Stick rods explained in one table: 6010, 6011, 6013, 7018

@arc_annie · Oct 4, 2026 · 2.6k views
Difficultyeasy
Rod Polarity Penetration Good for
6010 DC+ only Deep, digging Pipe roots, rusty/painted steel, DC machines only
6011 AC or DC Deep Same as 6010 but runs on a cheap AC buzz box
6013 AC or DC Shallow, soft arc Thin material, sheet, beginners who want easy starts
7018 DC+ (AC versions exist) Medium, smooth Structural, anything that matters; keep the rods dry

The rule of thumb for amperage is 1 amp per thousandth of rod diameter: a 1/8" (.125") rod wants about 125 amps, minus some for 6013, plus some for 7018. 7018 that has been open in a damp garage for a month will porosity-pop; bake them or buy a new pack.

#stick#smaw#electrodes#7018#6011#welding

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@benchtop_bea 17d ago

I did the same repair last month and your step 3 is where I got stuck. Wish I had this then.

5
@arc_annie OP 16d ago

Right around what the post says, give or take shipping.

7

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