Clarke 150TE copper tip snapped off?

[reggieroo]

Hi, I picked up a second hand Clarke 150TE a short while back & went to start my first welding job yesterday but had a problem. The copper tip was knackered so I went to change it for a new one but it was stuck solid in the end of the torch. I decided to get some grips on it to try & remove it, but it snapped off, leaving just the thread in the torch.

How do I get it out or do I have to buy a new end for the torch?

 

[Wozzaaah]

You might be lucky and be able to carefully drill the broken bit out and re-tap the thread but if not then the swan neck is a replaceable part.

 

[reggieroo]

Thanks for that, didn't realise I could buy a new part when it happened but just found that replacment part as you posted. I don't have a tap & die set so will need the new part.

I just removed it, couldn't see the small grub screw yesterday but figured you must be able to do but done it now.

Is this a common problem with welders or just the fact that the previous owner overtightened or cross threaded the tip?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

How about one of those lefthand thread extractors. Screw into snapped off stud etc anticlockwise.........?

 

[Wozzaaah]

It's only an M5 thread, I doubt you'd be able to shift it as once you've drilled it big enough to insert the extractor there won't be much of it left.
I wouldn't say it's a common thing but it does happen, hence the ready supply of swan-necks.

 

[philsmin]

i'd get an M5 tap anyway, I have started to run the tap down mine everytime I change the tip, makes it easier to get it out.

If you buy a tap you may aswell have a crack at drilling and tapping it, nothing lost worst case you have to buy a new one.