Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Rod Selector for Stick Welding

ROD
Size in
Inches
Amps
Flat
Amps
Vertical
Amps
Overhead
6010
Use with DCEP in ALL positions. DEEP penetration. Requires Minimum Prep. Rough with high spattering. Mild steel rod. Use medium arc, whipping or weaving on vertical and overhead positions to control bead sag.
3/32
40-85
50-90
50-90
1/8
75-125
90-130
90-130
5/32
110-165
130-150
130-160
3/16
140-210
140-270
140-180
7/32
160-250
-
-
1/4
210-315
-
-
6011
Use with DCEP and AC in ALL positions. DEEP penetration. Requires Minimum Prep. Rough with high spattering. Mild steel rod. Use for stringer beads in overhead fillets, weaving for vertical and horizontal fillets.
3/32
40-85
50-75
50-75
1/8
75-125
80-110
80-130
5/32
110-165
120-145
120-150
3/16
140-210
160-180
140-180
7/32
160-250
-
-
1/4
210-315
-
-
6013
Use with DCEP and DCEN in ALL positions. LOW penetration. General use.
1/16
20-45
- -
5/64
35-60
- -
3/32
40-90
- -
1/8
80-130
- -
5/32
105-180
- -
3/16
150-230
- -
7/32
210-300
- -
1/4
250-350
-
-
7014
Use with DCEP and DCEN in ALL positions. MEDIUM penetration. Smooth, fast and easy to use.
3/32
80-125
- -
1/8
110-165
- -
5/32
150-210
- -
3/16
200-275
- -
7/32
255-340
- -
1/4
330-415
- -
7018
Use with DCEP in ALL positions. LOW penetration. This is a low hydrogen rod that is very strong. MUST be kept dry. Store in a heated container. Iron in coating good with AC and allows high current settings. Use highest current practical in range, straightforward progression and short arc, weld puddle very fluid. Rods left out in the air for more than 4 hours will NOT give specified strength. Re-heating them will NOT restore these rods.
3/32
65-100
65-90
80-100
1/8
110-165
100-130
120-150
5/32
150-220
120-160
150-210
3/16
200-275
180-220
240-280
7/32
260-340
-
-
1/4
320-400
-
-
7024
Use with DCEP and DCEN for FLAT and HORIZONTAL fillets. This rod is smooth, easy and faster. High speed. Use drag method.
3/32
100-145
- -
1/8
140-190
- -
5/32
180-250
- -
3/16
230-305
- -
7/32
275-365
- -
1/4
335-430
- -
Ni-Cl
Use with DCEP in ALL positions. LOW penetration for use on CAST IRON.
3/32
50-70
- -
1/8
65-85
- -
5/32
100-140
- -
3/16
130-175
- -
308L
Use with DCEP in ALL positions. LOW penetration for use on STAINLESS.
3/32
40-80
- -
1/8
75-115
- -
5/32
105-160
- -
316ELC16
Stainless, NiCr. For 316L and 317 Stainless Steels. High heat applications. Use with DCEP in ALL positions.
1/16
20-35
15-25
20-30
5/64
30-50
25-35
30-40
3/32
40-70
35-50
40-60
1/8
65-100
55-70
60-85
1851
Use with DCEP in ALL positions. Use on BRASS, BRONZE, COPPER, and joining DISSIMILAR METALS. Material must be cleaned. Copper alloys must be pre-heated
3/32
100-120
100-120
40-60
1/8
125-160
125-160
65-100
5/32
150-200
150-200
80-120
HardAlloy 140
Use with DCEP or AC in ALL positions. Provides good hard surfacing for high abrasion applications like augers, bucket teeth and lips, bulldozer blades, cement chutes, scraper blades, tiller tines etc. Hardness 50-57 Rc.
1/8
95-150
optimum 120
-
5/32
110-190
optimum 155
-
3/16
160-245
optimum 190
-
This information is provided for use as a general guide only.
Use the rod that is appropriate for your work and always use them within the manufacturer's specifications