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What is the difference between 7014 and 7018 welding rod?
Two rods, same strength—but made for different welders and jobs.
The 7014 and 7018 welding rods both have 70,000 psi tensile strength, but 7018 is low-hydrogen and used for critical welds, while 7014 is easier to use and made for clean, flat-position welding.
Let’s explore what makes them different and when to choose each.
What is a 7014 welding rod used for?
It’s fast, clean, and beginner-friendly.
7014 rods are used for welding clean, mild steel in flat and horizontal positions—perfect for fabrication, light structural work, and decorative welds.
One Prime client in Southeast Asia uses 7014 to build steel racks, hitches, and gates. It runs fast, lays a smooth bead, and doesn’t need a rod oven—ideal for shop floors and small projects.
Key uses for 7014 rods
| Application Area | Why 7014 Works Best |
|---|---|
| Light fabrication | Easy arc start, good bead shape |
| Trailers and frames | Moderate strength, low spatter |
| Railing and brackets | Smooth welds with minimal cleanup |
| Equipment repair | Quick fix on clean steel |
Prime includes 7014 rods in starter welding kits, ideal for small businesses, repair shops, and training programs.
What is the difference between 7018 and 7014 rod?
One’s built for critical code work—the other for convenience.
7018 rods are low-hydrogen electrodes used in structural and code welding. 7014 rods are easier to use but lack the same toughness and hydrogen resistance.
We had a client working on industrial pressure vessels. They initially tried 7014 but failed their X-ray tests. Once we replaced it with 7018, every weld passed.
7014 vs. 7018 Comparison
| Feature | 7014 | 7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Type | Iron powder, titania | Low-hydrogen, iron powder |
| Welding Position | Flat, horizontal | All positions |
| Strength Class | 70,000 psi | 70,000+ psi |
| Hydrogen Control | None | Excellent (low-hydrogen) |
| Weld Appearance | Smooth, fast fill | Clean, with deep fusion |
| Storage Needs | Dry box or room-temp shelf | Needs rod oven or sealed pack |
Prime offers both rods in job-specific kits, helping clients select the right filler for clean shop work or certified field joints.
What is the hardest welding rod to use?
Some rods demand next-level skill.
E6010 is one of the hardest rods to use due to its fast-freeze puddle, whip-and-pause technique, and DC-only requirement.
A pipeline contractor in North America had new welders struggle with 6010 root passes. We stepped in with training and prep kits to help them master it—and their weld quality soared.
Why E6010 is challenging
- Arc is aggressive and narrow
- Must maintain exact travel speed and angle
- No slag to mask bad fusion
- Freezes fast, making puddle control hard
| Rod Type | Skill Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E6010 | Expert | For pipe roots and verticals |
| E7018 | Intermediate | For code work, requires control |
| E7014 | Easy | Great for learning and fab |
Prime offers training-grade 6010 rods and field guides for clients taking on complex code welds or pipe certification tests.
What is a 7018 electrode best used for?
When quality can’t be compromised.
7018 rods are best used for structural steel, bridges, buildings, and pressure vessels where strength and crack resistance are essential.
We’ve supplied 7018 to clients building heavy-duty truck frames and offshore structures—every rod vacuum-packed and oven-dried to meet AWS and ISO specs.
7018 Ideal Applications
| Use Case | Why 7018 Is Preferred |
|---|---|
| Structural welding | High tensile, low-hydrogen welds |
| Pressure vessels | Crack-resistant, clean joints |
| Heavy equipment | Strong, smooth, tested welds |
| Code-certified jobs | Passes X-ray and bend testing |
Prime supports clients with low-hydrogen welding kits, including 7018 rods, WPS documents, and storage procedures to meet code and inspection needs.
Conclusion
7018 is your rod for strength and certification—7014 is for speed and ease on clean steel. Know your job, and pick the right rod.
Still unsure which rod suits your project? Contact Prime today through our website. We offer ISO-certified welding rods, expert advice, and fast global delivery—tailored to your workflow, budget, and performance needs.
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