E6013 vs E7018: Which Stick Electrode Is Easier?

What the numbers on an electrode mean

Every stick electrode carries a four- or five-digit code from the American Welding Society (AWS) classification. For E6013 and E7018, the first two digits show the minimum tensile strength in thousands of pounds per square inch (psi). E6013 has a minimum of 60,000 psi; E7018 has a minimum of 70,000 psi.

The third digit tells which welding positions the electrode can handle. For both E6013 and E7018, the digit "1" means it is suitable for all positions: flat, horizontal, vertical up, and overhead. The fourth digit indicates the coating type and the current (AC or DC) the electrode works with. E6013 uses a rutile (titanium dioxide) coating. E7018 uses a low-hydrogen iron powder coating. These coatings affect how the arc feels, how much spatter appears, and how much cleaning the weld requires after the bead is laid.

When you see these codes on a stick welder listing or on a box of rods, you know the tensile strength, the positions the electrode can weld, and the kind of slag that forms. The coating chemistry is the key difference that makes one electrode easier to use than the other in a given situation.

• E6013: 60,000 psi tensile minimum, rutile coating, good on AC and DC.
• E7018: 70,000 psi tensile minimum, low-hydrogen iron powder coating, mostly used on DCEP (DC electrode positive).
• Both are all-position electrodes (third digit "1").
• The coating directly affects arc stability, slag removal, and hydrogen content.

Ease of use: starting and holding the arc

E6013 is widely regarded as one of the easiest electrodes to start. Its rutile coating produces a soft, stable arc that can run on AC or DC with a longer arc length than many other electrodes. Beginners often find E6013 forgiving because the arc does not extinguish if the rod is pulled away from the work.

E7018 is not as forgiving. It requires a short, tight arc"a drag arc"and enough current to keep the low-hydrogen coating active. If the arc is too long, the slag may not form correctly and the bead can become porous. The electrode also benefits from being kept dry; moisture in the coating can cause hydrogen cracking. Many stick welders with adjustable arc force or hot start features make E7018 easier to manage.

For someone picking up a stick welder for the first time, a box of E6013 rods will likely yield a smooth bead with less frustration. E7018 demands more attention to arc length and machine settings, but that skill carries over to other low-hydrogen electrodes used in structural welding.

Because the site never gives technique steps or settings, the best advice is to read your machine's manual for the recommended amperage range and stick welding polarity for each electrode type. Stick welders sold today often have charts inside the lid.

Bead shape and mechanical properties

E6013 produces a smooth, flat-to-slightly-convex bead with fine ripples. The slag is light and can be removed easily by tapping the weld. Penetration is moderate, which makes E6013 a good choice for thin sheet metal or joints where the fit-up is less than perfect. The weld metal meets a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.

E7018 produces a bead with a flatter profile and deeper penetration at the same amperage. The slag is heavier and may need a chipping hammer to remove, but when the electrode is run at the correct settings the bead is clean and the slag lifts off easily. The low-hydrogen coating resists hydrogen cracking, which is important on carbon steel that is thicker than about 3/8 inch or on restrained joints.

Neither electrode is inherently better at building a smooth bead; each favors a different job. E6013 is more often used for sheet metal, lap joints on thin tubing, or decorative work where the bead is left as-welded and the smooth ripples are a plus. E7018 is the standard electrode in structural steel fabrication and pipe welding where the weld must meet code requirements.

The American Welding Society (AWS) publishes standards for both classifications. Checking the AWS specification for the electrode you plan to buy (the classification is printed on the box) will give you the official chemical and mechanical requirements. The site links to the AWS home page so you can locate those standards yourself.

Which electrode fits your stick welder

Stick welders (SMAW machines) range from small 120V units that output around 80 to 90 amps to larger 240V or dual voltage machines that can reach 200 amps or more. E6013 rods are available in diameters from 1/16 inch up to 1/4 inch. A 1/16 inch E6013 rod can run at amperages as low as 20 to 30 amps, which suits a compact stick welder. E7018 rods are most common in 1/8 and 5/32 inch diameters and typically need at least 90 to 130 amps depending on rod size and joint thickness.

If your stick welder is a 120V model with a maximum output of about 90 to 100 amps, the usable range for E7018 is limited to smaller rods (3/32 inch) and you may not get the full mechanical benefit of the low-hydrogen coating. A 240V machine with 140 to 200 amps gives you more room to select the right rod size and run E7018 at its recommended current.

The keyword advice: read the machine's specification sheet for its output range, then choose a rod diameter whose suggested amperage falls inside that range. The same stick welder that runs E6013 at one setting can run E7018 at another, as long as the machine has enough current. If you are buying your first stick welder and plan to weld thicker steel, a machine that can deliver 140 amps or more will give you access to both electrode families.

• 120V stick welder: best suited for E6013 rods up to 3/32 inch; E7018 only in small diameters.
• 240V stick welder (140+ amps): works with both E6013 and E7018 in common sizes.
• Dual voltage machine: gives you the option to run E6013 at home on 120V and E7018 on 240V at a shop.

When to pick one over the other

E6013 is the better choice when you need a clean, smooth bead on thin or lightly scaled metal, when your machine has limited output, or when you are practicing arc starts and runs without worrying about moisture control. It is common in home garage repairs, small brackets, light fixtures, and hobby fabrication where the weld does not bear structural loads.

E7018 is the choice for thicker steel, structural joints, farm equipment that takes a beating, and any weld that needs to pass a bend test or meet a code. The low-hydrogen deposit reduces the risk of cold cracking, which is a concern when welding carbon steel over 1/2 inch thick, or when the joint is highly restrained.

Both electrodes can be used on the same machine by switching settings, but your buying decision should start with the question: what thickness and type of steel will I weld most often? If the answer is thin sheet or tubing, start with a 120V stick welder and E6013. If the answer is plate, beams, or heavy repair, a 240V machine and E7018 are a better foundation. A multi-process stick welder that can handle both will give you the widest range of rods.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I run E7018 on a 120V stick welder?

Yes, but only the smallest rod diameters (3/32 inch or 2.4 mm) and only if the stick welder provides enough current for the rod's recommended range, typically about 75 to 90 amps. The mechanical properties of the weld may not fully match the AWS specification if the rod is run below its rated current. Check your machine's output and the rod package for the suggested amperage.

Is E6013 strong enough for farm or trailer repairs?

E6013 meets a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi. For many non-structural or lightly loaded repairs on mild steel up to about 1/8 inch thick, this is adequate. For heavily loaded or thicker sections, E7018 (70,000 psi minimum) is usually preferred because its low-hydrogen deposit resists cracking. Evaluate the loading of the part; when in doubt, use the higher-strength electrode.

Which electrode gives a smoother bead?

E6013 is known for its smooth, flat bead with fine ripples and light slag that chips off easily. E7018 produces a flatter bead with deeper penetration, but the surface finish can be slightly rougher if the machine settings are not dialed in. Both can yield a clean bead when run at the right settings.

Do I need a special machine to run low-hydrogen electrodes?

No. Any stick welder that can output enough amperage and provide DC electrode positive (DCEP) can run E7018. Some machines have an arc force or dig control that helps keep the arc stable with low-hydrogen rods. The most important factor is that the electrodes are stored in a dry place and are free of moisture before use.

Can I use E6013 and E7018 on AC?

E6013 runs well on AC and is a common choice for older transformer-based stick welders that only produce AC. E7018 can be run on AC in some sizes, but the arc is less stable than on DCEP. For the best arc characteristics with E7018, use DC electrode positive. Check the rod classification on the box: E7018 rods that carry an "H4R" suffix are tested for moisture resistance and are designed for low-hydrogen welding on DC.

How do I know which rod size to buy?

The rod diameter should match the thickness of the metal and the output of your machine. A general approach: for metal up to 1/8 inch thick, use 1/16 or 3/32 inch rods; for 1/4 to 3/8 inch, use 1/8 inch rods; for thicker than 3/8 inch, use 5/32 or 3/16 inch rods. Always read the rod package for the manufacturer's recommended amperage range and verify that your machine can deliver that current.