7018 VS 7014
In stick welding (SMAW), selecting the right electrode can make or break your weld. Two of the most popular choices are the E7018 and E7014 rods. While they may seem similar at a glance, they serve different purposes, and knowing when to use each can save you time, money, and rework.
Understanding the Basics
| Electrode | Tensile Strength | Welding Position | Polarity | Coating Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7018 | 70,000 psi | All Position | AC/DC+ | Low Hydrogen, Iron Powder |
| 7014 | 70,000 psi | Flat, Horizontal, Vertical Down | AC/DC+ | Iron Powder, Rutile |
Key Differences Between 7018 and 7014
1. Flux Coating and Moisture Sensitivity
- 7018 has a low-hydrogen coating, which reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking, especially in structural or critical welds. However, it must be kept dry—often in a rod oven.
- 7014 has a rutile-based coating with iron powder, which is more tolerant to ambient moisture. It doesn’t require the same storage care as 7018.
2. Weld Strength and Ductility
- Both rods provide 70,000 psi tensile strength, but 7018 has better ductility and impact resistance, making it ideal for structural applications.
3. Ease of Use
- 7014 is beginner-friendly. It has a smooth arc, easy slag removal, and tolerates less precise techniques.
- 7018 is more technique-sensitive and requires tighter control of arc length and rod angle, especially on vertical welds.
4. Penetration and Deposition
- 7018 offers deep penetration and strong fusion. It’s preferred when strength and weld integrity are priorities.
- 7014 provides moderate penetration with a high deposition rate, making it suitable for fast production welds on clean, mild steel.
Similarities Between 7018 and 7014
- Both operate on AC or DC+ polarity, offering flexibility with different machines.
- Same tensile strength (70,000 psi), suitable for mild steel.
- Iron powder in the flux increases the deposition rate.
- Good bead appearance and relatively easy slag removal (7014 is slightly easier).
When to Use 7018
Use 7018 when:
- Welding structural steel or pressure vessels
- Working on bridges, buildings, or piping
- Code work or inspections are required (meets AWS D1.1 standards)
- You’re welding thicker materials that need deeper penetration
- You can maintain a dry storage environment for rods
Pros of 7018:
- Strong, ductile welds
- Excellent fusion and penetration
- Works in all positions
- Code-approved for structural applications
Cons of 7018:
- Must be kept dry (rod oven)
- Requires a more precise technique
- Not ideal for rusted or painted metal
When to Use 7014
Use 7014 when:
- Welding mild steel in non-critical applications
- You need to move fast with production work
- You’re working on clean, flat surfaces
- Storage conditions are not ideal for low-hydrogen rods
Pros of 7014:
- Easier to strike and run for beginners
- No need for a rod oven
- Smooth bead with minimal spatter
- High deposition rate for faster welding
Cons of 7014:
- Not suitable for structural or high-stress applications
- Limited vertical/uphill capability
- Less penetration than 7018
Bottom Line
| Use Case | Choose This Rod |
|---|---|
| Structural work, code jobs | 7018 |
| Hobby welding, repairs | 7014 |
| Critical weld integrity | 7018 |
| Quick, clean welds on mild steel | 7014 |
In short, 7018 is your go-to for strength, structure, and code compliance, while 7014 is ideal for speed, simplicity, and general-purpose welding. Both have their place—knowing when to use each will make you a better welder.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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