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57Y04 - 57Y04 Short Back Cap for WP-17, WP-18, WP-26 TIG Torches

Packaging: 2 in a pack
$3.27/ea $4.30/2 in a pack only $2.15/eaSave 34%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Get Into Tight Spots with the 57Y04 Short Back Cap

Every TIG welder knows the frustration of trying to lay a bead in a tight corner, inside a roll cage, or around a complex exhaust manifold, only to have the long tail of the torch bump against the workpiece. That standard long back cap sticking out the back of your torch can be a real deal-breaker when space is at a premium. Enter the 57Y04 Short Back Cap—often called the "button" or "stubby" cap. This little accessory is a game-changer for anyone doing automotive fabrication, pipe welding, or maintenance repair in cramped quarters.

Designed to fit the most popular torches in the industry—the 17, 18, and 26 series—this cap replaces your standard long cap and instantly shrinks the profile of your torch. By removing that extra length, you gain the freedom to manipulate your torch angle comfortably, even when you're jammed between two pipes or working inside a box. It’s made from tough, heat-resistant material that can handle the heat of the job without melting or deforming, ensuring it lasts through your toughest projects.

Using the short back cap is simple, but remember: because it's short, your tungsten needs to be short too. You'll need to use a cut-down piece of tungsten or a "stub" to fit inside. This is actually a great way to use up those shorter pieces of tungsten that are too small for the long cap but too good to throw away. The cap comes with a fresh O-ring to ensure you get a perfect gas seal every time, keeping your welds clean and porosity-free.

Whether you are a professional pipe welder or a garage fabricator, keeping a couple of these 57Y04 caps in your kit is a no-brainer. They are an inexpensive solution to a common problem, allowing you to weld comfortably in places you couldn't reach before. Compatible with Weldcraft, Miller, Lincoln, and most generic torches, it's the versatile upgrade your torch setup needs.

Additional Information
Item:Back Cap Short
Brand:Generic
Style/Amps/Cooling:17 / 150 Amps / Air Cooled, 18 / 350 Amps / Water Cooled, 26 / 200 Amps / Air Cooled
Packaging Description:1-per-each
Torch Model:WP-17, WP-18, WP-26, HW-17, HW-18, HW-26
Accessory Type:Back Cap
Material:High-Temperature Phenolic
Part Number:57Y04

INCLUDED

  • (1) Short Back Cap (57Y04)
  • (1) O-Ring (Pre-installed)

APPLICATIONS

  • Automotive Fabrication: Essential for welding roll cages, exhaust headers, and intake manifolds where space is restricted.
  • Pipe Welding: Allows for proper torch angles when welding root passes in tight pipe racks or boiler tubes.
  • Aerospace & Repair: Facilitates precision welding in confined compartments and complex assemblies.
  • General Maintenance: Ideal for on-site repairs where equipment cannot be disassembled and access is limited.

FAQ

The 57Y04 is compatible with all 17, 18, and 26 series TIG torches, including WP-17, WP-18, WP-26, and their valve (V) or flex (F) variations.

You use a short back cap to reduce the overall length of your torch, allowing you to fit the torch into tight spaces and confined areas where a long cap would hit obstructions.

Yes, the 57Y04 back cap includes a pre-installed O-ring to ensure a gas-tight seal against the torch body.

No, because the cap is very short, you must cut your tungsten electrode down to a shorter length (stub) to fit inside it.

It is manufactured from a high-temperature phenolic or durable thermoset plastic designed to resist the heat generated during welding.

Yes, as long as your Miller or Lincoln torch is a 17, 18, or 26 series model, this generic 57Y04 is a direct fit replacement.

No, the back cap itself does not determine the amperage rating; that is determined by the torch body and power cable. However, it must withstand the reflected heat of the rated amperage.

Simply unscrew your existing back cap, insert your collet and short tungsten, and screw the 57Y04 cap into the back of the torch head until finger tight.