Welding Rods for Every Stick Welder

Stick welding works in the wind, on rusty steel and far from the shop, and it all starts with the right rod. ATL Welding Supply stocks stick welding rods from Washington Alloy, Forney, Hobart, and Victor for farm repair, fab shops, and pipe work. Grab a 1 lb pack to try a new rod, a 10 lb box for the shop, or a 1,020 lb bulk lot of 1/8" 6011. Not sure where to start? The welding rod chart below compares the most popular rods side by side.

How to Read a Welding Rod

  • First two digits: tensile strength; 60 means 60,000 psi and 70 means 70,000 psi
  • Third digit: welding position; a 1 means the rod runs in all positions
  • Fourth digit: the flux coating and which current it runs on (AC, DC, or both)

Popular Stick Welding Rods

  • 6011 welding rod: digs through rust, paint, and mill scale; runs on AC or DC
  • 6013 welding rod: soft arc and easy slag removal for sheet metal and light fab work
  • 7018 welding rod: low hydrogen rod for strong, crack-resistant structural welds; 7018AC versions run on AC welders
  • 6010: deep penetration on DC for pipe root passes
  • Specialty rods: 7014, hardfacing, stainless, nickel and aluminum electrodes

Learn more about the types of welding rods you should know here.

RodCurrentPenetrationBest ForSizes at ATL
6010DCDeepPipe root passes3/32", 1/8", 5/32"
6011AC or DCDeepRusty, painted, or dirty steel; farm repair3/32" to 3/16"
6013AC or DCShallowThin sheet metal; beginners3/32" to 5/32"
7014AC or DCLightFast fill on flat and horizontal welds5/32"
7018DC; 7018AC for AC weldersMediumStrong structural welds on clean steel3/32" to 3/16"

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between 6011 and 7018 welding rods?

A 6011 rod digs deep and handles dirty steel on AC or DC. A 7018 rod lays smooth, strong welds on clean steel and is the standard for structural work.

What size welding rod should I use?

1/8" covers most home and farm jobs. 3/32" suits thinner metal and smaller welders, and 5/32" or 3/16" handles thick plate at higher amperage.

Why do 7018 rods need to stay dry?

7018 is a low hydrogen rod, and moisture in the coating can cause porosity and cracking. Keep opened boxes in a rod oven.

Shop Welding Rods

Stock up on 6011, 6013, and 7018 welding rods in the size and pack that fit your work. Browse the collection above, or call 800.551.1086 or email sales@atlweldingsupply.com for a quote on bulk quantities or a rod you don't see listed.