How to Store E7018 Welding Rods: Rod Ovens & Redry Guide
E7018 is the low-hydrogen workhorse behind structural steel, pressure piping, and other code-critical welds — but its strength only holds up if the rod stays dry. Let a little atmospheric moisture into the coating and that same electrode can introduce hydrogen into the weld, setting up delayed underbead cracking that shows up hours or even days after the job looks finished. Here's how to store, handle, and redry E7018 rods so every can delivers the crack-resistant welds it's rated for.
Why moisture control matters for E7018
E7018 is classified low-hydrogen for a reason: its iron-powder coating (AWS A5.1 / ASME SFA-5.1) is formulated to minimize diffusible hydrogen in the weld deposit. HYW's E7018 Premium Arc electrodes are rated 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength (typ. 76,000 psi), 58,000 psi minimum yield, 22% minimum elongation, and Charpy V-notch toughness of 20 ft·lbf at -20°F — but those numbers only hold if the coating stays dry. Moisture in the flux breaks down under the arc and releases hydrogen, and hydrogen trapped in a high-strength, high-restraint joint is a leading cause of delayed cracking.
Storage guidelines at a glance
| Condition | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unopened can | Leave sealed. A hermetically sealed can (like HYW's 50-lb can) keeps rods dry indefinitely until opened. |
| After opening, between passes | Keep rods in a heated holding oven rather than a open bucket or bare table. |
| Exposed to shop air | Track exposure time against your WPS/code limit — don't guess. |
| Exposed to rain, humidity, or a dropped/dented can | Redry in a rated oven before welding with them. |
Redrying rods that picked up moisture
Rods left out beyond their allowed exposure window need a proper redry cycle, not just a few minutes on a bench. AWS D1.1 commonly references redrying low-hydrogen electrodes at roughly 700–800°F (370–430°C) for about one hour, then transferring them to a holding oven around 250–300°F until used. Always follow your own qualified welding procedure (WPS) or governing code first — and never exceed your electrode manufacturer's stated maximum redry temperature or number of redry cycles, since over-drying can also degrade the coating.
Signs a rod has absorbed too much moisture
- It's been out of the can or oven longer than your shop's or code's exposure limit
- The coating looks chalky, swollen, or shows visible surface moisture
- The can was punctured, dented, or never fully resealed after opening
- Rods sat in a humid, unheated area between shifts
Matching rod diameter to amperage
E7018 runs on AC or DC+ (DCEP) in all positions. General starting points for HYW's 14″ E7018 rods:
| Diameter | Recommended amperage |
|---|---|
| 3/32″ | 70–100 A |
| 1/8″ | 90–150 A |
| 5/32″ | 130–200 A |
Amperage ranges are general guidelines; optimal settings vary with base-metal thickness, joint design, and position.
Why the hermetically sealed can matters
HYW's E7018 Premium Arc electrodes ship in a 50-lb hermetically sealed steel can specifically so rods arrive dry and ready to weld, with no pre-use bake-out needed. That's a real advantage for structural and pressure shops that go through electrodes steadily but don't want an opened can sitting half-used for weeks — the seal protects your investment until you're ready to weld, and the rod oven takes over from there.
E7018 is a classification, not a brand
Because E7018 is an AWS A5.1 classification rather than a proprietary formula, rods from any manufacturer that carry the E7018 stamp — including Lincoln Excalibur 7018, ESAB Atom Arc 7018, and Hobart 718 — meet the same low-hydrogen requirements, and the same storage and redry practices apply across brands. HYW's E7018 is a spec-equivalent option at bulk-can pricing.
Cross-references are a general guide only. All third-party brand names are trademarks of their respective owners; HYW Products is an independent distributor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.
Buying for a shop that runs 7018 daily
For occasional repairs, a small 10-lb pack is easy to manage and easy to keep dry. Production shops running structural steel, pressure piping, or other code work daily get more value from the 50-lb hermetically sealed can — fewer can changes, lower cost per rod, and less time spent tracking exposure on multiple opened packs. Ask us about bulk and pallet pricing if you're stocking a shop or a crew.
Get the 50-lb hermetically sealed can or a 10-lb pack in 3/32″, 1/8″, and 5/32″: Shop E7018 Premium Arc → · All Mild Steel Stick Electrodes →
Frequently asked questions
How long can E7018 sit out before it needs redrying?
It depends on your governing code, your WPS, and shop humidity — typical exposure windows run from a few hours to about a day. Check your procedure and the can label, and when in doubt, redry.
Can I redry E7018 rods more than once?
Most manufacturers allow a limited number of redry cycles. Repeated or excessive redrying can degrade the coating, so follow your manufacturer's guidance and never exceed the stated maximum redry temperature.
Does E7018 run on AC or DC?
Both — HYW's E7018 runs on AC or DC+ (DCEP), in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead).
What's the difference between a holding oven and a redry oven?
A holding oven (roughly 250–300°F) keeps already-dry rods dry between uses. A redry oven runs hotter (roughly 700–800°F) to actively drive out moisture that rods have already absorbed.
Is E7018 the same regardless of brand?
Yes — E7018 is an AWS classification. Any rod stamped E7018 from a reputable manufacturer meets the same low-hydrogen, 70,000 psi minimum requirements.
Welding produces fumes, including manganese, and UV radiation. Always follow proper safety practices, ventilation, and PPE, and weld to your applicable procedure or code.