Welding Rod Types: A Buyer’s Guide for NC Fabricators

Walk into any welding supply aisle and you’ll see a wall of electrodes labeled with codes like E6010, E6011, E7018, and E7024. To an experienced welder, those numbers say everything about how the rod runs, what it’s rated for, and where it belongs. To everyone else, it’s a wall of unlabeled boxes. This guide breaks down what those classification codes actually mean — a companion to our broader welding material selection guide, which covers matching filler metal to base metal more generally.

Reading an AWS Electrode Classification Code

Stick (SMAW) electrode codes follow an AWS standard that packs real information into each digit. Take E7018:

• E — Electrode, for arc welding.
• 70 — Tensile strength of the deposited weld, in this case 70,000 psi.
• 1 — Welding position (1 = all positions; 2 = flat and horizontal only).
• 8 — Coating type and current characteristics (low-hydrogen, iron powder coating, AC or DC).

Once you can read that code, choosing between electrodes stops being guesswork.

Common Stick Electrode Types

E6010: A cellulose-coated, deep-penetrating electrode that runs on DC current. Favored for pipeline and root-pass welding where deep penetration through mill scale or light rust matters more than a clean bead. It’s also one of the more difficult rods to run well — it has a aggressive, digging arc that takes practice.

E6011: Similar penetration characteristics to E6010 but runs on AC or DC, making it more versatile for shops without a dedicated DC-only machine. A common choice for general repair and maintenance welding where equipment flexibility matters.

E6013: A lighter-coated, easier-running electrode good for thinner materials and general fabrication. It produces a smoother bead with less spatter than E6010/E6011, making it a common choice for less-experienced welders or cosmetic-sensitive work.

E7018: A low-hydrogen electrode producing a stronger, cleaner weld with reduced risk of hydrogen-induced cracking — the standard choice for structural and pressure-vessel work where weld integrity is code-critical. It requires proper storage (moisture-controlled) since hydrogen contamination degrades its low-hydrogen properties.

E7024: A heavy iron-powder coating designed for high deposition rates in flat and horizontal positions — favored where welding speed on thicker material matters more than positional flexibility.

Matching Rod to the Job

The right rod depends on base metal, joint position, required strength, and existing surface condition:

• Rusty, painted, or dirty material: E6010/E6011 for their penetrating, “digging” arc.
• Clean material, cosmetic finish priority: E6013 for a smoother bead.
• Structural or code-stamped work: E7018 for its low-hydrogen strength and crack resistance.
• Thick flat/horizontal material, production speed priority: E7024 for deposition rate.

Storage Matters More Than Most Shops Realize

Low-hydrogen rods like E7018 absorb moisture from the air, and moisture contamination is one of the most common (and most avoidable) causes of weld cracking. Rods should be stored in a heated rod oven once opened, and never left out overnight in a humid shop — a real concern across NC’s summer months, where ambient humidity runs consistently high. Cellulose-coated rods like E6010 are less moisture-sensitive but still benefit from dry, sealed storage.

NC-Specific Considerations

Fabrication shops around Smithfield and Greensboro run everything from pipeline and structural steel work to general repair welding, and rod selection varies accordingly. We stock electrodes from Anchor, Jackson, Blue Demon, and Lenco, and can help match rod type to your specific base metal and application rather than defaulting to whatever’s on the shelf. This pairs directly with the welding safety equipment your welders need running any of these processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of welding rods are there?
There are dozens of AWS-classified stick electrodes, but the vast majority of general fabrication and repair work is covered by four common types: E6010, E6011, E6013, and E7018, each suited to different penetration, position, and strength requirements.

Is 6013 or 7018 stronger?
E7018 produces a stronger, lower-hydrogen weld rated for structural and code-critical work. E6013 is easier to run and produces a smoother bead, but it’s generally used for lighter fabrication rather than structural applications.

Is 6011 or 7018 easier to weld?
E6011 is generally considered easier for beginners due to its forgiving, versatile AC/DC operation, while E7018 requires more consistent technique and proper rod storage to avoid hydrogen contamination, but rewards that care with a stronger weld.

What are the 4 types of welding?
The four most common welding processes are SMAW (stick), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and flux-cored (FCAW). Stick electrode classifications like E6010 and E7018 apply specifically to the SMAW process.

Stocking the Right Rods for Your Shop

Choosing the right welding rod isn’t about picking a favorite — it’s about matching AWS classification to base metal, position, and strength requirement. Cruco Supply stocks the full range of stick electrodes your shop needs, from general-purpose E6011 to structural-grade E7018, alongside the broader welding materials we carry. Call (919) 777-9807 or stop by our Sanford location to talk through your next job.