Heat Stick grounding

I was just starting to build a heat stick when my drill started sparking and smoking when drilling the hole for the ground nut =/ I really want to get this done tonight so I can brew in my kitchen next week. I was thinking about attaching the ground between the chrome pipe and the slip nut as shown in the pictures. My only concern is that the ground comes in contact with the base of the element (shown below). I'm guessing that it's not an issue since this would come in contact with the pipe anyway once it's screwed on. I would obviously add JB weld to the bottom of the nut to seal it. Just wondering what everyone here thinks. Thanks!

And I just realized I can't finish this tonight anyway since I don't have a drill to make a hole in the pvc cap (cedar creek build). Unless someone else has an idea how to seal the top opening!

I've seen other people do it this way before, should be fine. I personally have always run a line back to the top of the pipe, sanded a spot on the inside and soldered the wire directly to the pipe. For the top I just use a PVC p trap so I hang it on the side of the kettle, no cap needed.