Welding Electrode Guide: E6013 vs E7018 vs E308L

Reading the code

Take E6013. E = electrode. 60 = 60,000 psi tensile strength. 1 = weldable in all positions. 3 = the flux type and current. Once you can read it, the box tells you the whole story.

E6013 — the general-purpose rod

• Easy to strike, stable arc, forgiving on thin and light material
• Runs on AC or DC — works even on basic transformer sets
• Slag lifts off cleanly; good-looking beads without much skill
• Use for: general fabrication, gates, grills, sheet, repairs

Product: E6013 Mild Steel Electrode

E7018 — low-hydrogen, for structure

• 70,000 psi and a tough, ductile weld — this is the structural rod
• Low-hydrogen: keeps hydrogen out of the weld, which is what prevents cracking in thick or restrained joints
• Needs DC and a bit more technique — drag it, do not whip it
• Use for: structural steel, pressure work, heavy sections, anything that must not crack

Product: E7018 Low-Hydrogen Electrode

E308L — stainless

• For 304/304L stainless steel
• The L means low carbon, which resists the carbide precipitation that causes rust at the weld
• Use E316L instead when the job faces chemicals or marine air

Product: Stainless Steel Electrode (E308L / E316L)

E8018 — high tensile

When the base metal is a low-alloy high-tensile steel, the weld has to match it. That is E8018.

Quick pick