Congrats, you win Simplest Solution of the Thread Award :winner:
A slight variation - I used some 22mm pipe insulation I had handy. Meets all requirements: safe to use; very quick to fit; zero cost; stops my stubby bending under tension, and also stops it accidently making a hole in the cover and poking out if it gets hard and stiff in this cold weather.
I just know everyone's been gripped with anticipation, waiting to see the outcome :rofl:
And to anyone who adds a comment now, about just unscrewing it...... RTFT first