Thanks to everyone! Great replies and information!
I will try to give some replies...
What do you have Aperture/PLC set to?
It's a little difficult to tell from your description, but sounds maybe more like a filtering issue than a cable issue.
I've not had any trouble with any bananas on my SDM meters.
I would think it mechanical, because I can clear it by twisting the plug.
I'm more inclined to think there is a defect inside the meter. Maybe a bad solder joint. It is hard for a banana socket to corrode to a point where the contact gets really bad. It is also not clear what kind of measurement the OP has trouble with.
It occurs with all types of measurements. A bad joint certainly is a possibility, but I think it best to try tooki's simple cleaning suggestion, first. I had considered cleaning, originally, but thought it best to get some information, before doing anything, so as to avoid a bad mistake. I do have IPA and MG Nutrol Control Cleaner. The Nutrol makes a mess, when sprayed. I will spray it on a Q-Tip and apply it, after cleaning with the IPA.
Have you checked the fuse holders ?
How do the OEM test leads behave ?
Are you using Lantern style banana leads ?
No, I have not checked the fuse holders. I am not sure how they would be involved, as I am not having any power issues?
Oh, you probably mean the over-current protection fuses, on the probes. Well, again, I can clear the problem with twisting. I would think that a problem with a fuse would be rather static (corrosion) and not cleared the same way.
The OEM leads and all of the other brands and types suffer the same connectivity problem. And, they are all cured with the same twisting method.
Yes, I use mostly Lantern style banana leads. You make a good (quality) consideration. However, as said, I have the issue with all plug types, probe qualities and brands. No one type seems to be less prone to having the issue.
Having been reassured about cleaning being an appropriate, gentle first step, I will give that a try and report back. If cleaning does not result in improvement, I will open the unit and give the sockets a visual inspection.
Maybe the sockets are of poor quality and don't use strong tubes. If they are split tubes, perhaps they need to be closed a bit. Or, if they are some sort of a leaf spring, they might need to be bent inward. I have not found a tear down video that shows the details of the sockets. I imagine tautech can tell us.
Thanks to everyone!