Pouch cells are normally under compression as force is required to keep the plates together. A firm press isn't going to hurt them. If you're applying enough fo

Pouch cells are normally under compression as force is required to keep the plates together. A firm press isn't going to hurt them. If you're applying enough force to actually crush and short the cell, you are far too ham-fisted to do work like this. In fact using a tool to apply pressure is more likely to cause damage.