Welding & Metalwork Supplies, Cebu
Welding Rods
A stick electrode is a metal rod with a flux coating. The arc melts the rod to fill the joint while the flux burns off to shield the weld pool from the air, which is what stops the weld becoming porous and brittle. The classification number describes the strength, the positions it can be welded in, and the type of coating.
Specification
Sizes and variants
E6011
A deep-penetrating, all-position electrode that works through rust, paint, and mill scale. Common for site repair and less than clean material.
3/32", 1/8", 5/32"
E6012
A general-purpose electrode producing a smooth bead, good for poorly fitted joints.
3/32", 1/8", 5/32"
E7018
A low-hydrogen electrode giving a tougher, more ductile weld, used on structural work.
3/32", 1/8", 5/32"
Other electrodes
Additional sizes and brands, including 3.2mm and 2.5mm classifications.
3.2mm (1/8"), 2.5mm (3/32")
- Type
- Stick electrodes, SMAW
- Supplied
- By the box
- Supplied
- By the box, in a range of brands
Availability varies by size. Other sizes can often be sourced on request.
Checking a price?
Steel prices move with the market, so published figures date quickly. Send a list of sizes, grades, and quantities for a current quotation.
Applications
Where it is used
- Structural steel fabrication
- Site repair and maintenance
- General workshop welding
Questions
About welding rods
What do the numbers in E6011 or E7018 mean?
The first two digits are the tensile strength of the weld in thousands of pounds per square inch, so 60 is 60,000 psi and 70 is 70,000. The third digit gives the welding positions the rod can be used in, and the fourth describes the flux coating and the current it runs on.
Which rod should I use?
6011 penetrates deeply and tolerates rusty or painted material, which suits site repair. 6012 gives a smoother bead and bridges poorly fitted joints. 7018 is the low-hydrogen rod used on structural work where weld toughness matters. Follow the welding procedure where the job has one.
Why does 7018 need to be kept dry?
It is a low-hydrogen electrode, and its flux absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture introduces hydrogen into the weld, which can cause cracking days after the work is done. That is why 7018 is stored in a sealed container or a rod oven rather than left open on a bench.
Does rod diameter matter?
Yes. A larger diameter carries more current and deposits metal faster, which suits thicker material. Thin material needs a smaller rod at lower current or it will burn through.
Looking for other sizes or grades? See the full Welding & Metalwork Supplies range.
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