406488 - 406488 5/32" (4.0mm) TIG Collet Body 5-Pack for 17/18/26 Torches

High-Performance 5/32" Collet Body for 3 Series Torches

The Generic 406488 Collet Body is an essential consumable designed for TIG welding professionals who demand reliability and precision. Engineered to fit the widely used "3 Series" TIG torches—including the WP-17, WP-18, and WP-26 models—this component plays a critical role in the current transfer assembly. By securely housing the collet and tungsten electrode, it ensures consistent electrical contact and proper gas distribution to the weld pool. This specific model is sized for 5/32-inch (4.0mm) tungsten electrodes, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications requiring higher amperage outputs.

Manufactured from high-grade copper alloy, these collet bodies offer superior thermal conductivity and resistance to heat deformation. In high-amperage TIG welding, the collet body absorbs significant heat from the arc; inferior materials can warp or degrade, leading to poor gas coverage or arc instability. This product is built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments, providing a stable platform for your tungsten even during extended duty cycles. The precision threading ensures a tight fit with the torch head and the ceramic cup, preventing gas leakage that could contaminate the weld.

This product is supplied in a pack of five, offering excellent value for fabrication shops and maintenance departments. Having spare collet bodies on hand is crucial for minimizing downtime, as these components eventually wear out due to thermal cycling and mechanical stress. Whether you are using Weldcraft, Miller, Lincoln, or CK Worldwide torches, the 406488 serves as a direct replacement for standard setups (non-gas lens). It is cross-referenced with CK part number 3CB532, ensuring broad compatibility across the industry's most popular air-cooled and water-cooled torch platforms.

Installation is straightforward: simply thread the collet body into the torch head, insert the matching 5/32" collet, and attach the appropriate alumina nozzle. This standard setup is ideal for general fabrication, pipe welding, and structural work where standard gas coverage is sufficient. By maintaining fresh consumables in your torch, you ensure optimal arc starting, stability, and weld quality.