Welding Rods Compared - 6010, 6011, 6013, 7018 & 7024

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Welding Rods Compared: 6010, 6011, 6013,

7018 & 7024
Last Updated: June 8, 2022
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Table of Contents [ show ]
Choosing the correct welding electrode, often called a rod or stick, is a challenging
part of stick welding. Using the wrong electrode can lead to a bad weld and potential
part rejection.
Inexperienced welders often make this mistake and suffer the consequences. They get
confused by the numerous welding rods available and the many variables to consider.
However, it is possible to overcome this mistake by educating yourself on welding rods.

In this article, we’ll tackle this important topic and guide you on the most common rods,
their classifications, their differences, and how to choose the correct rod for your job.
What Stick Weld Classifications Mean

There is a wide variety of rods available to a welder, but in general, a stick electrode
has a coated metal core. However, they differ in the type of core metal and coating/flux
types and are designed to provide different strengths and performance in various
welding positions.
To help classify the electrodes, the American Welding Society (AWS) has developed
the popular “E” code. You may have noticed it imprinted on your rods.
Each alphanumeric character in this code provides specific information about the
electrode. A brief rundown is as follows:
https://weldguru.com/welding-rods-compared-6010-6011-6013-7018-7024/ 1/12
E – stands for “Electrode”.

The first two digits – represent the resulting weld’s minimum tensile strength
(in thousands of psi). For example, the E6010 electrode produces welds with at
least 60,000 psi strength.
The third digit – indicates the positions in which the rod can be used, and 1 is
for all positions, 2 for flat and horizontal surfaces only, and 3 for flat positions
only.
The fourth (and the third) digit – specifies information like welding polarity,
power supply (AC/DC), and flux composition.
If you are interested in learning more about this code, read our article on welding
electrodes.
Types Of Welding Electrodes
The code mentioned above is widely used for electrodes. However, you may frequently
encounter other terms used to classify welding rods. A few of these terms are
described below:
Fast-Freeze Electrode: These electrodes solidify quickly after entering the weld
pool. Due to this, they are preferred in jobs where a slow freezing rate can
decrease the weld’s quality. For example, in overhead welding where there is a
risk of molten metal falling down before solidifying due to gravity.
Fast-Fill Electrode: These electrodes melt very quickly. This allows the weld
pool to fill up the groove almost instantly, enabling the welder to use higher
travel speeds. They also produce a wide, shallow seam.
Fill-Freeze Electrode: These rods are a combination of both of the above
electrodes. The electrode fills up the groove and freezes fairly quickly, but
definitely not as fast as the above two. The joint has medium depth and width.
Now, let’s move on to the electrodes that you’ll commonly encounter.
E6010 Welding Electrode
The E6010 is one of the most common sticks used in industry. It is an all-position, DC-
only rod. It is well-known for its deep penetration, which is why it is widely used for root
pass welds.
Its deep penetration and fast-freeing cellulose flux make it a prime choice for stove pipe
welding. Moreover, its performance is unaffected by rusty, unclean, or galvanized
surfaces.
The E6010 bead is smooth and flat. The slag is light and paper-like, and mildly tricky to
remove. However, you may see some spatter and the DC arc is difficult to control. The
whip-and-pause technique is often suggested to control the weld pool temperature.
The E6011 can be used in all positions. It has a cellulose flux coating that is slightly rich
in potassium. Potassium helps stabilize the arc, allowing it to be used with both DC and
AC power supplies.
Because of its AC capability, E6011 is often used in home welding setups. It is also
used as an alternative to E6010.
It produces deep penetration joints. Plus, the arc can dig through surface contaminants
like dirt, paint, and galvanized metals.
E6011 is also the preferred choice of learners as its AC arc is less intense and is easier
to manage with an unsteady hand.
The E6012 is an all-position stick that works with both AC/DC power supplies. It
produces a moderate quality arc with decent deposition and penetration.
Its rutile flux coating makes it a fill-freeze electrode. The resulting filler material freezes
and spreads quickly. For this reason, it works well in applications that require a balance
between joint penetration and fill.
The arc is very stable and easily managed. Welders like it because of the smooth
seam, and low spatter.
Because it supports low voltage and freezes quickly, it is also regularly used in high-
speed, high-current applications.
This rod is suitable for AC and DC power supplies and may be used in any position. It
is coated with a rutile flux made up of titanium dioxide (“titania”) and potassium. Like
E6012, this is also a fill-freeze flux.
This rod is suitable for mild-intensity jobs. It has a soft arc with shallow penetration that
runs very smoothly. It also produces minimal spatter and an easy-to-remove slag.
It is somewhat limited in its applications since its arc is not that powerful. Because of its
performance characteristics, it is only applicable for use on clean sheet metal.
E7018 is an all-position, low hydrogen electrode. It is suitable for both AC/DC supplies
but is mainly used with a DC input.
It runs very quietly and smooth with low amounts of spatter. It is a fill-freeze rod with
shallow-to-moderate penetration and medium fill. The arc is stable and easily controlled
as well.
The inherent low hydrogen levels prevent cold cracking (also known as hydrogen
cracking). Due to this, it is ideal to use with metals like structural and high-carbon
steels.
Of note, the flux produces heavy slag that sticks to the metal. Therefore, some effort is
required to remove it from the joint completely.
It is recommended to store E7018 rods in moisture-free environments and to oven-

bake them before use to ensure the desired low levels of hydrogen.
The E7024 is a unique stick on our list. It is an AC/DC electrode that can only be used
in flat and horizontal orientations. Significantly, its low hydrogen flux contains up to 50%
iron powder content.
This high iron content results in high deposition rates, producing a wide, convex seam.
For this reason, it is used for plates at least ¼” thick like ship structures, bridges,
structural steels for buildings. Also, the produced joint has high strength (even at low
temperatures) and is compatible with high-carbon steels.
The slag it produces is heavy and must be carefully removed from all pockets and
surfaces. Since it is a low hydrogen rod, it must also be kept in moisture-free storage
like E7018.
We understand that all this information might be a bit too much to absorb at first, but
you will have no trouble recalling it once you gain some experience. So, for now, we
have summarized the main points in the table above for the upcoming discussion.
Quick FAQs
It can be difficult to choose the right stick for your job with so many options. This
decision is easy when you know the key differences between the electrodes. So, we
directly compared some of common electrodes.
6010 Vs. 6011 Electrodes
The 6010 and 611 are similar electrodes and are often used interchangeably.
Their flux composition is different, which gives E6011 the additional ability to be used
with AC. Due to this, the E6011 arc is also slightly less intense and easier to control
when used with an AC power supply.
Electrodes 6010 6011
Flux Coating High CelluloseSodium High CellulosePotassium
Tensile Strength 60,000 psi 60,000 psi
Welding Position All Positions All Positions
Welding Current DC AC/DC
Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Tight, Erratic
Penetration Deep Deep
Fill Narrow Narrow
Slag Type Light, Flaky Light, Flaky
Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted

Special Applications
Surfaces, Stove Pipe Welding Surfaces, General Industrial
6010 and 7018 electrodes differ in joint strength, flux coating, and applications.
E7018 produces stronger joints, and it is compatible with high-carbon steels due to its
low hydrogen content. Its slag is thicker and more difficult to remove than E6010. Both
rods are widely used in the industry for their specific purposes.
Flux Coating High CelluloseSodium 25% Iron PowderLow Hydrogen
Welding Current DC AC/DC (Usually DC)
Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Smooth
Penetration Deep Shallow to Medium
Fill Narrow Medium to Wide
Slag Type Light, Flaky Thick
Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted High-Carbon Steels, Low-

Surfaces, Stove Pipe Welding Alloy/High-Strength Joints
The E6011 and E6013 are comparable in tensile strength, welding positions, and
current types.
E6011 is more of a heavy-duty industrial rod better suited for deep joints. E6013 has a
delicate arc that is better for clean sheet metal welds. Also, the E6011 requires a
steady, skilled hand to get good results.
Flux Coating High CellulosePotassium High TitaniaPotassium
Welding Current AC/DC AC/DC
Fill Narrow Medium
Slag Type Light, Flaky Light, Easy to Remove
Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted

Special Applications Sheet Metal
Surfaces, General Industrial
The 6011 and 7018 sticks have little in common. E7018 produces stronger joints and
can handle high-carbon alloys, unlike the E6011 electrode. E7018 is a fill-freeze rod, so
it has medium penetration and fill. The fast-freeze E6011 is well-known only for its deep
penetration.
Flux Coating High CellulosePotassium 25% Iron PowderLow Hydrogen
Welding Current AC/DC AC/DC (Usually DC)
Fill Narrow Medium to Wide
Slag Type Light, Flaky Thick
Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted High-Carbon Steels, Low-

Surfaces, General Industrial Alloy/High-Strength Joints
6013 and 7018 electrodes do not share many qualities.
E6013 has a rutile flux, while E7018 is a low hydrogen rod. The E6013 is used almost
exclusively for thin sheets, while the E7018 can handle thicker workpieces, a wider
range of materials, and has better strength.
Flux Coating High TitaniaPotassium 25% Iron PowderLow Hydrogen
Welding Current AC/DC AC/DC (Usually DC)
Arc Characteristics Smooth Smooth
Penetration Shallow to Medium Shallow to Medium
Fill Medium Medium to Wide
Slag Type Light, Easy to Remove Thick
High-Carbon Steels, Low-

Special Applications Sheet Metal
Alloy/High-Strength Joints
Selecting The Right Electrode

You can follow our step-by-step guide below to choose an electrode that fits your
application. Usually, the selection process goes like this:
1. Strength: Check the required joint strength. For example, if you need 65,000
psi, you immediately eliminate E60XX rods and look for a suitable E70XX.
2. Position: Your list of options further decreases when you filter out electrodes
suitable only for your welding position.
3. Power Supply: Never use a rod that cannot run on your power supply!
4. Joint Type: Consider factors such as penetration, joint access for slag removal,
plate/sheet thickness, and surface cleanliness.
5. Material: You will need a low hydrogen rod (E7018, E7024) if your base metal is
at risk of hydrogen cracking.
This was just a sample selection guide. Every application is unique, and you must
study it carefully before finalizing a rod.
Conclusion
We covered six common welding electrodes and outlined their main characteristics as
well as the best applications for each. It is critical to have the right stick electrode for
every job, which requires some know-how.
But with this basic knowledge, you will be able to find the right stick electrode for every
job. It will take some time and practice to engrain this information into your memory, but
it is not as hard as it sounds, and with some experience, it will become second nature
for you.
We hope this was a fun, educational read. If you have any questions or feedback, let
us know in the comments below.
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1/1/23, 19:16 Welding Rods Compared: 6010, 6011, 6013, 7018 & 7024

Welding Rods Compared: 6010, 6011, 6013,

Table of Contents [ show ]

However, it is possible to overcome this mistake by educating yourself on welding rods.

What Stick Weld Classifications Mean

E – stands for “Electrode”.

Types Of Welding Electrodes

Now, let’s move on to the electrodes that you’ll commonly encounter.

E6010 Welding Electrode

E6011 Welding Electrode

E6012 Welding Electrode

E6013 Welding Electrode

E7018 Welding Electrode

It is recommended to store E7018 rods in moisture-free environments and to oven-

E7024 Welding Electrode

6010 Vs. 6011 Electrodes

Electrodes 6010 6011

Flux Coating High CelluloseSodium High CellulosePotassium

Tensile Strength 60,000 psi 60,000 psi

Welding Position All Positions All Positions

Welding Current DC AC/DC

Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Tight, Erratic

Penetration Deep Deep

Fill Narrow Narrow

Slag Type Light, Flaky Light, Flaky

Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted

6010 Vs. 7018 Electrodes

Flux Coating High CelluloseSodium 25% Iron PowderLow Hydrogen

Tensile Strength 60,000 psi 70,000 psi

Welding Position All Positions All Positions

Welding Current DC AC/DC (Usually DC)

Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Smooth

Penetration Deep Shallow to Medium

Fill Narrow Medium to Wide

Slag Type Light, Flaky Thick

Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted High-Carbon Steels, Low-

6011 Vs. 6013 Electrodes

Electrodes 6011 6013

Flux Coating High CellulosePotassium High TitaniaPotassium

Tensile Strength 60,000 psi 60,000 psi

Welding Position All Positions All Positions

Welding Current AC/DC AC/DC

Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Smooth

Penetration Deep Shallow to Medium

Fill Narrow Medium

Slag Type Light, Flaky Light, Easy to Remove

Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted

6011 Vs. 7018 Electrodes

Electrodes 6011 7018

Flux Coating High CellulosePotassium 25% Iron PowderLow Hydrogen

Tensile Strength 60,000 psi 70,000 psi

Welding Position All Positions All Positions

Welding Current AC/DC AC/DC (Usually DC)

Arc Characteristics Tight, Erratic Smooth

Penetration Deep Shallow to Medium

Fill Narrow Medium to Wide

Slag Type Light, Flaky Thick

Root Pass, Dirty/Oily/Painted High-Carbon Steels, Low-

6013 Vs. 7018 Electrodes