Stainless Stick
SMAW with stainless steel covered electrodes for austenitic stainless steel fabrication and dissimilar metal joints.
What stainless steel welding rod should I use?
For 304/304L stainless, use E308L-16. For joining stainless to carbon steel, use E309L-16. The L (low carbon) versions prevent intergranular corrosion.
Stainless stick welding uses coated electrodes classified under AWS A5.4. The coating type matters: the "-16" suffix (like E308L-16) means a rutile coating that runs on AC or DCEP with a smooth, easy-to-control arc. The "-15" suffix means a lime coating for DCEP only with deeper penetration. Most shop and field stainless work uses -16 rods.
The "L" in the alloy designation (308L, 309L, 316L) means low carbon, typically 0.03% max. Low carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation during welding, which causes intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. For service above 800F or where post-weld heat treatment is not possible, always use the L grade.
Matching the filler to the base metal is the first rule: 308L for 304 stainless, 316L for 316 stainless, 309L for joining stainless to carbon steel. Using the wrong filler can cause cracking, corrosion, or weld failure. When the base metal is unknown, E312-16 is the safest choice because its high chromium and nickel content resists cracking on most stainless compositions.
Stainless Stick Electrodes
E308L-16
The standard stainless steel stick rod. Matches 304/304L austenitic stainless base metal.
30-160AE309L-16
Dissimilar metal rod. Joins stainless to carbon steel, or welds 309 stainless base metal.
30-170AE316L-16
Molybdenum-bearing stainless stick electrode for marine, chemical, and chloride environments.
40-160AE310-16
25Cr-20Ni high-temperature stainless electrode for furnace parts, kiln linings, and heat-treating fixtures.
40-155AE312-16
High-chromium, high-nickel stainless electrode for dissimilar metals and unknown stainless alloys. Maximum crack resistance.
40-165AAt a Glance
| E308L-16 | E309L-16 | E316L-16 | E310-16 | E312-16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | C | D | C | D | D |
| Structural | B | B | C | D | C |
| Pipe | B | B | B | C | C |
| Repair | C | A | C | D | A |
| Sheet | B | B | B | D | C |
| Production | C | C | C | D | D |
Choosing the Right Stainless Stick Consumable
This category covers 5 consumables. Start with the comparison that matches your decision, or use the application guides to find the right rod for a specific job.
Comparisons
E308L-16 vs E309L-16
E308L-16 is for welding 304 stainless to 304 stainless.
ER308L vs E308L-16
Same 308L stainless alloy in two forms: ER308L is bare wire for MIG/TIG, E308L-16 is a coated stick electrode for SMAW.
Marine Stainless vs Standard Stainless Stick Electrode
E316L-16 moly-bearing vs E308L-16 standard stainless.
High-Temperature vs Standard Stainless Welding Rod
E310-16 for furnace and kiln work vs E308L-16 for general stainless.
Unknown Stainless vs Dissimilar Metal Stainless Rod
E312-16 crack-resistant unknown stainless rod vs E309L-16 standard dissimilar metal rod.
Dissimilar Metal Stainless Wire vs Stick
ER309L wire (MIG/TIG) vs E309L-16 stick for joining stainless to carbon steel.
Marine Stainless Wire vs Stick
ER316L wire (MIG/TIG) vs E316L-16 stick for 316L marine and chemical stainless.
Application Guides
Stainless Steel Electrode Questions
What stainless steel welding rod should I use?
For 304/304L stainless, use E308L-16. For joining stainless to carbon steel, use E309L-16. The L (low carbon) versions prevent intergranular corrosion.
Can you weld stainless steel with a regular welding rod?
No. Carbon steel rods will contaminate stainless steel and compromise its corrosion resistance. Always use a stainless filler metal that matches or over-alloys the base metal.
Do stainless steel welding rods need to be stored in an oven?
E308L-16 and E309L-16 are less moisture-sensitive than low-hydrogen carbon steel rods like E7018, but dry storage is still recommended. Keep them sealed until use and avoid prolonged exposure to humidity.
Related Resources
Weld Defect Troubleshooter
Diagnose defects by electrode type. Select what you see wrong and get rod-specific causes and fixes.
Stick Welding
10 electrodes with amperage charts and specs.
MIG Welding
3 electrodes with amperage charts and specs.
Flux-Core Welding
5 electrodes with amperage charts and specs.
Stainless MIG/TIG
3 electrodes with amperage charts and specs.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.