I am throwing this out here since I have never tried to do this or are unsure if it can be done. I may need to do some additional research on this but thought I would tap the knowledge base here first. I just ordered a bi-metal tri-clover flanged thermometer to use with a stainless steel tee the output of my wort chiller since it is easier to read than my ThruMometer which I put makeshift tri-clover fittings on. According to the specs on the tee, the distance to from the tri-clover flange on the tee side to the opposite wall is 2.75". The thermometer stem according to the specs is 3".
Can I shorten the stem to make it fit if it becomes necessary to do so or is the end of the stem sealed in some way that doing so would wreck the thermometer?