Electrode selection chart
Common stick (SMAW) welding electrodes and what they are best suited for, plus the MIG and TIG filler wires for mild and stainless steel. The electrode number itself encodes strength, position, and coating.
Stick (SMAW) electrodes
| Electrode | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| E6010 | Cellulosic, DC | Deep penetration, root passes, pipe, dirty or rusty steel |
| E6011 | Cellulosic, AC/DC | General purpose, like 6010 but runs on AC |
| E6013 | Rutile | Easy arc, sheet metal, thin material, learning |
| E7014 | Iron-powder rutile | Fast, smooth fillets in mild steel, fair penetration |
| E7018 | Low-hydrogen | Strong, ductile, crack-resistant welds for structural and thick steel |
| E7024 | Iron-powder | High deposition, flat and horizontal fillets |
MIG and TIG filler wire
| Wire | Process | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ER70S-6 | MIG | General mild-steel MIG, tolerant of mill scale |
| ER70S-2 | TIG | Mild-steel TIG, clean welds |
| ER308L | MIG/TIG | Joining 304 stainless |
| ER316L | MIG/TIG | Joining 316 stainless, marine and chemical |
In an electrode code like E7018, the first two digits are the tensile strength in ksi (70 ksi), the third digit is the welding position it suits, and the last digit identifies the coating and current. Low-hydrogen 7018 is the structural standard; 6010 and 6011 dig in for penetration; 6013 lays easy beads on thin steel.
Sizing or reading the weld itself?
See the Weld Size Reference and the Welding Symbols Chart.
Reading the electrode number
The E prefix means electrode. The first two (or three) digits give the minimum tensile strength in ksi, so E70 weld metal is 70 ksi. The next digit is position: 1 means all positions, 2 means flat and horizontal. The final digit pairs with it to define the flux coating and the welding current, which is why two electrodes of the same strength can behave very differently.
Matching electrode to job
Choose 7018 low-hydrogen for structural steel and anything that must be strong and crack-resistant, keeping the rods dry. Reach for 6010 or 6011 when you need deep penetration on pipe or rusty steel, and 6013 for clean thin sheet. For stainless, match the filler to the base grade, using 308L on 304 and 316L on 316.
FAQ
What is the difference between 6011 and 7018?
6011 is a fast-freezing, deep-penetrating rod good on dirty steel and AC machines. 7018 is low-hydrogen, giving stronger, more ductile, crack-resistant welds preferred for structural work.
What does the number on a welding rod mean?
The first digits are the tensile strength in ksi, the next is the welding position, and the last identifies the coating and current type.
Which electrode is best for beginners?
E6013 is the easiest to run, with a stable, forgiving arc on thin mild steel. 7018 is the next step for stronger structural welds.