Maybe even a wire nut that has a metal insert which would serve as a corona ball.if it was plastic, it was just for eye protection. maybe screw on a small cap nut.
If it was plastic, it wasn't there for any other reason than to protect the dumb person from poking themself in the eye. A round, metallic tips serves as a corona ball, which WILL affect your swr (it introduces capacitance) and will also cure the static discharge problem.