KP2029-1B1 - Lincoln Electric .020" (0.5mm) TIG Collet for 9/20 Series Torches

Technical Overview of the Lincoln KP2029-1B1 Collet

The Lincoln Electric KP2029-1B1 is a specialized TIG welding collet designed to accommodate .020-inch (0.5 mm) tungsten electrodes. This component is integral to the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, serving as the primary mechanical interface between the torch body and the electrode. It is engineered to fit the "small body" series of TIG torches, which includes the Lincoln Magnum PTA-9 (air-cooled), PTA-20 (water-cooled), and PTW-20 (water-cooled), as well as industry-standard WP-9, WP-20, and WP-25 series torches.

Manufactured from a high-grade copper alloy, this collet is designed to maximize thermal and electrical conductivity. In the GTAW assembly, the collet is housed within the collet body. When the torch back cap is tightened, it exerts axial force on the collet, compressing its split ends against the tungsten electrode. This action secures the electrode in place and establishes the electrical contact necessary for current transfer. For a .020-inch electrode, which is typically used for extremely fine, low-amperage welding on thin gauge materials (often foil-thickness), the precision of this clamping mechanism is paramount. Any gap or misalignment can lead to arcing inside the collet, poor arc starts, or unstable arc wandering.

The KP2029-1B1 is machined to tight tolerances to ensure concentricity. This is vital for micro-welding applications where the arc must be directed with pinpoint accuracy. The copper material also aids in heat dissipation, pulling thermal energy away from the electrode and transferring it to the torch body (and coolant in water-cooled systems), thereby prolonging the life of the consumable and the torch head itself. Users should ensure they are pairing this collet with a matching .020-inch collet body (typically part number KP2028-1 or similar) to ensure proper assembly function.