E7018 vs E6010 Welding Rods: Key Differences and When to Use Each

Table of Contents > 1. E6010: Pipe Rods, "Dirty Rods," or Cellulose Rods     1.1 AWS Standard Composition, Mechanical Properties, and Parameters of E6010     1.2 Key Welding Properties of E6010 Electrodes         1.2.1 Advantages of E6010         1.2.2 Drawbacks of E6010 2. E7018: High-strength, Structural Rods     2.1 AWS Standard Composition, Physical Properties, and Parameters of E7018     2.2 Key Welding Properties of E7018 Welding Electrodes         2.2.1 Advantages of E7018         2.2.2 Drawbacks of E7018     2.3 Common Applications of E7018 Electrodes 3. E7018 vs E6010 Head-to-Head Comparison of the Essential Properties, Characteristics, and Uses 4. Final Thoughts 5. 🧐 E7018 vs E6010 Welding Rods: Key Differences and When to Use Each FAQ

In the world of Stick welding, choosing the right electrode can make the difference between a solid weld and a flawed one. AWS classifies dozens of stick electrodes, but two types stand out as most widely used: E6010 and E7018.

Although these are the two most popular stick electrodes, they differ significantly in arc performance, penetration, and other characteristics. Understanding these differences can greatly help you in making the right choice for your projects.

That's why we compiled a detailed article on E7018 vs E6010 welding electrodes, explaining their characteristics, differences, and real-life applications. So, let’s learn more.

Stick Welding in Progress
Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TtLyJiTjVY0

E6010: Pipe Rods, "Dirty Rods," or Cellulose Rods

AWS Classification: E6010:

• E - Electrode

• 60 - Tensile strenght (60,000 psi)

• 1 - All position welding

• 0 - High cellulose coating

According to AWS A5.1, E6010 is a high-cellulose sodium coating electrode used in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as Stick/Arc welding. This is an all-position, DC-only electrode welders refer to as 6010s, or "pipe rods", since they were specifically developed for and are considered the industry standard for pipe welding.

E6010s often get the title of the industry's workhorse, or welder's workhorse, because they produce a powerful, deep penetrating arc. This powerful arc can also burn through surface contamination, such as paint, light rust, or dirt, so some also call them "dirty rods."

Due to the high-cellulose coating, welders often call the cellulose rods. These are all different names for a single electrode, E6010, so let's learn more about its composition, key characteristics, and typical uses.

6G Stick Welding Open Root with E6010
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q3MDgSZWyc&t

AWS Standard Composition, Mechanical Properties, and Parameters of E6010

Based on the American Welding Society's A5.1 Specification for carbon-steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), any E6010 electrode must meet the following minimal chemical composition of deposited metal:

Minimal mechanical properties of E6010:

• Tensile Strength: 60,000 psi (430 MPa)

• Yield Strength: 48,000 psi (330)

• Elongation: 22% min

• Impact Properties (Charpy V-Notch): 20 ft⋅ lbf at −20°F (-30°C)

E6010 electrodes work best with DC+ (DCEP) current, and in all positions (F, V, OH, H). The general welding parameters depend on the size, but these are the general recommendations:

E6010 Stick Welding in Flat, Vertical, and Overhead Positions
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hytW79WlPb0&t

Keep in mind that these are only recommended minimum values. Each electrode must meet the minimum requirements specified by the AWS. But the real values are often much greater, and depend on the electrode manufacturer.

For example, the E6010 electrode must provide a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi, but in practice, it can reach ultimate strengths of 72,000–84,000 psi. In addition, electrodes can yield 60,900–70,000 psi and elongate 26%–30%.

Downhill Pipe Welding with E6010 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Er1TvEjEk

Key Welding Properties of E6010 Electrodes

While the numbers behind E6010 electrodes are essential for weld composition, what matters more to everyday welders are their notable welding properties. Let's look at the advantages and drawbacks of E6010 electrodes.

6G Root Stick Welding with E6010 Electrodes
Photo by @gilbert12k (TikTok)

Advantages of E6010

• Aggressive, deep penetrating arc: 6010s produce a high arc force that digs the metal into the joint and provides deep penetration. These properties make them ideal for root pass opening, which requires precise fusion and penetration.

• Can burn through contamination: An aggressive arc of E6010 can burn through surface contamination. It provides excellent fusion on rusty or dirty pieces and reduces preparation time.

Stick Welding Rusty Steel Using E6010 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx0MsxrXzhQ

• Fast-freezing slag: The cellulose coating of 6010s produces fast-freezing slag that cools briefly. Fast solidification is ideal for vertical and overhead welding positions, where gravity pulls the molten metal out of the joint. Quick cooling aids solidification, reducing the risk of hot metal dripping out of the joint.

Since E6010s are developed for pipeline welding, most of their advantages suit the primary applications. Nevertheless, they can also be advantageous in everyday welding, if you know when and how to use them.

6G Pipe Root Pass with E6010 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fuSXbIuuiU

Drawbacks of E6010

• Excessive spatter: Burning 6010s can produce more spatter compared to other electrodes. The weld bead appearance is rougher, and welds require more cleaning.

6010 vs 7018 Welding Spark Comparison at 85A
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktt1OnIPdQw

• DC only: 6010s work only with DC+ (DCEP, or Direct Current Electrode Positive) current. While that's the preferred SMAW polarity for penetration, issues may arise if you need to switch to AC to deal with arc blow. In that case, you will need an E6011 electrode with similar properties that works with AC/DC.

• It can be tricky to run with inverter welders: New inverter welders often lack components to stabilize the aggressive arc of 6010s, causing a lot of spatter and arc stutter. But, welders with adjustable arc force, such as the YesWelder 250DS Pro, can make up for it, and make using E6010 a breeze.

ARC-205DS-PRO 110V/220V Stick & Lift TIG In One Stick Welder

As you can notice, these are not the typical cons. These are some drawbacks that make E6010 unique. However, each has an alternative or a solution, which adds to the versatility of 6010s.

Stick Welding with 6010s Electrodes
Photo by @madison1616 (TikTok)

Common Applications and Everyday Uses of E6010 Electrodes

Due to these properties, E6010 electrodes find their dialy applications in the following industries:

• Pipeline welding: 6010s were primarily developed for the pipeline industry and remain a key piece even today. Due to their deep penetration, welders use them for root-pass welding on pipelines, including API-grade pipes.

Stick Welding Pipeline with E6010 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIAbDmGnjK4

• Field repair: Self-shielded electrodes are ideal for outdoor maintenance because you don't need external shielding. But particularly, the aggressive arc of E6010 burns through contamination, making it suitable for dirty, rusty, or greasy metal, which is common in field repairs.

• Structural fabrication: Welders use E6010 to build structural steel frameworks, beams, and columns, especially in out-of-position scenarios. Fast-freezing slag is ideal for out-of-position welding, a common practice in structural fabrication.

Structural Stick Welding with E6010 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P96PHyVheGg

• Shipbuilding and maintenance: Welders occasionally use 6010s to weld and repair ship hulls, decks, and bulkheads.

• Other projects where deep penetration and speed are priorities.

E6010 Deep Penetration Stick Welding
Photo by @the_weldingmagician (TikTok)

E7018: High-strength, Structural Rods

AWS Classification E7018:

• E - Electrode

• 70 - Tensile strength (70,000 psi)

• 1 - All position welding

• 8 - Low-hydrogen, iron powder coating

According to AWS A5.1, E7018 is a low-hydrogen, iron-powder electrode used in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and is designed for carbon and low-alloy steels. 7018s are also all-position electrodes that work with both AC/DC current, though many prefer DC+.

E7018 Stick Welding in 3G Position
Photo by @aaron_s203 (TikTok)

Low-hydrogen, iron powder coating produces very different results compared to E6010s. E7018s produce exceptionally strong, ductile welds with minimal hydrogen content. Low hydrogen content is crucial for avoiding hydrogen-induced weld cracks, making them perfect for critical, high-strength applications.

Iron powder coating of E7018 enhances the deposition rates, allowing welders to fill large joints and grooves much faster. That's why many welders refer to 7018s as "structural rods."

Overhead Stick Welding with E7018 Electrodes
Photo by @_youtrippen(TikTok)

AWS Standard Composition, Physical Properties, and Parameters of E7018

Based on the AWS A5.1 Specification for carbon-steel electrodes, E7018 electrodes must meet the following minimum chemical composition:

As previously mentioned, these are just the minimum stated values. In reality, E7018s usually have 0.068% Carbon, 1.36% Manganese, 0.51% Silicon, etc.

Stick Welding Using E7018 Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D8og-GnqNA0

When it comes to physical properties of E7018 electrodes, they must meet the minimum of:

• Tensile Strength: 70,000 psi (490 MPa -529 MPa depending on spec interpretation).

• Yield Strength: 58,000 psi (400 MPa- 441 MPa).

• Elongation: 22%

• Impact Strength (CVN): Minimum 20 ft-lbf at -20°F (or 27 J at -30°C).

• Hydrogen Levels: Typically classified as H4 or H8 (less than 4 ml or 8 ml per 100g of weld metal). 

Once again, typical values vary by manufacturer. You'll notice E7018 electrodes with tensile strength ranging from 74,000 to 87,000 psi, yield strengths of 60,000 to 74,000 psi, and elongation values around 28-32%.

E7018 Stick Welding
Photo by @ivannu19(TikTok)

When it comes to welding parameters, E7018 works with AC/DC and in all positions. Here are the typical recommendations based on size and welding position:

Stick Welding with 3/32” E7018 Electrode
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hggexjPar1s

Key Welding Properties of E7018 Welding Electrodes

Like the 6010s, the 7018s have advantages and drawbacks that make them suitable for specific applications. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and limitations.

Stick Welding with 7018s Electrodes
Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qO-cq3N6-X8

Advantages of E7018

• Smooth arc: E7018s produce a much softer, stable, and less aggressive arc compared to E6010s. Welding itself is much quieter and can make more visually appealing welds.

• Less spatter: A smooth arc with E7018 produces cleaner welds than with E6010. Clean welds require less post-weld cleaning, eventually saving time.

Post-Weld Cleaning of E7018 Welds
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy_rPpiIqJ4

• High deposition rates: Iron powder in the coating of E7018s increases the metal deposition per pass. That's why welders often use these electrodes to fill larger grooves and joints much faster and more efficiently. High strength and high deposition efficiency in all positions make them the king of structural welding.

• Low hydrogen content: Having limited amounts of hydrogen in the composition is ideal for reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking. Once the atomic hydrogen diffuses into steel, it accumulates in inclusions, building high pressure. This pressure causes surface blistering and cracking. Using low-hydrogen electrodes such as E7018 significantly reduces the risk of this defect.

• All-position electrode: E7018s are classified as all-position electrodes, meaning you can use them in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

• AC/DC electrode: E7018 electrodes work with both AC and DC current. Most welders prefer DC+ polarity for the best stability and penetration. However, you can also run it on AC current if you experience an arc blow. 

Arc Blow in Stick Welding 
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8AFjzZHz5g

Drawbacks Of E7018

• Lower penetration: A lack of arc force limits penetration, resulting in lower penetration than with E6010.

• You shouldn't weld through contamination: E7018 dislikes dirt, paint, or rust, so you shouldn't weld over them.

Cleaning Metal Before E7018 Stick Welding
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exSDjbasiek&t

• Requires careful storage: E7018's low hydrogen content requires storage in a dry, warm environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause cracking and porosity.

• Requires skill with overhead and vertical welding: E7018s have more fluid slag than E6010s. That means they need much more skill to use in overhead or vertical positions.