Welding rod guide: 6011, 6013, 7018 and stainless
Which rod for which job, by the numbers.
Get QuoteA welding rod (electrode) number tells you its strength, positions and current. In E6013, “E” is electrode, “60” is 60,000 psi minimum tensile strength, “1” means all positions and the last digit the coating and current (AWS A5.1). E6011 penetrates deep, even on coated steel; E6013 gives a smooth bead on thin steel; E7018 is the low-hydrogen rod for structural work; E308L is for 304 stainless. Our welder brings the rods and welds at your house — see our welding services in southwest Cebu.
What the numbers mean
| Rod | Min. tensile strength | Positions | Coating | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E6011 | 60 ksi (430 MPa) | All | Cellulose potassium | AC or DC+ |
| E6013 | 60 ksi (430 MPa) | All | Titania potassium | AC, DC+ or DC− |
| E7018 | 70 ksi (490 MPa) | All | Iron powder, low hydrogen | AC or DC+ |
| E308L-16 | 75 ksi (520 MPa) | All except vertical down | Stainless (AWS A5.4); “L” = 0.04% carbon max | AC or DC+ |
Hobart, AWS classification chart; MPa minimums from the datasheets below; E308L-16 from Lincoln.
Amps by rod size (AC)
| Rod | 2.4–2.5 mm (3/32") | 3.2 mm (1/8") | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| E6011 | 40–90 A | 65–120 A | Lincoln Fleetweld 180 |
| E6013 | 75–115 A | 110–140 A | Lincoln Fleetweld 37 |
| E7018 | 80–120 A | 100–160 A | Lincoln Excalibur 7018 MR |
| E308L-16 (stainless) | 40–70 A | 60–100 A | Lincoln Excalibur 308L-16 |
Manufacturer ranges for one product each; other brands differ slightly — follow the box. E308L-16 range is for DC+ or AC.
Which rod for which job
Storing rods and safe welding
Damp rods can leave porosity and cracks in the weld. One maker’s guide: keep opened low-hydrogen rods (E7018) in a cabinet at 120–150 °C and redry them at 340–400 °C for one hour; re-baking E6011 is not recommended; a damp E6013 is redried at 150–180 °C for 20–30 minutes (Lincoln, storing and redrying electrodes).
Eye protection: for stick welding with 1/16–5/32 inch (1.6–4.0 mm) rods, US workplace rules list a lens shade of 10 (OSHA 1910.252) — a US reference, not Philippine law.
In the Philippines, TESDA trains stick welders under MMAW NC I and MMAW NC II (formerly SMAW); MMAW NC II is 338 hours, including 80 hours of supervised industry learning. Other processes — MIG, TIG, flux-cored — are in types of welding.
Our welder welds window grills, steel gates, railings and roof trusses at your house. How a job is priced: welding price guide.
Have a welding job? Get a welding quote — we come to measure in Ronda and southwest Cebu.
Questions
What does 6013 mean on a welding rod?
E = electrode, 60 = 60,000 psi minimum tensile strength, 1 = all positions, 3 = titania potassium coating for AC or DC (AWS A5.1).
6011 or 6013: which is better?
6011 penetrates coated or galvanized steel; 6013 gives a smoother bead on thin steel and runs on small AC welders.
What amps for a 3.2 mm 6013 rod?
About 110–140 A on AC and 100–135 A on DC, per one maker’s datasheet. Check your rod’s box.
Which rod is used for stainless steel?
E308L for 304 stainless and E316L for 316 (AWS A5.4).
Why keep welding rods dry?
Moisture can cause porosity and cracking; low-hydrogen E7018 is stored warm and redried.
