E6013 vs E7018: When to Use Each Electrode

Both electrodes are mild steel. The difference that matters is hydrogen: E6013 has a rutile coating that tolerates moisture, while E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode that must be stored and handled properly to stay that way.

Use E6013 for

• General fabrication and repair
• Thin sheet where arc stability matters more than strength
• Shops without rod ovens

Use E7018 for

• Restrained joints and thicker sections
• Higher-strength requirements (70 ksi tensile)
• Work that will be inspected

The storage rule people skip

Low-hydrogen electrodes absorb moisture once the vacuum pack is opened. If they are left in an open tin overnight, you no longer have a low-hydrogen electrode — you have an expensive E6013 with a cracking risk.