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A bulky TIG torch front end can make it harder to reach joints in corners, tubing, and other confined spaces. The RIVERWELD TIG Stubby Collets 10N24S are designed for a shorter stubby setup while holding a 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) tungsten electrode. This 10-pack makes the most sense when you already use a compatible 17, 18, or 26-series torch and need replacement 10N24S collets. The main limitation is important: these are collets only, so you still need the correct stubby collet body or gas-lens components for your torch.
Quick Verdict
Rating: Recommended with caveats
Best For: TIG welders using 3/32-inch tungsten in compatible WP, PTA, DB, or similar 17/18/26-series stubby torch setups.
Bottom Line: The 10N24S gives you a compact 29 mm collet sized specifically for 2.4 mm tungsten and is sold here as a useful 10-pack. It is not a complete conversion kit, so confirm your collet body, insulator, cup, and torch configuration before ordering.
Key Specifications and Compatibility
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | RIVERWELD |
| Model / Reference | 10N24S |
| Product Type | Stubby TIG collet |
| Tungsten Size | 3/32 in / 2.4 mm |
| Length | 1-1/8 in / approximately 29 mm |
| Pack Quantity | 10 collets |
| Torch Families | 17, 18, and 26-series compatible setups |
| Examples | Weldcraft WP-17, WP-18, WP-26; Lincoln PTA-17, PTA-18, PTA-26; compatible Miller Diamondback DB17, DB18, and DB26 setups |
| Cooling Types | Used within compatible 17/26 air-cooled and 18 water-cooled torch families |
| Best Use | Replacement collets for an existing compatible 3/32-inch stubby TIG front end |
What Is the RIVERWELD 10N24S?
The RIVERWELD 10N24S is a short TIG collet made for a 3/32-inch, or 2.4 mm, tungsten electrode. Its approximately 29 mm length is part of a stubby front-end system intended to reduce the length of the torch head compared with a standard-length setup.
The collet itself is a small component, but its job matters. It sits inside the correct collet body or gas-lens assembly and clamps the tungsten when you tighten the back cap. That means the most important buying questions are not about extra features. You need to confirm the tungsten diameter, torch family, and surrounding front-end parts.
This listing is for a 10-pack, which is useful if you already run the same 2.4 mm tungsten size regularly and want replacements on hand.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You already use a compatible stubby WP17, WP18, WP26, PTA, DB, or similar torch configuration.
- You normally weld with 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) tungsten.
- You want multiple replacement 10N24S collets instead of buying individual pieces.
Skip If
- Your torch uses a different tungsten diameter or a different collet reference.
- You need a complete stubby conversion kit with body, cup, insulator, or back cap.
- You plan to keep a standard-length front-end setup and do not need stubby components.
Before You Buy: 10N24S identifies a 3/32-inch stubby collet. Do not assume that owning a WP17, WP18, or WP26 torch automatically means this part fits your current front end. Check that your torch is configured with the correct stubby collet body or compatible stubby gas-lens hardware.
Stubby Design and Access
The main reason to choose the 10N24S instead of a standard 10N24 collet is the shorter front-end configuration. Stubby consumables reduce the overall torch-head profile, which can help when the torch has to approach a joint near tubing, brackets, corners, or other obstructions.
You should not expect the collet alone to transform torch size. The shorter profile comes from using it as part of the matching stubby front-end assembly. If the rest of your torch still uses standard components, buying only the 10N24S may leave you without the parts needed to install it.
Fit and Compatibility
RIVERWELD identifies the 10N24S for 17, 18, and 26-series TIG torch families, including common Weldcraft WP, Lincoln PTA, and Miller Diamondback DB configurations. The 17 and 26 families are commonly air-cooled, while the 18 family includes water-cooled setups.
Compatibility still depends on the complete front-end combination. RIVERWELD uses the 10N24S in kits with parts such as the 17CB20 stubby collet body, 17GL332 stubby gas-lens body, 18CG20 cup gasket or insulator, and matching cups. Those accessories are not automatically included just because they are compatible with the collet.
Pro Tip: Before ordering, remove your current front-end parts and check both the tungsten diameter and part numbers. Matching the 10N24S to a 2.4 mm tungsten and the correct stubby body is more reliable than choosing only by torch name.
Electrode Grip and Everyday Function
A TIG collet is designed to hold the tungsten electrode in position when the torch is assembled and the back cap is tightened. The 10N24S is specifically sized around 3/32-inch, or 2.4 mm, tungsten, so it is not intended as a universal collet for several electrode diameters.
Correct sizing matters because an undersized or oversized tungsten-to-collet combination can prevent proper clamping. If you regularly change between 1/16-inch, 3/32-inch, and 1/8-inch tungsten, you should keep the matching collet size for each diameter instead of trying to use one collet for all three.
The original article claimed a specific 150 to 350 amp operating range and guaranteed stable-arc behavior. Those performance claims are not necessary to judge this component. Your actual welding current is determined by the complete torch, tungsten, machine, cooling arrangement, material, and welding procedure, not the collet by itself.
How It Performs in Real Use
Tight-Access Work
This is where a stubby setup has the clearest advantage. When your torch head is properly converted with matching stubby components, the shorter front end can give you more room around fixtures, tube joints, inside corners, and other areas where a standard setup feels bulky.
Routine Shop Welding
If 2.4 mm tungsten is your normal electrode size, a 10-pack can simplify routine replacement. You can keep spare collets near your torch consumables instead of stopping work when one becomes damaged or no longer clamps the tungsten correctly.
Air-Cooled and Water-Cooled Torch Setups
The part number is used within compatible 17 and 26-series air-cooled setups and 18-series water-cooled setups. You still need to follow the requirements of the specific torch model because cooling capacity and current limits belong to the complete torch assembly, not this small consumable alone.
Repeated Electrode Changes
Frequent tungsten removal and installation puts normal mechanical wear on a collet. Inspect the slots and clamping area when changing electrodes. Replace the collet if it becomes distorted, damaged, or unable to hold the tungsten securely rather than compensating by overtightening the back cap.
Setup Tips Before First Use
- Confirm tungsten diameter. Use the 10N24S with 3/32-inch, or 2.4 mm, tungsten.
- Verify your front-end style. Make sure you have a compatible stubby collet body or stubby gas-lens setup.
- Check the torch family. Confirm your exact 17, 18, or 26-series model instead of relying only on appearance.
- Insert the tungsten correctly. Seat the collet and tungsten in the intended orientation before tightening the back cap.
- Do not overtighten. Tighten enough to secure the electrode. Excessive force can damage consumable components.
- Inspect before welding. Make sure the tungsten remains firmly held and the front-end parts are properly assembled.
Follow the instructions supplied with your TIG torch and front-end components when they differ from general setup guidance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
These collets are consumable torch parts, so inspection matters more than trying to extend their life indefinitely. When servicing your torch, look for visible distortion, damaged slots, contamination, or poor tungsten retention.
Keep the collet and mating components free from loose debris during assembly. If the tungsten repeatedly slips even though you are using the correct diameter and the back cap is properly tightened, inspect the collet rather than continuing to apply more tightening force.
A 10-pack is convenient because a worn collet can be replaced without forcing a questionable consumable back into service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Correct 10N24S size for 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) tungsten.
- Approximately 29 mm stubby design supports a shorter compatible torch front end.
- Compatible with widely used 17, 18, and 26-series torch families.
- Ten-piece pack gives you several replacement collets for the same tungsten size.
- Can be used within compatible stubby collet-body or stubby gas-lens configurations.
Cons
- Only suits 3/32-inch tungsten, so other electrode diameters need different collets.
- It is not a complete stubby conversion kit.
- Fit depends on your exact torch and surrounding front-end components.
What to Check Before Ordering
Start with the electrode size. The 10N24S is the 2.4 mm or 3/32-inch stubby option. If your usual tungsten is 1.6 mm or 3.2 mm, you need the corresponding collet size instead.
Next, identify your torch front end. A WP17, WP18, or WP26 torch can be configured with different consumable systems. The torch model alone does not prove that a 10N24S will drop into the parts already installed.
Finally, check what is actually included in the listing. This product is described as a pack of ten collets. A collet body, gas lens, ceramic cup, insulator, O-ring, or back cap should not be assumed to be included unless the seller specifically lists it.
Is It Worth the Price?
The RIVERWELD 10N24S is a simple replacement consumable rather than a complete torch upgrade. Its value is strongest when you already have a compatible stubby setup and consistently use 3/32-inch tungsten. In that situation, buying ten matching collets gives you a practical supply of replacements.
It is less attractive if you only need one collet or are converting from a standard front end for the first time. A complete stubby kit may make more sense in that case because you may also need the collet body, insulator, cup, or gas-lens components.
In short, it is worth considering for repeat users of this exact size, but it is not the best fit when you still need the rest of the stubby hardware.
How It Compares to Alternatives
A standard 10N24 collet is also made for 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) tungsten and common WP17, WP18, and WP26 torch families, but it belongs to a standard-length front-end configuration. That option makes more sense when confined-access size is not a priority and you want to keep your existing standard consumables.
You can also compare the RIVERWELD 10N24S with a Miller/Weldcraft 10N24S or another correctly specified 10N24S replacement if you prefer an OEM or different-brand consumable. The key buying difference should be verified fit, package quantity, and your preferred parts source rather than unsupported claims about arc quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tungsten size fits the RIVERWELD 10N24S?
The 10N24S is sized for a 3/32-inch, or 2.4 mm, tungsten electrode. Do not use the part number as a universal collet for other electrode diameters.
Will it fit WP17, WP18, and WP26 TIG torches?
It is specified for compatible 17, 18, and 26-series configurations, including common WP models. You still need the correct stubby front-end components, so check the body, insulator, cup, and gas-lens arrangement before ordering.
Is the 10N24S a complete stubby conversion kit?
No. This listing is for the collets. A complete conversion may also require a compatible stubby collet body or gas lens, insulator, cup, and other torch components.
Can the 10N24S be used with a stubby gas lens?
Yes, 10N24S collets are used in compatible stubby gas-lens systems, including configurations built around the 17GL332 size for 2.4 mm tungsten. Make sure the remaining front-end components match that setup.
How many collets are included?
The reviewed RIVERWELD listing identifies a pack of ten 10N24S collets. Check the current seller description before checkout in case package details change.
Do the collets need a break-in period?
No special break-in procedure is normally part of installing this type of TIG collet. Correct sizing, proper assembly, and secure tungsten retention are the important checks before welding.
When should you replace a TIG collet?
Replace it when it is visibly distorted, damaged, contaminated beyond normal cleaning, or no longer holds the correct tungsten securely. Avoid trying to solve poor clamping by repeatedly overtightening the back cap.
Who should skip this 10-pack?
Skip it if you use another tungsten diameter, have a torch outside the compatible families, or need a complete front-end conversion rather than replacement collets. A standard 10N24 setup may also be more appropriate if you do not need a shorter torch profile.
The Bottom Line
The RIVERWELD 10N24S is a practical replacement choice when you use 3/32-inch tungsten and already have a compatible stubby 17, 18, or 26-series TIG setup. Its main advantage is support for a shorter front-end configuration and the convenience of a 10-pack, while its main limitation is that it is only one part of the complete torch assembly.
Buy it when you know you need the 10N24S size. Skip it if you still need a full conversion kit or use a different tungsten diameter.
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