Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat welding wire

A welding torch, comprising:

• a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable welding electrode traveling through the first contact tip at a first location in the welding torch;
• and
• a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable welding electrode at a second location in the welding torch, the second contact tip comprising:
• an inner bore configured to directly contact the consumable welding electrode to conduct the preheating current to the consumable welding electrode;
• a second bore having a larger diameter than the inner bore, the second bore configured to fit over a wire liner of a welding torch and located on a rear side of the contact tip relative to the inner bore;
• screw threads on an exterior of the contact tip, wherein the screw threads comprise longitudinal slots to permit welding gas to flow along an exterior of the contact tip;
• and
• a head opposite the screw threads on an exterior of the second contact tip to enable attachment and detachment of the second contact tip via a tip of a nozzle assembly.