6010 and 7018 are two of the most widely used stick electrodes in the welding industry—but they serve very different purposes. One is built for speed, penetration, and root passes. The other is designed for high strength, low hydrogen, and structural work.
If you’ve ever wondered “Which rod should I use?” this guide breaks down the differences in arc characteristics, penetration, polarity, strength, and code applications.
Key Takeaways
- 6010 = deep penetration, fast-freeze, open-root king
- 7018 = high-strength, low-hydrogen, structural standard
- 6010 runs on DCEP only (most cases)
- 7018 runs on DCEP or AC depending on formulation
- 6010 great for pipe roots; 7018 dominates final passes and code work
- 7018 requires low-hydrogen storage (rod oven)
Electrode Number Meaning
Understanding the AWS code helps explain performance.
6010
- 60 → 60,000 psi tensile strength
- 1 → all positions
- 0 → cellulose sodium coating (deep penetration)
7018
- 70 → 70,000 psi tensile strength
- 1 → all positions
- 8 → low-hydrogen iron powder coating
Arc Characteristics
6010
- Aggressive, digging arc
- Deep penetration on dirty, rusty, or painted steel
- Fast-freeze puddle (good for open roots)
- Tight, narrow bead
- Strong keyhole control
7018
- Smooth, stable arc
- Softer puddle with less digging
- Easy to stack uniform, wide beads
- Higher deposition rate
- Excellent appearance
Penetration & Puddle Behavior
| Feature | 6010 | 7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration | Very deep | Moderate |
| Puddle | Fast-freeze | Fill/freezer hybrid |
| Slag | Light, flaky | Thick, easy-peel |
| Cleaning Tolerance | Excellent | Needs clean steel |
Polarity Requirements
6010
- Runs best on DCEP (reverse polarity)
- Many brands only run correctly on DCEP
7018
- Runs on DCEP
- Many versions available as AC-only rods
- 7018AC designed for buzz-box machines
Strength & Mechanical Properties
| Property | 6010 | 7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 60 ksi | 70 ksi |
| Hydrogen Level | High | Low (low-hydrogen class) |
| Ductility | High | Excellent |
| Code Work | Limited | Standard for structural, pressure pipe |
Best Applications
6010 – Use When You Need:
- Root passes on pipe
- Welding through mill scale or contaminants
- Deep penetration on structural members
- Open-gap joints
- Fast, controlled root keyholing
7018 – Use When You Need:
- Final passes on structural work
- Code-quality welds (AWS D1.1, ASME, etc.)
- High-strength welds with low hydrogen
- Clean steel
- Smooth, aesthetically clean beads
Storage & Handling Differences
6010
- No rod oven required
- Tolerates moisture well
7018
- Must be stored in a rod oven after opening
- Cannot be used if exposed to moisture
- Hydrogen pickup increases crack risk
Which One Should You Use?
Use 6010 if:
- You’re doing pipe roots
- The steel is dirty or rusty
- You need fast-freeze control
- You need maximum penetration
Use 7018 if:
- You’re doing structural or pressure code work
- You need low-hydrogen welds
- You want smooth, strong cap passes
- The steel is clean and prepped
Most pipeline welders run 6010 for roots and 7018 for hot passes and caps.
Where to Buy Electrodes
ArcWeld Store:
6010
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Safety Notes (AWS/ANSI References)
- Follow ANSI Z49.1 for SMAW PPE and ventilation
- Wear Z87.1-rated eye and face protection
- Use proper ventilation—stick welding generates significant fumes
- Handle 7018 rods per AWS low-hydrogen storage guidelines
- Avoid welding 7018 rods that have absorbed moisture
FAQ
Can you run 6010 on AC?
Some machines attempt it, but results are inconsistent. DCEP is required for proper performance.
Is 7018 stronger than 6010?
Yes. 7018 is a 70 ksi tensile electrode vs. 60 ksi for 6010.
Can beginners start with 7018?
7018 is easier to run cleanly, but its slag can hide defects. 6010 teaches puddle control.
What rod is best for dirty steel?
6010—hands down.
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