Abstract: A method of manufacturing a battery includes as an initial step providing a cell for a battery having alternating positive and negative electrode plates, wherein each of the electrode plates is separated by an electrically insulative separator layer. Each of the positive and negative electrode plates includes a projecting tab extending from an adjacent upper portion thereof, the projecting tabs of the positive plates being generally aligned, and the projecting tabs of the negative plates being generally aligned. Next, the method comprises attaching a conductive connecting strap to the projecting tabs of the positive and negative plates. The method then comprises applying a cap material onto the connecting positive strap and allowing the cap material to spread and drip to the exposed portions of the projecting tabs and the adjacent upper portions of the negative and positive plates and separator material.