Welding Rod Selection by Application

Which welding rod for your job? Guides for exhaust pipe, farm equipment, trailer frames, sheet metal, structural steel, and more. Each recommends specific electrodes with amperage settings.

These guides answer the question "which rod should I use for this job?" Each one recommends specific electrodes with links to full amperage charts and specifications. Start with the application, end with the right rod.

Automotive & Exhaust

Which Welding Rod for Exhaust Pipe Repair

Find the right welding rod for exhaust pipe repair. Covers stick, MIG, and TIG options for mild steel and stainless exhaust systems with amperage settings.

Repair & Maintenance

Which Welding Rod for Cast Iron Repair

Choose the right welding rod for cast iron repair. Covers nickel rods, preheat requirements, and technique to prevent cracking on engine blocks and castings.

Which Welding Rod for Rusty or Dirty Metal

Which welding rod handles rust, paint, and dirty surfaces best? E6010 and E6011 compared for welding on contaminated metal without full prep.

Farm & Field

Which Welding Rod for Farm Equipment Repair

The right welding rod for farm equipment repair. Covers rusty metal, field conditions, and which rods to keep on the truck for common farm welding jobs.

Choosing the Right Rod

Best All-Around Welding Rod: One Rod to Stock

If you could only buy one welding rod, which should it be? E6011, E7014, and E7018 compared as the single best all-purpose electrode for hobbyists.

Best Welding Rod for Beginners to Learn On

Which welding rod should a beginner start with? E6013, E7014, and E6011 compared for ease of learning, forgiveness, and practical results.

Best Flux-Core Wire for Beginners

Which flux-core wire should a beginner buy? E71T-GS vs E71T-11 compared for small MIG welders, hobby projects, and learning to weld without gas.

Structural & Trailers

Which Welding Rod for Trailer Frame Repair

Choose the right welding rod for trailer frame welding and repair. Covers stick, MIG, and flux-core options for structural trailer joints.

Which Welding Rod for Structural Steel

Choose the correct welding rod for structural steel. Covers E7018, E7018-1, and flux-core options for code-compliant structural welding.