What Are Stick Electrodes? 6010 vs 6011 vs. 6013 vs 7018 Welding Rods

Meta-description: Compare welding rods by strength, polarity, penetration, and more, including 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018 welding rods.   

Choosing a stick electrode isn’t only about whether it fits into the holder you’re using. 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018 welding rods have many behavioral differences. Their classifications matter because they highlight differences in strength and operating characteristics.

The more you understand how those differences interact, the better you’ll be able to match the electrode to whatever material, power source, joint, or welding position you’re working on. If you are also learning how to judge the finished result, see our guide to good weld vs. bad weld, including visible signs of poor fusion, porosity, and incorrect penetration.

What Do 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018 Mean?

The various stick electrodes refer to AWS classifications. They designate different shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) electrodes. The code is more than a product name: it identifies the electrode’s minimum tensile strength, welding position, and coating/current characteristics.

For example, take E6010 welding rod as an example:

• E: Means electrode and identifies the consumable as an electrode.
• 60: Means minimum tensile strength. The first two digits mean the deposited weld metal. In this case, 60,000 psi.
• 1: This is the welding position. A “1” would be all welding positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead.
• 0, 1, 3, or 8: All imply coating and current characteristics. The final digit is what tells you the electrode’s flux coating type and current or polarity.

E7018 is in the same system. 70 means 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength, and “8” indicates a low-hydrogen, iron powder coating. What this means is that E6010 and E7018 don’t have the same minimum tensile strength, even though they are common stick electrodes.

6010 Welding Rod

Let’s get a little more specific with different stick electrodes. E6010 is an all-position, high-cellulose sodium stick electrode that is typically used with DCEP. Its forceful arc, fast-freezing slag, and deep penetration make it a common choice for open-root pipe work and out-of-position field welding.

Specifications: 

• AWS classification: E6010, with a 60 ksi minimum tensile-strength classification
• Coating: high-cellulose sodium
• Current: typically DCEP (DC electrode positive); always check the manufacturer’s data sheet for a specific product
• Common diameters: 3/32, 1/8, and 5/32 in.
• Arc behavior: a forceful, digging arc with fast-freezing slag and deep penetration

An example of the 6010 includes Lincoln Fleetweld. They list 6010 welding rod amperage ranges of 50–85 A for 3/32 inch, 75–135 A for 1/8 inch, and 100–175 A for 5/32 inch on DCEP.

Pros: E6010 provides deep penetration, reliable open-root capability, and a fast-freezing puddle that can be useful for out-of-position work. It can also tolerate moderate mill scale or surface contamination after the workpiece has been cleaned as much as practical.

Limitations: Its aggressive arc and fast-freezing puddle require more deliberate arc and puddle control than a smoother-running electrode. Standard E6010 is primarily a DCEP choice, and it is not the first option for thin, clean sheet metal or jobs that require a low-hydrogen electrode under a WPS or code.

Common Uses

Pipe root passes, field fabrication, repairs, and work needing a fast-freeze, penetrating electrode.

Technique Note: E6010 is often run with a whip-and-pause motion to control its fast-freezing puddle. Whether to weld uphill or downhill should be determined by the joint design, material thickness, welding position, and applicable procedure, not by the electrode type alone.

6011 Welding Rod

The E6011 welding rod has some of the same fast-freeze, penetrating behavior of the E6010. The difference is the E6011 can operate on AC as well as DC. It also has a potassium-cellulosic coating that makes it stand out. That makes it useful for a broader range of stick welders.

Specifications:

• AWS classification: E6011, with a 60 ksi minimum tensile-strength classification
• Coating: high-cellulose potassium
• Current: commonly compatible with AC or DCEP; check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific rod
• Common diameters: 3/32, 1/8, and 5/32 in.
• Arc behavior: a forceful, fast-freezing arc with deep penetration

Pros and Cons

Pros: E6011 works on AC or DCEP, delivers strong penetration, and can be practical for repair work on steel with light rust, mill scale, or other surface contamination after reasonable cleaning.

Limitations: It can produce more spatter and a rougher-looking bead than smoother-running electrodes. Its forceful arc and fast-freezing puddle also require deliberate arc and puddle control, so it is not automatically an easy choice for every beginner or thin-sheet project.

Common Uses

6011 welding rod uses include maintenance, farm repairs, outdoor fabrication, and repair welding.

6013 Welding Rod

E6013 is a general-purpose, rutile-type stick electrode commonly used on clean mild steel and light fabrication projects. Its coating produces a smoother, softer arc and easier slag removal than more aggressive cellulosic electrodes, making it a practical choice when bead appearance and controllability matter more than deep penetration.

Specifications:

• AWS classification: E6013, with a 60 ksi minimum tensile-strength classification
• Coating: high-titania potassium, often described as a rutile-type coating
• Current: commonly compatible with AC, DCEP, or DCEN; check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific rod
• Common diameters: 3/32, 1/8, and 5/32 in.
• Arc behavior: a smooth, relatively soft arc with light-to-moderate penetration and easy slag removal

Pros: E6013 offers a smooth, controllable arc, relatively easy slag removal, and a cleaner-looking bead on properly prepared mild steel. These characteristics can make it easier for beginners to practice basic stick-welding technique.

Limitations: Its light-to-moderate penetration makes it less suitable for heavy sections, open-root work, or joints that need an aggressive digging arc. It also performs best on clean material, rather than heavily rusted, painted, or contaminated steel.

Common Uses

Clean sheet metal, light fabrication, furniture, hobby projects, and general mild-steel work.

7018 Welding Rod

The E7018 welding rod is an all-position, low-hydrogen, iron-powder electrode. It’s widely used when welding mechanical projects or when hydrogen control matter. This is more structural fabrication. There is also the E7018AC, which is a product formulated for improved arc starting, restriking, and stability on AC power sources.

Specifications:

• AWS classification: E7018, with a 70 ksi minimum tensile-strength classification
• Coating: low-hydrogen, iron-powder coating
• Current: commonly used with DCEP; use AC only when the specific electrode is rated for AC
• Common diameters: 3/32, 1/8, and 5/32 in.
• Arc behavior: a smooth, stable arc with a fluid puddle and medium penetration

Pros: E7018 offers a higher minimum tensile strength, low-hydrogen weld metal, a smooth arc, andis commonly selected where approved procedures require low-hydrogen electrodes or defined mechanical properties.

Limitations: Low-hydrogen performance depends on proper handling. Be careful with storage. This is low-hydrogen, meaning moisture is an issue. You may need hermetically sealed containers or electrode ovens.

Common Uses

Structural fabrication, heavy equipment, bridges, and anything with specified low-hydrogen electrodes.

Technique Note: Do You Push or Drag a 7018 Rod? You’ll probably get a slight drag or pull travel angle with E7018, but match the position, joint, and manufacturer’s recommendations rather than using a universal angle.

What Are the Key Differences Among 6010, 6011, 6013 and 7018 Welding Rods?

6010 vs. 6011

With 6010 vs. 6011, you get 60 ksi either way. Both are all-position cellulosic electrodes and have forceful arcs. The primary difference is in electrical compatibility. E6010 is primarily a DCEP electrode. E6011 can run on AC or DCEP. E6010 is more commonly used for pipe root passes, while E6011 is better for field and repair work.

6011 vs. 6013

E6011 and E6013 are both 60 ksi, all-position electrodes, but they solve different shop conditions. E6011 has a cellulosic coating, a forceful penetrating arc, and AC compatibility, making it more practical for maintenance and repair work on steel with light rust or mill scale after preparation. E6013 has a rutile-type coating and a smoother, softer arc, making it a better fit for clean mild steel, light fabrication, and projects where easier control and bead appearance matter more than aggressive penetration.

6010 vs. 6013

E6010 and E6013 differ most in arc force, penetration, and the condition of the steel. Choose E6010 when you need a forceful, fast-freezing arc for an approved root pass, field repair, or out-of-position work. Choose E6013 for clean mild steel, light fabrication, and smoother-looking welds where deep penetration is not the priority. E6013 is generally easier to control for basic practice, while E6010 demands more active puddle control.

6013 vs. 7018

E6013 is well known for lighter use in general-purpose projects. The high-titania potassium electrode works well for clean mild steel and general fabrication. The E7018 has a higher ksi. It uses a low-hydrogen, iron-powder coating meant more for applications where mechanical properties and hydrogen control are required. It also has moisture-handling and storage needs that E6013 doesn’t.

6010 vs. 7018

E6010 and E7018 are designed for different welding priorities. E6010 is a cellulosic DCEP electrode with a forceful, deep-penetrating arc, commonly used for open-root pipe passes and field welding. E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode with a smoother, more stable arc, used when the procedure requires low-hydrogen weld metal or defined mechanical properties. In some multi-pass procedures, a cellulosic electrode may be used for the root pass and a low-hydrogen electrode for later passes, but the approved WPS should determine the combination.

Electrode Selection by Application

Just a quick note about working on anything structural, pressure-containing, or governed by code and regulations. You may need to double-check any applicable WPS codes, engineering requirements, and approved consumables before moving to a general-purpose selection.

All the sticks mentioned are SMAW electrodes. That assumes stick welding is already the right process for the job. For some projects, there may be limitations around heat control, fit-up, or cleanup over what type of electrode to use.

Beyond Stick Electrodes: When Laser Welding May Be a Better Fit

The comparisons above assume that stick welding is already the right process for the job. In some projects, however, the main challenge is not choosing between electrode types. It may be controlling heat input, limiting distortion, reducing post-weld cleanup, or producing repeatable welds on clean, closely fitted parts in a controlled workspace.

Laser welding is a different process, not a substitute for one stick electrode over another. It may be a better fit for clean, closely fitted thin-gauge parts when lower distortion and less cleanup are priorities. Stick welding remains a practical choice for field repair, outdoor work, and joints where surface condition or fit-up is less controlled.

For projects where laser welding is the better process fit, explore the xTool MetalFab Laser Welder. Its focused laser process gives makers and small shops a more controlled way to weld clean metal parts, helping reduce post-weld cleanup and distortion on suitable, closely fitted joints.

FAQs About Welding Rods

Can 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018 Rods Be Used Interchangeably?

It’s better to not substitute different rods casually. The current, base-metal condition, joint requirements, and applicable welding procedures change for each type of electrode rod. You want to make sure that is the best solution for the job you’re doing.

Which Welding Rod Is Easiest to Use for Beginners?

The E6013 is generally considered the “go-to” rod for beginners. It has a smooth arc and easy handling, which is ideal for a training program or when trying a new hobby. There is a general learning curve to the sticks moving from E6013 to E6011, then E7018, and then E6010 as the most demanding.

Can You Run 6010 Rod on an AC Welder?

Standard E6010 is primarily a DCEP electrode and isn’t likely to be used on an AC-only machine.

Is 6010 Harder to Weld Than 6011, 6013, and 7018?

There’s a slight learning curve. This has a forceful arc that requires new techniques like whip-and-pause.

Is a Stick Welder a Good Fit for Thin Sheet Metal Projects?

It can be, but burn-through and distortion are a concern. You need the right settings in place before you start that hobby. Laser welding might be a better fit to reduce the risk of distortion and make cleanup easier.

Choose the Welding Rod for the Job

There isn’t a single winner among welding rods. Each has its purpose, and the right choice depends on you and your project goals. Start by considering the material, joint, welding position, and power source so you’re covered from the start.