E6013 vs E7014: Choosing Between Smooth Running Stick Rods
E6013 is a 60 ksi smooth-running rod for thin material and learning. E7014 is a 70 ksi iron-powder rod with higher deposition for faster general fabrication. Both are easy to run.
Key Differences
| Attribute | E6013 | E7014 |
|---|---|---|
| Difference 1 | E6013 is 60,000 psi tensile | E7014 is 70,000 psi |
| Difference 2 | E7014 has iron powder in the flux that increases deposition rate by about 30% | |
| Difference 3 | E6013 is better on thin material due to lower heat input | |
| Difference 4 | E7014 produces thicker, heavier beads and more slag |
Use E6013 when:
Thin material under 3/16 inch. Beginners who need the most forgiving arc possible. Situations where penetration control matters more than speed.
Use E7014 when:
General fabrication on material 3/16 inch and thicker. When you want 70 ksi strength without the moisture sensitivity of E7018. Faster fillet welding where deposition rate matters.
How E6013 and E7014 Work Together
E7014 is sometimes called the easy version of E7018, same tensile strength, easier arc, no low-hydrogen storage requirements. The trade-off is that E7014 is not a low-hydrogen rod, so it cannot substitute for E7018 on code work.
Common Mistake With E6013
Using E7014 where a code or WPS specifies E7018. They have the same tensile strength but E7014 is not low-hydrogen and will not pass code inspection.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from AWS A5.1.