7
Only, and so on. In some cases, smaller diameters such as 3/32”, 1/8”, and 5/32” will be labeled All Position and bigger
rods such as 3/16” and ¼” will be labeled Flat Only—but this is not always the case. When in doubt about acceptable
welding positions, simply check the rod box. The specifications chart on the box should tell you everything, or close to
everything, you need to know about the rod.
Common Stick Welding Electrode Types and Descriptions
6010—Rod with a cellulosic coating, fast freeze puddle, deep penetration, slag can be hard to remove, less elongation
of welds, not the most attractive welds, may present some hydrogen cracking. However, rod runs All Position including
vertical up and down. Also forgiving for some contamination of the parent metal. An excellent choice for root passes.
7018—Rod with a low hydrogen coating. Flows nicely. Probably the most popular rod in today’s market. Builds a
thick, easy to remove slag layer on top of the weld, medium penetration, excellent bead appearance, puddle stays wet
and fluid much longer than 6010, higher tensile strength than 6010. Good choice for the maintenance welder and even
to do x-ray quality structural welds.
6013—Rod with a cellulosic coating that runs on old and simple AC (Alternating Current) stick welders. Typically
referred to as the farmer’s rod.
7014—Rod with properties similar to 7018, but also designed to run on older, simpler stick welders.
The stick rods listed above represent the most common types of rods available today. However, an almost endless
selection of rod types are available to you. We simply cannot cover all rod types in the manual.
Since 7018 is probably the most popular welding rod available today, please find a few pointers below.
How to find the right amperage when you lose the box?
The general rule of thumb with 7018: For every 0.001” of welding rod diameter, you need about 1 amp.
What does this mean?
Rod Diameter Fraction
Rod Diameter Decimal
Required Amperage
3/32”
0.09375” rounded to 0.094”
94 amps
1/8”
0.125”
125 amps
5/32”
0.15625” rounded to 0.156”
156 amps
Fig. X
Will these numbers be a perfect fit for every rod manufacturer and every position you will weld 7018 rod in?
No, but the numbers get you really close.
