Choosing the right welding rod is essential for achieving strong, clean welds — especially if you’re using a stick welder (MMA). Two of the most commonly used electrodes in the UK are E6013 and E7018, but they serve very different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll compare 6013 vs 7018 welding rods, including their differences, advantages, applications, and which one you should use.
Contents
🔧 What Are E6013 Welding Rods?
E6013 rods are general-purpose electrodes designed for ease of use and smooth welding performance.
Key characteristics:
- Medium penetration
- Easy arc start and restart
- Smooth weld bead appearance
- Slag is easy to remove
👉 These are widely considered the best rods for beginners.
🔧 What Are E7018 Welding Rods?
E7018 rods are low-hydrogen electrodes designed for high-strength, structural welding.
Key characteristics:
- High tensile strength (70,000 psi)
- Low hydrogen content (reduces cracking)
- Smooth, stable arc
- Requires dry storage
👉 Commonly used in construction and structural steelwork.
⚖️ 6013 vs 7018: Key Differences
| Feature | E6013 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate |
| Strength | Medium | High |
| Penetration | Medium | Medium–deep |
| Arc Stability | Easy to control | Very stable |
| Slag Removal | Easy | Slightly harder |
| Storage | Standard | Must be kept dry |
| Best For | Beginners, DIY | Structural work |
⚙️ Pros and Cons of E6013
✅ Advantages:
- Very beginner-friendly
- Works on thinner materials
- Easy arc starting
- Minimal skill required
- Affordable and widely available in the UK
❌ Disadvantages:
- Lower strength compared to E7018
- Not ideal for critical structural welds
- Less penetration
⚙️ Pros and Cons of E7018
✅ Advantages:
- High-strength welds
- Excellent for structural steel
- Smooth, professional finish
- Reduced risk of cracking
❌ Disadvantages:
- Requires more skill
- Must be stored dry (rod oven recommended)
- Slightly harder to start arc
- More expensive
🧰 When to Use E6013 Rods
E6013 rods are ideal for:
- Beginner welders
- DIY projects
- Thin to medium steel
- General repairs
- Indoor or light outdoor work
👉 Perfect for home users and hobbyists in the UK.
🧰 When to Use E7018 Rods
E7018 rods are best for:
- Structural steel welding
- Heavy-duty fabrication
- Critical welds requiring strength
- Outdoor and industrial work
👉 Preferred by professionals and experienced welders.
⚡ Amperage Comparison
| Rod Size | E6013 Amps | E7018 Amps |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0mm | 40–70A | 50–80A |
| 2.5mm | 60–100A | 70–110A |
| 3.2mm | 90–130A | 100–140A |
👉 E7018 typically requires slightly higher amperage.
🧠 Which Rod Should You Choose?
👉 Choose E6013 if:
- You’re a beginner
- You want easy control
- You’re working on thin or light steel
- You don’t need structural strength
👉 Choose E7018 if:
- You need strong, durable welds
- You’re working on thick steel
- You’re doing structural or professional work
- You can properly store rods in dry conditions
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using E7018 without proper storage
✔ Keep rods dry — moisture causes weld defects
❌ Using E6013 for structural work
✔ Switch to E7018 for strength-critical jobs
❌ Incorrect amperage settings
✔ Follow recommended ranges and adjust as needed
❌ Choosing the wrong rod for material thickness
✔ Match electrode size and type to the job
🛡️ Safety Tips (Users)
- Always wear EN379-approved welding helmet
- Use proper gloves and protective clothing
- Store electrodes safely
- Ensure good ventilation
❓ FAQs
Is E7018 stronger than E6013?
Yes — E7018 produces stronger welds and is used for structural applications.
Can beginners use E7018 rods?
Yes, but they are harder to use than E6013 and require better technique.
Which rod is better for thin metal?
E6013 — easier to control and less likely to burn through.
🏁 Final Thoughts
When comparing 6013 vs 7018 welding rods, the right choice depends on your skill level and application.
- E6013 → Easy, versatile, beginner-friendly
- E7018 → Strong, durable, professional-grade
For most UK beginners, starting with E6013 is the best option. As your skills improve, transitioning to E7018 will allow you to tackle more demanding welding projects.
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