#1) I wonder if I should attempt to cut out a second pair of cradle tops for my table top cradles so I don't have to keep removing them from one to the other.

#2) I used a wrench to twist the plug on the banana plug and "yes" they do just screw right off. Then you stick the wire in the hole at the end and solder. Don't need heat-shrink tube which I like, you just screw it right back onto the casing.

But I still have to solder the terminals at the other end of the wires that clip onto the battery. And because they are not insulated I will need to cover them with heat-shrink tubing.