Choosing between E6013 and E7016 / E7018 welding rods is one of those decisions. The rods may look similar, but the consequences of choosing the wrong one are not.

This guide explains the real differences between E6013 and E7016 / E7018 welding rods, when each should be used, and how to make the right choice based on strength, penetration, and application requirements – not habit or convenience.

What’s the Real Difference Between E6013 and E7016 / E7018 Welding Rods?

At a glance, E6013 and E7016 / E7018 electrodes can appear interchangeable. In practice, they are built for very different jobs.

E6013 – Rutile / General-purpose electrode

E6013 electrodes are commonly referred to as general-purpose rods, farmer rods, easy-grind rods, sheet metal rods, or hobby rods. These names reflect their defining trait: ease of use.

E6013 rods strike easily, run smoothly on AC DCEN, or DCEP, and produce a quiet, stable arc with minimal spatter. Medium penetration is relatively low, which makes them well suited to light fabrication, maintenance work, and thinner materials – even when surface preparation isn’t perfect.

A typical example is Austarc 12P, a general-purpose rutile electrode classified as AS/NZS E43 13 A (AWS E6013). Its forgiving arc characteristics make it a popular choice for everyday welding tasks where usability matters more than structural strength.

E7016 / E7018 – Low-hydrogen electrodes

E7018 electrodes are commonly known as low-hydrogen rods, structural rods, or heavy-duty rods. These names exist for a reason: E7016 / E7018 is designed for strength, reliability, and critical weld integrity.

With a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi, 7018 electrodes deliver deeper penetration and higher deposition rates than general-purpose rods. They are engineered to minimise hydrogen in the weld metal, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in thicker or highly stressed steel.

The Austarc 77 is a smooth-running basic type of low hydrogen iron powder electrode which is used for all positional welding except vertical down. The arc is very quiet with little spatter, and the welds are exceptionally smooth with excellent wash in at the toes of the weld, thus giving minimum undercut.

The Austarc 16TC is WIA’s flagship low-hydrogen electrode in this category, classified as AS/NZS E4916 A H8 (AWS E7016). It is one of WIA’s best-selling and most relied-upon structural electrodes, trusted by end users for its consistent arc stability, smooth slag release, and dependable mechanical properties across a wide range of structural applications.

Like all true low-hydrogen electrodes, the Austarc 16TC must be handled and stored correctly to perform as intended.

For a broader overview of electrode classifications and selection principles, WIA’s guide to selecting the right stick electrode provides useful background.

When E6013 Welding Rods are the Right Choice

E6013 welding rods are best suited to applications where ease of use and versatility take priority over maximum strength.

They are commonly used for:

• Light fabrication and repair work

• Sheet metal and thin sections

• Noncritical welds

• General maintenance welding

• Applications requiring AC power

General-purpose rods such as the Austarc 12P tolerate minor surface contamination, are easy to control, and produce clean-looking welds with minimal effort. This makes them a practical choice for non-critical work and situations where speed and usability matter.

What they are not designed for is structural or load-bearing welding, where penetration depth and tensile strength are critical.

When E7016 / E7018 Welding Rods are Required

E7016/E7018 welding rods should be used when strength, compliance, and long-term weld integrity are non-negotiable.

They are typically specified for:

• Structural steelwork

• Load-bearing components

• Pressure-related applications

• Code-controlled or inspected welds

Low-hydrogen electrodes such as Austarc 16TC and Austarc 77 are designed to produce strong, ductile welds with reduced cracking risk. Their controlled hydrogen levels and consistent mechanical properties make them suitable for critical structural work where compliance and reliability are essential.

In many applications, substituting a E6013 rod where a E7016/E7018 is specified isn’t just poor practice – it can lead to failed inspections, rework, or premature weld failure.

Why Austarc 16TC is a Trusted Structural Electrode

Among low-hydrogen options, Austarc 16TC stands out as a proven, high-performance solution across structural fabrication, site work, and workshop applications.

Key benefits include:

• Excellent arc stability and control

• Smooth slag removal and clean weld appearance

• Reliable mechanical properties meeting structural requirements

• Reduced hydrogen levels to minimise cracking risk

• Suitable for positional welding

Its consistent performance and ease of control make it a preferred choice for many welding professionals who require structural-grade results without sacrificing usability.

As WIA’s most relied-on low-hydrogen electrode, Austarc 16TC represents a practical example of why E7016 electrodes are specified for demanding applications.

Strength, Penetration and Weld Quality Compared

The key technical differences between E6013 and E7018 welding rods come down to strength, penetration and mechanical performance.

• E6013 electrodes produce shallow penetration and neat-looking welds, but with lower tensile strength.

• E7016 / E7018 electrodes provide deeper penetration, higher deposition rates, and welds rated at 70,000 psi tensile strength.

A smooth bead appearance does not guarantee weld strength. This is one of the most common traps when electrodes are chosen based on how easy they are to run rather than what the job demands.

Low-Hydrogen Electrodes and Why E7016 / E7018 Matters

Low-hydrogen electrodes are designed to limit hydrogen in the weld metal – a critical factor in preventing cracking in thicker or restrained joints.

Because moisture introduces hydrogen, E7016 / E7018 rods must be stored in a controlled environment, typically in a rod oven. Improper storage can quickly undo the benefits of a low-hydrogen electrode, regardless of how well the weld appears on the surface.

Correct electrode selection should always be backed by good welding practice. WIA’s eight tips for creating a good weld highlight how preparation, technique, and handling all contribute to weld quality.

Common Mistakes When Choosing between E6013 and E7016 / E7018

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Assuming a smooth arc equals a strong weld

• Failing to store low-hydrogen electrodes correctly

• Ignoring specifications or compliance requirements

• Choosing a E6013 rod for convenience when a E7018 is required

These errors often do or don’t show up immediately – but they tend to surface later, when the cost of fixing them is far higher.

Quick Guide – Choosing the Right Welding Rod

• Choose E6013 for light fabrication, repairs, and general-purpose welding.

• Choose E7016 (such as Austarc 16TC) for structural, load-bearing, or code-specified applications.

• Choose E7018 (such as Austarc 77) for structural, pressure vessel, critical load-bearing welds, requiring high strength and low hydrogen or code-specified applications.

• Always prioritise strength, penetration, and compliance over ease of use.

Explore WIA’s full range of stick welding electrodes to find the right solution for your application.

Try the Austarc 12P and 16TC for Yourself

If you’d like to experience the difference firsthand, WIA offers a free Austarc sample pack featuring both Austarc 12P and Austarc 16TC. Testing both electrodes in your own application is one of the most practical ways to understand how arc characteristics, penetration, and slag behaviour compare in real-world conditions.

Register for your free sample pack via the Austarc free sample pack page.

Final Word

There is no universally “better” electrode between E6013 and E7018 – only the right welding rod for the job. Understanding the difference is essential for producing safe, durable, and compliant welds.

Making the right choice upfront saves time, reduces rework, and protects the integrity of the work – and the reputation of the person who laid the weld.

Need help choosing the right welding rod for your application?
Welding Industries Australia’s Technical Welding Specialists can help you match the correct electrode to your material, process, and compliance requirements – before problems show up on the job.

Contact us here.