeg)

 ![874D20DE-DB27-4550-928A-AD8F77040BB3_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/61d619e60e6ea8345f56765bb0d099563959b9c1.jpeg)

 ![2C8A4A4D-CB68-4517-ADFE-E8B36B88FEB4_1_105_c](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bristlemouth/original/1X/cd05dbb6f2bf12964a50d14c9b42ca210a280a1a.jpeg)

And there you go. Go slow and take your time to carefully determine where you want to add the bulkheads using CAD and make clean holes with a drill press. It’s always helpful to have the right tools for the job.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Bristlemouth](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/bristlemouth.discourse.group/bristlemouth/32/7_2.png) [@Bristlemouth](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/u/Bristlemouth)
#### Post date: [September 27, 2024, 12:07pm UTC](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/t/modifying-dev-kit-end-caps/426/2 "2024-09-27T12:07:51Z")

</div>

This is excellent! Thanks for sharing.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![evan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/bristlemouth.discourse.group/evan/32/87_2.png) [@evan](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/u/evan)
#### Post date: [September 27, 2024, 12:24pm UTC](https://bristlemouth.discourse.group/t/modifying-dev-kit-end-caps/426/3 "2024-09-27T12:24:15Z")

</div>

This is so rad @NickRaymomd !
