Is E6013 or E7018 Welding Rod Better? A Practical Comparison for Welders

SunJames

When choosing the right welding electrode for mild steel applications, two of the most common options are E6013 and E7018. Although both belong to the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) family and are widely used across manufacturing, fabrication, and construction, each rod is designed for different welding conditions and mechanical performance.

So, which one is better? The answer depends on the joint requirements, strength expectations, operational environment, and welder experience. Below is a clear and accurate comparison to help you decide.

What Does E6013 Mean?

E6013 is a rutile-coated mild steel electrode primarily used for general-purpose welding. Its marking indicates:

  • 60 → 60 ksi tensile strength
  • 1 → Suitable for all positions
  • 3 → Coating type & current compatibility

Key Characteristics of E6013

Feature Details
Coating Type Rutile
Penetration Light to medium
Arc Stable & smooth
Slag Removal Easy
Appearance Clean, cosmetic welds
Current AC / DC

Common Applications

  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • Machinery repairs
  • Automotive bodywork
  • Farm tools
  • General maintenance

E6013 is popular because of its easy arc striking, simple slag removal, and suitability for welders of all skill levels.

What Does E7018 Mean?

E7018 is a low-hydrogen steel electrode designed for structural and high-strength welding. Its marking indicates:

  • 70 → 70 ksi tensile strength
  • 1 → Suitable for all positions
  • 8 → Low hydrogen, iron powder coating, DC or AC (depending on brand)

Key Characteristics of E7018

Feature Details
Coating Type Low hydrogen (basic)
Penetration Medium
Hydrogen Control Very low
Mechanical Strength High
Weather Resistance Improved impact toughness
Current Mostly DC+, some AC versions

Common Applications

  • Structural steel fabrication
  • Bridge building
  • Pressure vessels
  • Heavy machinery frames
  • Pipeline & oil infrastructure
  • Industrial construction

Due to its low-hydrogen formulation, E7018 helps prevent hydrogen-induced cracking, making it ideal for critical load-bearing welds.

E7018 welding rod close-up view-2

E6013 vs. E7018: Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute E6013 E7018
Tensile Strength 60 ksi 70 ksi
Coating Rutile Low hydrogen
Weld Strength Good Superior
Penetration Light–Medium Medium
Skill Level Beginner–Intermediate Intermediate–Advanced
Structural Use Limited Excellent
Weld Appearance Smooth, clean Smooth, slightly convex
Post-Processing Easy May require roasting/oven
Applications Light fabrication Structural & heavy-duty

Which One Is Better?

There is no universal “better” choice—each excels in different situations:

E6013 is better when:

✔ Welding thin materials
✔ Prioritizing easy arc striking & appearance
✔ Doing general maintenance welding
✔ Working with low skill operators

E7018 is better when:

✔ Structural integrity is critical
✔ Higher tensile strength is required
✔ Welding thicker materials
✔ Risk of cracking must be minimized
✔ Meeting industrial or certification standards

What About Cost and Handling?

  • E6013 is more forgiving, cheaper, and requires no special storage.
  • E7018 requires controlled storage (typically rod ovens) to maintain low hydrogen levels.

Improperly stored E7018 rods absorb moisture, which can lead to weld cracking.

Bottom Line:

| For general-purpose welding, choose E6013. |
| For structural or high-strength welding, choose E7018. |

FAQ:

Q: Can E6013 and E7018 be used interchangeably?
Not recommended. E6013 is suitable for non-critical welds, while E7018 is required for certified structural joints.

Q: Do E7018 rods require an oven?
Yes, E7018 rods should be stored in a heated rod oven to maintain low hydrogen levels.

Q: Can beginners use E7018?
Yes, but E6013 is easier for beginners due to its forgiving arc characteristics.

Q: Can both rods run on AC welders?
E6013 runs on AC and DC. Many E7018 electrodes are DC-only, but E7018 AC variants exist.

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