Icedfire - I did bolt my end caps on (through the rail) but I drilled it easily with a cordless drill and 1 normal bit. Someone else (Shumway, is it you?) has just pressed-fit them on. The shackles allow you to join the whoopies ends together, under the top rail. I had to use a amsteel extension and 2 biners to connect them.. It really does work great. Let me know if you need some more pictures or have questions. looking forward to sleeping in there tonight - it is STILL too warm and humid to enjoy a night outside.
Jason