Welding Rods

Welding rods, also called stick electrodes, are flux-coated rods that carry the current and melt into the joint in stick (SMAW) welding. The four digits tell you what the rod does: the first two give tensile strength (60 = 60,000 psi, 70 = 70,000 psi), the third gives the welding positions, and the last gives the coating and current type.

  • 6010: deep, digging penetration on DC. The standard root-pass rod for pipe.
  • 6011: deep penetration on AC or DC. It burns through rust, paint and dirty steel, so it is the go-to for farm, fence and repair work on a buzz-box welder.
  • 6013: smooth, easy arc with shallow penetration. Good for thin sheet metal and beginners.
  • 7014: iron-powder rod that fills fast with easy slag removal on flat and horizontal welds.
  • 7018 and 7018AC: low-hydrogen rods for strong, crack-resistant welds on structural steel. 7018AC runs on AC-only welders. Store 7018 in a rod oven to keep it dry.
  • Hardfacing and specialty rods: Washington Alloy 700 hardfacing for rebuilding worn buckets and blades, 308L and 309L stainless, nickel and Monel rods for cast iron and dissimilar metals, AL345 aluminum and chamfer cut rods.

We stock Washington Alloy, Forney, Hobart and Victor rods in 3/32", 1/8" and 5/32", from 1 lb packs to 10 lb boxes and bulk cases, plus rod ovens and Rod Guard holders. Not sure which rod to use? Read our guide to the types of welding rods. Need a machine? Shop stick welders.