6013 Vs. 7018 Welding Rods – A True Comparison!

Choosing the right welding rod is essential for producing high-quality welds. Two of the most commonly used welding rods are 6013 and 7018 both having their own unique characteristics and strengths, they are not interchangeable, and choosing the wrong welding rod can result in poor weld quality and reduced efficiency.

In this article, we will compare the characteristics, applications, strengths, and weaknesses of 6013 Vs. 7018 welding rods to help welders make informed decisions when choosing the right welding rod for their specific welding projects.

Understanding Welding Electrodes

Electrodes are classified based on their chemical composition and mechanical properties. The American Welding Society (AWS) uses a four-digit code to classify stick electrodes. The first two digits indicate the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal, the third digit indicates the welding position and the last digit indicates the type of coating used on the electrode.

Stick electrodes are available in a wide range of types, each designed for a specific application. The two most commonly used types are 7018 and 6013.

6013 vs. 7018 Welding Rods

Welding rods are essential equipment for welding as they create and turn the materials into their useful state. By comparing the most commonly used welding rods, like 6013 and 7018, we know that both have different usage, numbers, strengths, and the material from which they are made. Both rods are used by professional welders and beginners, contributing to their creativity and making the welding process even more accurate.

Feature	6013 Welding Rod	7018 Welding Rod
Welding Position	All positions	Flat & horizontal
Polarity	AC/DC+	AC/DC+
Coating Type	Cellulose sodium	Low hydrogen iron powder
Tensile Strength	60,000 psi	70,000 psi
Amperage Range	30-125 amps	70-140 amps
Shielding Gas	Not required	Not required, but recommended
Slag Formation	High amount	Low amount
Welding Skill Level	Beginner to intermediate	Intermediate to advanced

E6013 Welding Rod

The 6013 welding rod is a mild-steel rod suitable for welding low to medium-carbon steel. It is a versatile rod that can be used for both AC and DC welding and produces a smooth, clean weld with minimal spatter. It is easy to use, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

Strengths of 6013 Welding Rod

• Can be used in all welding positions
• Suitable for welding on thin metals
• Good for welding on rusty or dirty metals
• Easy to use and great for beginners
• Produces a smooth, visually appealing bead

Weaknesses of 6013 Welding Rod

• Lower tensile strength compared to other rods
• Produces a high amount of slag and requires frequent cleaning

Application of E6013 Welding Rod

1. Auto body repair: 6013 welding rods are often used for auto body repair work because they are easy to use and can produce a visually appealing weld. They are also suitable for welding on thin metals, which is important for repairing dents and other small imperfections.
2. Home repairs: 6013 welding rods are a great choice for DIY home repairs, such as fixing metal gates, fences, and furniture. They are easy to use and can produce a strong, visually appealing weld on a variety of metals.
3. Sheet metal fabrication: 6013 welding rods are often used for sheet metal fabrication work, such as building ductwork or HVAC systems. They can produce a smooth, visually appealing bead and are suitable for welding on thin metals.
4. Maintenance and repair: 6013 welding rods are commonly used for maintenance and repair work in industrial settings, such as repairing equipment and machinery. They are easy to use and can produce a strong, durable weld on a variety of metals.
5. Farm equipment repair: 6013 welding rods are often used for repairing farm equipment, such as plows and cultivators. They are suitable for welding on mild steel and can produce a visually appealing weld.

E7018 Welding Rod

The 7018 welding rod is a low-hydrogen rod suitable for welding medium to high-carbon steel. It produces a strong, high-quality weld with minimal spatter. The 7018 welding rod is easy to use, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced welders.

Strengths of 7018 Welding Rod

• High tensile strength and great for heavy-duty welding
• Low hydrogen content produces a high-quality weld
• Produces a low amount of slag, reducing the need for cleaning
• Suitable for welding on thicker metals
• Can produce a visually appealing bead with practice

Weaknesses of 7018 Welding Rod

• Limited to flat and horizontal welding positions
• Requires a higher amperage setting and more skill to use
• Can be more expensive than other types of welding rods

Application of E7018 Welding Rod

1. Structural welding: 7018 welding rods are often used in structural welding applications, such as building bridges, buildings, and other large structures. The high tensile strength and low hydrogen content of these rods make them ideal for welding on heavy-duty structural components.
2. Pipe welding: 7018 welding rods are also used for welding pipes, particularly in the oil and gas industry. The low hydrogen content of these rods helps prevent weld cracking, which is especially important when welding on pipelines that will be exposed to extreme environmental conditions.
3. Pressure vessel welding: Pressure vessels are used in a wide range of industrial applications, such as chemical processing, power generation, and oil and gas refining. 7018 welding rods are often used for welding pressure vessels because of their high tensile strength and low hydrogen content, which helps ensure that the welds are strong and durable.
4. Heavy equipment repair: 7018 welding rods are also commonly used for repairing heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, and other construction machinery. The high tensile strength and low hydrogen content of these rods make them ideal for welding on heavy-duty components that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
5. Automotive repair: They are used for welding on exhaust systems, frames, and other components. The low hydrogen content of these rods helps prevent weld cracking and ensures that the welds are strong and durable.

6013 or 7018 Welding Sticks – Which Should you Choose?

Choosing between 6013 and 7018 welding sticks ultimately depends on the specific welding application and the welder’s skill level. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which welding rod to use:

Skill Level

• 6013 are easier to use and are suitable for beginners or hobbyists.
• 7018 requires more skill to use and is best suited for experienced welders.

Welding Position

• 6013 freeze quickly, making them suitable for welding in all positions.
• 7018 requires a flat or horizontal position to produce the best results.

Metal Thickness

• 6013 are best suited for welding thin metals, as they have good penetration and produce a strong weld.
• 7018 are suitable for thicker metals, as they have good penetration and produce high-strength welds.

Weld Quality

• 7018 produces high-quality welds that are suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• 6013 produces lower-quality welds that may not be suitable for high-stress applications.

Cost

7018 are a little heavy on pocket when compared to 6013 welding rods.

• 6013 welding rods are generally less expensive than 7018 welding rods.

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