Electrode comparison

E6011 vs E7018

E6011 runs on any machine and welds dirty steel; E7018 needs a clean joint and a rod oven but delivers low-hydrogen 70 ksi weld metal.

E6011 vs E7018 at a glance

	E6011	E7018
AWS specification	AWS A5.1/A5.1M	AWS A5.1/A5.1M
Process	Stick (SMAW)	Stick (SMAW)
Form	Covered electrode	Covered electrode
Tensile strength (min)	60 ksi	70 ksi
Yield strength (min)	48 ksi	58 ksi
Elongation (min)	22%	22%
Impact toughness	20 ft·lb at -20 °F (27 J at -29 °C)	20 ft·lb at -20 °F (27 J at -29 °C)
Polarity	AC, DCEP	DCEP, AC
Positions	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead
Penetration	Deep	Medium
Deposition rate	Low	High
Coating / core	High-cellulose potassium	Low-hydrogen potassium with iron powder
Slag	Thin, light, easy to remove	Heavy, brown-glassy, releases cleanly when run correctly
Shielding gas	None — self-shielding	None — self-shielding
Storage	Room-temperature storage in a dry place. Never bake E6011.	Low-hydrogen rods must be kept dry. Hermetically sealed until opened, then held in a rod oven at 250–300 °F (120–150 °C).
Primary use	Farm and ranch repair on small AC transformer welders	Structural steel erection, bridges and buildings

Which should you use?

E6011 is the repair rod: it runs on the cheapest AC machine, burns through rust and paint, freezes fast enough for any position and needs no special storage. E7018 is the structural rod: 70 ksi instead of 60, low diffusible hydrogen, 20 ft·lb toughness at -20 °F, and mandatory on most coded joints — but it needs a clean joint, a rod oven and better technique. Many jobs use E6011 to establish a root on poor fit-up and E7018 to fill.

Choose E6011 when

AC-only machines and field repair
Rusty, painted or galvanized steel
Poor fit-up and gaps to bridge

Choose E7018 when

Structural and code work
Thick or restrained joints
Any joint requiring low hydrogen or notch toughness

Amperage compared

Diameter	E6011	E7018
1/16 in (1.6 mm)	20–40 A	—
3/32 in (2.4 mm)	40–85 A	70–120 A
1/8 in (3.2 mm)	75–125 A	110–165 A
5/32 in (4.0 mm)	110–160 A	150–220 A
3/16 in (4.8 mm)	140–190 A	200–275 A
7/32 in (5.6 mm)	—	260–340 A

Ranges are typical starting points. Diameters listed for only one electrode are shown as — for the other.

E6011 vs E7018 — common questions

Can E7018 run on AC like E6011?

Yes. The 8 in E7018 covers AC and DCEP. DCEP gives a more stable arc and easier starts, but AC is common on transformer machines and can help with arc blow.

Is E6011 acceptable on structural steel?

Generally not on code work, because it is not low hydrogen. It is widely used for tacking, temporary attachments and repair welding outside code scope.

Which is easier for a beginner?

Neither is easy. E6011 forgives a dirty joint but spatters and demands arc control; E7018 sticks on a cold start but runs smoothly once going. E6013 is the gentler starting point for either.

Full specifications

E6011

AWS A5.1/A5.1M

E6011 is the AC-capable version of E6010 — deep penetration and a fast-freeze puddle that works on small transformer welders and dirty steel.

E7018