The little cone things on the end of my antenna broke. You can see the cone things on the ends that I'm talking about in the picture below:



Now there is just bare copper looking wire exposed. Is there any harm in leaving it as is? Would I gain range by buying a new antenna?

 

I would suggest covering with some shrink tubing to create a cap.

You also might be able to find a small rubber tube cap that would fit; similar to caps on brake bleeder.

good luck