The following types of welding rods are commonly used at home or at work to provide repairs, fabricate structures, and carry out small-scale engineering. They are used by people all over the world.
6010 Stick Welding Electrodes
6010 rods are Fast Freeze electrodes, meaning they cool quickly and prevent the weld pool from becoming too hot. This makes them ideal for thin beads with deep penetration. They’re great for welding over rust and dirt, so you don’t need to clean your material first. Keep in mind, 6010 rods only work with Direct Current Electrode Positive (DC+).
6011 Stick Welding Electrodes
The 6011 is similar to the 6010, also a Fast Freeze electrode. It’s excellent for root passes and pipe welding, with a smaller weld pool that’s easy to clean. The big difference is that 6011 rods can be used with both AC and DC, unlike the 6010 which only works on DC+.
6013 Stick Welding Electrodes
The 6013 rods require more power than the 6011 or 6010, and many welders make the mistake of using them with the wrong settings. These electrodes have mild penetration and a larger weld pool that doesn’t cut through rust. Make sure to adjust your amps before starting to avoid issues like wormholes in your beads.
7018 Stick Welding Electrodes
The 7018 is popular for structural welding due to its smooth arc and mild penetration. It produces larger, stronger welds but requires clean surfaces to weld properly. A unique challenge with 7018 rods is storing them correctly—once opened, they should be kept in a rod oven to prevent moisture from affecting the flux.
7024 Stick Welding Electrodes
The 7024 is a heavy-duty rod with a thick slag coating. Like the 7018, it produces smooth welds but requires clean material surfaces. The main problems with 7024 rods are insufficient arc force, which can result in imperfect welds, and using them for overhead welding, as the heavy slag can create dangerous sparks.
This guide provides a solid understanding of different electrode types. Always check your settings before using a new rod, and ensure your materials are clean. Remember that using quality rods is crucial, cheap rods can affect your weld quality.