TIG collets and collet bodies are small parts, but they control whether the tungsten is held correctly and whether the front end of the torch is assembled with the right consumable family. The safest way to order replacements is to match four things in order: torch series, tungsten diameter, standard versus gas-lens setup, and manufacturer part number.
This guide focuses on the common CK-style 2 Series and 3 Series consumable families used across many TIG torches. CK Worldwide identifies 2 Series consumables with the 13N family for common 9/20-style torches and 3 Series consumables with the 10N family for common 17/18/26-style torches in its current consumables guide.
What the collet and collet body do
The collet slides around the tungsten electrode. As the back cap is tightened, the collet is drawn into the tapered front-end assembly and grips the tungsten. The collet body threads into the torch head, supports the collet, and forms part of the gas path to the cup.
Those two pieces need to match each other, the torch series, and the tungsten diameter. A collet that is too small will not accept the electrode correctly. A collet that is too large may not clamp the tungsten even when the back cap feels tight. Do not force a front-end part that does not thread or seat normally.
1. Identify the torch series before the tungsten size
Start with the torch model. CK Worldwide groups common consumables this way:
- 2 Series: common CK9 and CK20-style torches, plus related models, use the smaller 13N consumable family.
- 3 Series: common CK17, CK18, and CK26-style torches, plus related models, use the larger 10N consumable family.
CK's current AK-4 2 Series accessory-kit listing pairs 2 Series torches with 13N collets and collet bodies. Its AK-3 3 Series accessory-kit listing pairs 17/18/26-style torches with the corresponding 10N parts.
2. Match tungsten diameter to both parts
For standard split-collet setups, these are the common pairings:
| Torch family | Tungsten diameter | Collet | Standard collet body |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series | .040 in (1.0 mm) | 13N21 | 13N26 |
| 2 Series | 1/16 in (1.6 mm) | 13N22 | 13N27 |
| 2 Series | 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 13N23 | 13N28 |
| 2 Series | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 13N24 | 13N29 |
| 3 Series | .040 in (1.0 mm) | 10N22 | 10N30 |
| 3 Series | 1/16 in (1.6 mm) | 10N23 | 10N31 |
| 3 Series | 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 10N24 | 10N32 |
| 3 Series | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 10N25 | 10N28 |
These part-number relationships are shown in CK Worldwide's current 2 Series and 3 Series consumable documentation. When replacing an existing setup, use the original part number whenever possible instead of relying only on visual similarity.
3. Standard collet bodies and gas-lens bodies are different parts
A standard collet body is not the same thing as a gas-lens collet body. The gas-lens version adds a diffuser assembly and uses different part numbers even though the tungsten diameter may be the same. CK separates Standard, Gas Lens, and Gas Saver configurations in its consumables catalog.
For example, a 2 Series 3/32-inch standard setup uses a 13N28 collet body, while a 2 Series 3/32-inch gas-lens setup uses a different body such as 45V44. On 3 Series, a 3/32-inch standard body is 10N32, while a common 3/32-inch gas-lens body is 45V26.
If you are changing from a standard body to a gas lens, treat it as a front-end system change rather than swapping one part at random. Review our TIG gas-lens setup guide before ordering cups, insulators, or collet bodies.
4. Use the part numbers as a matched pair
Two examples make the logic easier to see:
- 2 Series, 3/32-inch tungsten: 13N23 collet + 13N28 standard collet body.
- 3 Series, 3/32-inch tungsten: 10N24 collet + 10N32 standard collet body.
ArcWeld currently lists an in-stock Weldmark 13N23 3/32-inch 2 Series collet pack and a multi-size 2 Series collet-body pack with 13N26, 13N27, 13N28, and 13N29 variants.
For common 17/18/26-style torches, ArcWeld also lists the 3 Series collet pack with .040, 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8-inch options and the matching 3 Series standard collet-body pack.
5. What a wrong or worn part can look like
Check the consumables before changing machine settings if the tungsten will not stay where you set it. Common fitment clues include:
- The tungsten will not enter the collet: the collet may be too small, damaged, or from the wrong consumable family.
- The back cap tightens but the tungsten still slides: the collet may be too large, worn, cracked, or paired with the wrong body.
- The collet body will not thread in normally: stop and confirm the torch series and part number. Do not force the threads.
- A new tungsten diameter will not clamp correctly: changing electrode size usually requires the matching collet and collet body for that diameter.
Inspect copper parts for distortion, cracks, heat damage, or damaged threads when the torch is cool and the equipment is out of service. Follow the torch manufacturer's service instructions for disassembly and replacement.
6. Gas-lens replacements need their own fitment check
ArcWeld currently has active gas-lens bodies for both families, including a 45V44 3/32-inch 2 Series gas-lens collet body and a 45V26 3/32-inch 3 Series gas-lens collet body. Those are not substitutes for the standard 13N28 or 10N32 bodies unless the rest of the front end is set up for the gas-lens system.
Quick ordering checklist
- Identify the exact TIG torch model.
- Confirm whether it uses 2 Series, 3 Series, or another consumable family.
- Confirm tungsten diameter in inches or millimeters.
- Determine whether the front end is standard, gas lens, Gas Saver, stubby, or another special configuration.
- Match both the collet and collet body part numbers.
- Do not force parts that do not thread, seat, or clamp normally.
Browse ArcWeld TIG consumables for collets, collet bodies, gas-lens parts, cups, back caps, and related torch components. If the torch model or front-end setup is unclear, use ArcWeld Parts Help and send the torch model, current part number, tungsten diameter, and a clear photo before ordering.