Mild Steel - Stick Electrodes
Mild steel stick electrodes (SMAW arc-welding rods) from HYW Products cover the full range of carbon-steel covered electrodes to AWS A5.1 / ASME SFA-5.1 — E6010, E6011, E6013, E7014, E7018, and E7024. Whether you need deep-penetrating cellulosic rods for pipe root passes, an easy-arc rod for sheet metal, or a low-hydrogen rod for code-governed structural work, you'll find the right diameter and pack here in both 10 lb boxes and 50 lb hermetically sealed cans. Common sizes: 3/32", 1/8", and 5/32".
Buying guide, comparison chart, brand cross-reference & FAQ — click to expand
Which Mild Steel Stick Electrode Should You Use?
| Electrode | Tensile | Current | Positions | Coating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E6010 | 60 ksi | DC+ only | All, incl. vertical-down | High-cellulose sodium | Pipe root passes, deep penetration, dirty/rusty steel |
| E6011 | 60 ksi | AC or DC+ | All, incl. vertical-down | High-cellulose potassium | Same digging arc as 6010 but runs on AC — farm, repair, buzz-box machines |
| E6013 | 60 ksi | AC or DC± | All | Rutile (titania) | Sheet metal, light fabrication, easy soft arc, learners |
| E7014 | 70 ksi | AC or DC± | All | Iron-powder titania | Faster fill than 6013, general fabrication, tolerates poor fit-up |
| E7018 | 70 ksi | AC or DC+ | All | Low-hydrogen iron powder | Structural & code work, high-strength, crack-resistant welds |
| E7024 | 70 ksi | AC or DC± | Flat & horizontal fillet only | Heavy iron powder | High-speed drag fillet welds on plate |
All grades meet AWS A5.1 / ASME SFA-5.1. The first two digits are the minimum tensile strength in ksi; the 60-series deposits 60,000 psi weld metal and the 70-series 70,000 psi.
Cross-Reference & Brand Equivalents
Already using a name-brand stick electrode? The rods below are spec-equivalent to our AWS A5.1 electrodes and can be replaced with them. Match the diameter and amperage, and confirm your welding procedure or code before switching.
| Brand | Their Product | Replace With (HYW) |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric | Fleetweld 5P+ | E6010 |
| Lincoln Electric | Fleetweld 35 | E6011 |
| Lincoln Electric | Fleetweld 37 | E6013 |
| Lincoln Electric | Jetweld 1 | E7024 |
| Lincoln Electric | Excalibur 7018 MR | E7018 |
| ESAB | Atom Arc 7018 | E7018 |
Cross-references identify comparable products by AWS classification and are provided as a general guide only. Always confirm the product meets your specific application, welding procedure (WPS), or code requirements before substituting. All third-party brand and product names — Fleetweld®, Jetweld®, Excalibur® and Lincoln Electric® (The Lincoln Electric Company), and Atom Arc® and ESAB® (ESAB) — are trademarks of their respective owners. HYW Products / Hy-Weld Inc. is an independent distributor and is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by these companies; their names are used solely for identification and accurate comparison.
Shop by Electrode Type
- › E6010 — deep-penetration DC+ pipe & root-pass rod
- › E6011 — AC/DC all-position cellulosic, welds over rust
- › E6013 — easy-arc rutile rod for sheet metal & light fab
- › E7014 & E7024 — high-deposition iron-powder fabrication rods
- › E7018 — low-hydrogen structural & code-quality rod
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between E6010 and E6011?
Both are high-cellulose, deep-penetration rods that weld through rust, mill scale, and paint. E6010 runs on DC+ only; E6011 adds AC capability, so it's the go-to when you only have an AC buzz-box machine. (E6010 uses a sodium binder, E6011 a potassium binder for a more stable AC arc.)
Which stick electrode is easiest for beginners?
E6013. Its rutile coating gives a soft, stable, forgiving arc on AC or DC and is the most beginner-friendly choice for sheet metal and light steel.
What is the strongest mild steel stick electrode?
The 70-series rods (E7014, E7018, E7024) deposit 70,000 psi weld metal versus 60,000 psi for the 60-series. For high-strength, code-governed structural work, low-hydrogen E7018 is the standard.
Do E7018 electrodes need to be kept in an oven?
Yes. E7018 is a low-hydrogen rod that absorbs atmospheric moisture. Store opened electrodes in a heated rod oven and redry per AWS/manufacturer guidelines. Our 50 lb hermetically sealed cans ship them dry and ready to weld.
Can you stick weld over rust, paint, or mill scale?
E6010 and E6011 are built for it — their digging cellulosic arc cuts through surface contamination better than any other mild steel electrode.
What amperage do I run for a 1/8" rod?
It depends on the electrode: roughly 75–130 A for E6010/E6011, 80–140 A for E6013, 90–150 A for E7018, and up to ~200 A for high-deposition E7024. See each product page for the full diameter-by-amperage chart.
