Harris E6013 (1/8 x 14 in) is an AWS A5.1/A5.1M E6013 rutile-coated SMAW electrode delivering 60 ksi minimum tensile strength on AC, DC+, or DC− power in all welding positions. The high-titania (rutile) coating produces a smooth, quiet arc with minimal spatter, a fluid weld puddle, and self-releasing slag — making Harris E6013 the most accessible and beginner-friendly stick electrode in the AWS A5.1 specification. Unlike cellulosic E6010/E6011 and low-hydrogen E7018 electrodes, E6013 runs on virtually any welding machine type, provides an easy arc start, and delivers clean bead appearance with virtually no technique barrier. This 1/8 in diameter, 14-inch rod is WeldingMart's standard Harris 6013 offering for light structural, fabrication, and welding training applications.
AWS classification |
AWS A5.1/A5.1M E6013 |
|---|---|
Coating type |
Rutile (high-titania) |
Polarity |
AC, DC+ (DCEP), or DC− (DCEN) |
Welding positions |
All positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) |
Rod dimensions |
1/8 in diameter × 14 in length |
Minimum tensile strength |
60,000 psi (414 MPa) |
Minimum yield strength |
48,000 psi (331 MPa) |
Elongation |
17% minimum |
Typical current range |
1/8 in: 70–120 A (AC or DC) |
Manufacturer |
Harris Products Group |
Standards compliance |
AWS A5.1/A5.1M E6013 |
Light structural fabrication: Gates, fences, frames, brackets, and general mild steel structures where code certification is not required and bead appearance matters
Welding education and training: The universal first electrode for welding schools — all-polarity, easy start, self-releasing slag, and forgiving technique requirements make 6013 the lowest-barrier learning electrode
Sheet metal and thin plate: 1/8 in thickness and lighter, where the fluid puddle and reduced penetration of E6013 are advantages rather than drawbacks
Farm welding on AC machines: Runs reliably on AC transformer welders (farm buzzboxes) without DC requirement
Maintenance and repair of clean mild steel: Non-code repair where appearance and ease of use are the priorities
Hobby and home shop welding: The ideal electrode for home welders who want clean, presentable beads on thin-to-medium mild steel with minimal setup
Amperage for 1/8 in: 70–120 A on AC or DC. Start at 90–100 A for most applications; increase for thicker material, decrease for thin sheet or overhead. The rutile arc is forgiving of moderate amperage variation.
Polarity: All three polarities (AC, DC+, DC−) produce acceptable results. DC+ provides slightly deeper penetration; DC− produces a softer arc with less penetration (good for thin material). AC is fully acceptable and common on farm welders.
Arc length: Slightly longer arc than E7018 — approximately 1–1.5× rod diameter is acceptable with the rutile coating. The fluid slag shields the pool effectively at moderate arc lengths.
Travel angle: 5–15° drag (push slightly for vertical-up). Consistent travel speed produces flat, uniform beads with minimal spatter.
Slag removal: One of the easiest slags in stick welding — often self-releasing as the joint cools. Light chipping and wire brushing for multi-pass or high-appearance welds.
Vertical welding: No special weave required — a steady, upward progression with slight pause works well for vertical-up on 1/8 in plate at appropriate amperage.
Harris E6013 is a rutile electrode — no oven storage required:
Store in original packaging in a dry location at ambient temperature
Oven storage damages the coating — never place E6013 in a low-hydrogen holding oven
If exposed to moisture, air-dry at room temperature before use
Sealed original packaging provides adequate protection for long-term storage
Base metals: ASTM A36, A572 (Grade 36/50), mild steel sheet and plate, low-carbon structural steel; not recommended for higher-carbon or alloy steels requiring low-hydrogen deposits
Joint types: Butt joints, fillet welds, lap joints, T-joints on mild steel up to approximately 3/8 in thickness where full-penetration groove welds are not structurally required
Not suitable for: Structural code welding where low hydrogen is specified (use E7018), contaminated or heavily rusted metal (use E6011), stainless steel, cast iron, or high-carbon steel
What is Harris E6013 used for?
Harris E6013 1/8 in is used for light structural fabrication, welding training, thin-plate mild steel, farm welding, and maintenance welding where appearance and ease of use matter more than high strength or code compliance. It is the most beginner-friendly stick electrode in the AWS A5.1 family.
What is the difference between E6013 and E7018?
E7018 provides 70 ksi tensile strength, a low-hydrogen coating, and is required for AWS D1.1 structural code welding. E6013 provides 60 ksi tensile strength with a rutile coating that is easier to run but has higher hydrogen and is not the first choice for structural code welds. For training and light fabrication, E6013 is ideal. For structural or pressure-critical welds, E7018 is specified.
What is the difference between Harris E6013 and Harris 6013 (regular)?
Harris E6013 IS the standard E6013 classification. The "IS" prefix in the handle indicates the International Standard product designation used by Harris internally. Both products meet AWS A5.1/A5.1M E6013 and are interchangeable in application. This 1/8 x 14 in rod is the standard single-pass and multi-pass diameter for general fabrication.
Can E6013 be used on AC machines?
Yes — E6013 is one of the best electrodes for AC-only welding machines including farm buzzboxes, low-OCV inverters, and older transformer welders. The rutile coating ionizes well at AC frequency, providing a stable, easy-starting arc without the DC requirement of E6010 or the demanding technique of E7018 on AC.
What amperage do I use for 1/8 inch 6013?
For 1/8 in E6013, use 70–120 A depending on position and base metal thickness. A starting point of 90–100 A works well for most flat and horizontal positions on 3/16 – 1/4 in mild steel. Reduce to 70–80 A for thin sheet metal or overhead position; increase to 110–120 A for flat position on heavier plate (3/8 in and up).
Is E6013 or E6011 better for rusty metal?
E6011 is significantly better for rusty, scaled, or contaminated metal. The deep-penetrating cellulosic arc of E6011 burns through surface oxidation that would cause porosity in E6013's rutile deposit. Use E6013 on clean or lightly scaled mild steel for best results; use E6011 where surface preparation is not possible.
Can I weld structural steel with E6013?
Harris E6013 is prequalified under AWS A5.1 and can be used for fillet welds and certain groove weld configurations. However, it is not the first choice for primary structural members where AWS D1.1 calls for low-hydrogen electrodes (E7018 class). E6013 is fully acceptable for secondary structural members, gussets, connection plates, and non-primary welds as permitted by the applicable welding procedure specification.
Browse all stick electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — or compare with Harris E7018 for structural code welding, or Harris E6011 for deep-penetrating cellulosic welding on rough metal.
Harris E6013 welding rods ship from WeldingMart — add this product to your cart to place your order. We stock Harris E6013 in both small and contractor-pack quantities so you can order the right amount for your project. Create a WeldingMart account to track your order, manage your product history, and reorder without re-entering information. In-stock orders ship the same day. Check current stock availability on this product page; if your required quantity is listed, it is ready to ship. Order Harris E6013 in bulk to reduce per-rod costs for production and training applications.
When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include 1 8. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.
When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include 1 8. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.
Harris E6013 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E6013 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
WeldingMart ships Harris E6013 from our warehouse with fast processing. This product ships in the original manufacturer packaging to ensure electrode integrity during transit. Each product order ships with a manufacturer lot number for traceability. Add the correct diameter to your cart — select the product variant (1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in) before you add to cart.
- How to add to cart: Select your preferred diameter and package size, then add the product to your cart. Review your cart to confirm the correct product variant and quantity before checkout.
- This product ships: Harris E6013 ships from our Wisconsin warehouse. Standard orders ship same day when placed by our daily order cutoff. Expedited shipping is available at checkout.
- Stock availability: Current stock levels are shown on this product page. Add to cart to reserve your quantity — stock is not held until you complete your order.
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- Bulk orders: For large quantity orders of this product, add the desired quantity to cart and complete checkout — our system handles bulk order processing automatically. Contact us before ordering pallet quantities.
- Return policy: This product is eligible for return within 30 days if unopened and in original packaging. Contact our team before returning any product to obtain a return authorization number.
This product ships with tracking. Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information. Check your account order history for the latest shipment status on all orders. If you need to add additional products to your order, add them to cart before checkout — orders cannot be modified after they ship.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E6013 include: tube, lb tube, electrode, general purpose, stick smaw, rods, smaw, x 14, position, shop, good, mild steel. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E6013 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E6013 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E6013 include: tube, lb tube, general purpose, stick smaw, rods, x 14, smaw, pressure vessel fittings, galvanized steel, steel electrode, fill, piping. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E6013 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E6013 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E6013 include: lb tube, tube, general purpose, stick smaw, rods, boilers, vehicles, harris 6013, stick welding, shop, good, pressure vessel fittings. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.