You want your MLT thermo probe to penatrate as far into the center as possible to get an accurate mash temp reading, but you also want to be able to go nuts with your mash paddle. Here's what I HOPE fixes the problem of bashing up my thermo.
1/2" MPT to 1/2" copper pipe "male adapter" with a short piece of pipe drilled with a few 3/8" holes top and bottom. It threads out easy for cleaning.
1/2" MPT to 1/2" copper pipe "male adapter" with a short piece of pipe drilled with a few 3/8" holes top and bottom. It threads out easy for cleaning.