13N26 - Weldcraft 13N26 Standard Collet Body .040 (5-Pack)

Precision TIG Component for Fine Amperage Applications

The Weldcraft 13N26 Collet Body is a fundamental component designed for the precision requirements of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Engineered to accommodate .040-inch (1.0mm) tungsten electrodes, this collet body is an essential part of the front-end assembly for 9, 20, 22, and 25 series TIG torches. As the interface between the torch head and the collet, the collet body plays a dual role: it mechanically secures the electrode assembly when the back cap is tightened and serves as the primary conduit for welding current transfer to the tungsten.

Manufactured from a high-grade copper alloy, the 13N26 exhibits excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. This material selection is critical for minimizing resistance heating within the torch head, particularly during the sustained duty cycles often associated with automated or water-cooled applications (such as those using the WP-20 or WP-25 series). The precision machining of the internal taper ensures that the matching 13N21 collet compresses evenly around the tungsten electrode, preventing slippage and ensuring consistent arc starting characteristics.

In the context of fluid dynamics, the standard collet body design allows for the laminar flow of shielding gas from the torch body into the gas cup (nozzle). While not containing the mesh screens of a gas lens, the 13N26 provides adequate gas coverage for standard welding applications where draft conditions are controlled and stick-out requirements are nominal. Its compact profile is particularly advantageous when accessing tight corners or confined spaces where larger gas lens assemblies might cause obstruction.

This product is supplied as a package of five, acknowledging the consumable nature of front-end torch parts. Over time, thermal cycling can cause thread deformation or oxidation on the seating surfaces, which increases electrical resistance. Regular replacement of the collet body is a recommended maintenance practice to preserve the integrity of the welding circuit and protect the more expensive torch head body from heat damage.