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Stick Welding Rods & Stick Electrodes

Stick welding rods, also known as stick electrodes or arc welding rods, are used for reliable welding performance in field, repair, and structural applications. Designed for use with stick welders, these electrodes provide strong penetration and stable arc control across a wide range of materials and conditions. Common options such as 6010, 6011, and 7018 allow welders to match electrode type to the job, whether working outdoors, on dirty materials, or in high-strength structural welding. Available in multiple classifications including 6010, 6011, and 7018, allowing welders to select the right rod for penetration, strength, and welding conditions.

Stick Welding Rods (Stick Electrodes) for Field & Structural Welding

Stick welding rods are used across a wide range of applications including structural steel, pipeline welding, equipment repair, and outdoor fabrication where portability and reliability are critical. Stick welders will use these electrodes that perform well on dirty or rusted materials and in conditions where shielding gas is not practical.

Different electrode types are selected based on the job. 6010 and 6011 stick electrodes are commonly used for deep penetration and fast-freeze characteristics, while 7018 welding rods are preferred for low-hydrogen, high-strength structural welding where weld integrity is critical.

At WeldingMart, professionals can buy stick welding rods in multiple classifications, diameters, and package sizes to match job requirements and keep projects moving without delays. Explore our full selection of welding wire & filler metals for complete welding solutions.

Benefits

  • Deep penetration and reliable performance for field welding, pipeline work, and structural applications
  • Application-specific electrode options (6010, 6011, 7018) to match material condition and weld requirements
  • Multiple sizes and in-stock availability to keep jobs moving without downtime

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 6010 and a 6011 stick electrode?
Both are fast-freeze, deep-penetrating all-position electrodes rated at 60,000 psi tensile strength, but the key difference is polarity and current compatibility. The Lincoln Electric Fleetweld 5P (E6010) requires DC power and is the go-to rod for pipe root passes because of its aggressive arc and excellent puddle control. The E6011 runs on AC or DC, making it better suited for older or limited AC-output machines while still offering strong penetration on contaminated or painted steel.
When should I use a 7018 rod instead of a 6013?
Use the 7018 any time structural integrity, crack resistance, or code compliance is required. The Lincoln Electric Excalibur 7018 MR is a low-hydrogen electrode with 70,000 psi tensile strength, a stable arc on DCEP or AC, and a low-hydrogen coating that dramatically reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking on higher-carbon and high-strength low-alloy steels. The 6013 is a lighter-coated, easy-running rod suited for thin sheet metal, hobbyist projects, and AC machines where maximum strength or code compliance is not the priority.
What amperage should I run a 7018 electrode at?
Amperage for a 7018 varies by rod diameter: a 3/32 in. rod typically runs 70–110 A, a 1/8 in. rod runs 90–160 A, and a 5/32 in. rod runs 110–230 A, all on DCEP or AC. For out-of-position work (vertical, overhead), reduce amperage by roughly 10–15% compared to flat position. Always check the specific Lincoln Electric product datasheet, as the Excalibur 7018 MR and 7018 XMR may have slightly tightened recommended ranges for optimal low-hydrogen performance.
What does the 'MR' mean on Lincoln Electric Excalibur 7018 MR electrodes?
MR stands for Moisture Resistant. The Excalibur 7018 MR uses a specially formulated low-hydrogen coating that resists atmospheric moisture pickup after the can is opened, giving you a longer working window before the electrode needs to be returned to a rod oven. This is particularly valuable in humid jobsite environments where opened rods are exposed to the air during a full shift. The 7018 XMR designation indicates an even higher level of moisture resistance for more demanding storage conditions.
What is the Lincoln Electric Fleetweld 5P used for?
The Fleetweld 5P is Lincoln's trade name for their E6010 electrode and is the industry-standard choice for cross-country and in-plant pipe welding root passes. It features a deep-penetrating, fast-freezing arc with a light slag that is easy to remove, making it excellent for all-position work on steel with moderate surface contaminants, galvanized steel, and square-edge butt welds. It requires a DC-capable power source and typically runs DCEP (electrode positive).
What is the 7014 electrode good for, and how does it differ from a 7018?
The E7014 is an iron-powder, titania-coated electrode designed for high-deposition flat and horizontal welding with easy arc starts and a self-peeling slag. Unlike the 7018, the 7014 is not a low-hydrogen electrode, so it does not require rod oven storage and is well-suited for general fabrication on mild steel where hydrogen cracking is not a concern. The 7018 should be chosen when welding higher-carbon steel, restrained joints, or any application where low-hydrogen deposits are required by code or engineering specification.
Can I use 7018 electrodes without a rod oven?
7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode and is sensitive to moisture absorption once the hermetically sealed package is opened. For non-code work, electrodes used within approximately four hours of opening a factory-sealed can are generally acceptable; beyond that window, the rods should be stored in a holding oven at 250–300°F (121–149°C). For code-governed structural or pressure vessel work, follow the applicable AWS or project specification for exposure limits and rebaking procedures, which typically require recalcining at 500–800°F for 1–2 hours if moisture pickup is suspected.
What electrode diameter should I choose for welding 1/4-inch steel plate?
For 1/4 in. plate in the flat or horizontal position, a 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) or 5/32 in. (4.0 mm) diameter electrode is the most common choice. A 5/32 in. 7018 allows higher deposition rates and faster travel speeds on heavier plate, while a 1/8 in. electrode gives you more control on thinner sections or for root passes. Electrode diameter should never exceed the thickness of the thinner base metal being joined, and out-of-position work generally favors smaller diameters for better puddle control.
What is the Lincoln Electric Wearshield line of electrodes used for?
The Wearshield line (including Wearshield 60, Wearshield Abr, and Wearshield Mangjet) consists of hardfacing electrodes designed for rebuilding and protecting metal surfaces subject to severe abrasion, impact, or metal-to-metal wear — not for joining structural steel. Wearshield Abr is optimized for abrasion resistance, while Wearshield Mangjet is formulated for austenitic manganese steel components like crusher jaws and rail frogs that require work-hardening properties. These electrodes are selected based on the wear mechanism rather than tensile strength requirements.
What is the Lincoln Electric Pipeliner Arc 80 electrode and when is it used?
The Pipeliner Arc 80 is a low-hydrogen, iron-powder electrode classified to meet requirements for higher-strength pipeline steel, typically used for fill and cap passes over a 6010 or 6011 root. It delivers 80,000 psi minimum tensile strength with excellent low-temperature toughness, making it appropriate for higher-grade pipeline steels such as API 5L X65 or similar. It is available in 5/32 and 3/16 in. diameters and is designed specifically for pipeline fabrication and field repair applications.

Stick Welding Rods & Stick Electrodes Questions & Answers