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6013 Welding Rod: Uses, Amperage and 6013 vs 7018

By Md. Asrafuzzaman (MA Zaman) · Updated

E6013 is an all-position stick (SMAW) welding rod for thin to medium carbon steel, with a smooth arc, little spatter and slag that peels off easily. It runs on AC or DC at roughly 40 to 90 A for 3/32 in and 75 to 130 A for 1/8 in. It penetrates less than 6011 and is not a low-hydrogen rod like 7018, so it suits light fabrication, sheet and repair work rather than structural welds.

What the numbers mean

PartMeaning
EElectrode
6060,000 psi minimum tensile strength of the weld metal
1Usable in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
3Titania-based flux; runs on AC, DC electrode positive or DC electrode negative

These follow the AWS A5.1 classification for carbon steel electrodes. Makers’ boxes give the exact current range.

What 6013 is used for

  • Thin to medium mild steel such as sheet, angle, tube and light brackets.
  • Gates, fences, furniture, trailers and general farm repair on clean steel.
  • Practice and learning, because the arc is easy to start and hold.
  • Work where the weld should look neat, because the bead is smooth and flat.

It is a poor choice for thick, rusty or oily steel and for structural joints, where a 7018 rod is the usual choice; see 7018 welding rod.

Amperage by rod size

Rod diameterTypical amperageTypical metal thickness
1/16 in (1.6 mm)About 20 to 40 AThin sheet
3/32 in (2.4 mm)About 40 to 90 ALight plate and tube
1/8 in (3.2 mm)About 75 to 130 AThe most common general size
5/32 in (4.0 mm)About 110 to 165 AThicker plate, flat and horizontal

Use the lower end of the range for vertical and overhead positions and for thin metal. If the rod burns through the sheet, drop the current or move to a smaller rod.

6013 vs 6011 vs 7018

RodPenetrationPolarityBest for
6013Light to mediumAC or DCClean thin steel, neat beads, beginners
6011DeepAC or DCRusty or dirty steel, repair work on AC machines
7018MediumDC electrode positive (7018AC for AC)Strong structural welds, thick or crack-prone steel

For a fuller comparison of rods and machines, see stick welders.

How to run a 6013 rod

  1. Clean the steel to bright metal with a grinder or wire brush.
  2. Set the current for the rod size from the table, and test on scrap.
  3. Strike the arc with a short scratch or tap motion, and hold a short arc, about the diameter of the rod core.
  4. Drag the rod at a slight angle in the direction of travel, with a steady speed.
  5. Let the weld cool a moment, then chip the slag with a chipping hammer and brush the bead.
  6. For vertical welds, use a small weave and a lower current.

Wear a helmet, gloves and flame-resistant clothing every time; see welding safety tips, welding helmets and welding gloves.

Storing 6013 rods

Keep rods in their sealed tube or box, in a dry place. If they have been damp, the flux can crumble and the arc becomes erratic. Unlike 7018, they do not need to be re-baked in a rod oven.

Frequently asked questions

What does 6013 stand for?

E = electrode; 60 = 60,000 psi minimum tensile strength; 1 = all welding positions; 3 = the flux type, a titania-based coating that runs on AC or DC.

Is 6013 good for beginners?

Yes. The arc starts easily, spatter is low, and the slag comes off in one piece, so it is a common first rod, especially on AC welders.

Can I use 6013 on rusty or dirty steel?

It is not the best choice. Penetration is shallow, so clean the steel to bright metal, or use 6011, which digs through light rust and paint.

Do 6013 rods need to be kept in a rod oven?

No. 6013 is not a low-hydrogen rod, so a rod oven is not required, but keep the rods dry in a sealed container.

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