Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may comprise disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.

Abstract: A welding gun having a removable end portion. The end portion may be adapted to direct gas from the welding gun. The end portion may be conical-shaped. The end portion may be removed without tools. The end portion also may be adapted to be secured to and/or removed from the welding gun in a linear movement. A method of assembling a welding gun. The method may comprise urging a nozzle end member and a nozzle body into engagement to secure the nozzle end member to the nozzle body.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding implement. The welding implement having a neck, a handle and a retaining nut for securing the neck to the handle. The neck being operable to convey electrode wire therethrough. The retaining nut being adapted for wrench-tightening to a threaded portion of the welding implement. An optional retaining nut operator. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted to secure to the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted for manual rotation to thread the retaining nut to the threaded portion of the welding implement. The optional retaining nut operator may be adapted to snap-fit onto the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator may comprise an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may comprise a polymer.

Abstract: A welding gun having a removable end portion. The end portion may be adapted to direct gas from the welding gun. The end portion may be conical-shaped. The end portion may be removed without tools. The end portion also may be adapted to be secured to and/or removed from the welding gun in a linear movement. A method of assembling a welding gun. The method may comprise urging a nozzle end member and a nozzle body into engagement to secure the nozzle end member to the nozzle body.

Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may comprise disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.