Low Hydrogen 7018 Welding Electrodes
Low Hydrogen 7018 Welding Electrodes
Discover top-rated low hydrogen 7018 welding electrodes, specifically engineered for demanding mild steel fabrication projects. Our collection features trusted brands like Lincoln Electric and ESAB, available in a range of popular sizes to suit virtually any welding requirement. Every electrode in this selection is AWS E7018 H4R compliant, delivering exceptional performance for both professional welders and industrial applications.
7018 electrodes are celebrated for their superior arc stability, smooth weld bead appearance, and outstanding resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking. Their unique low-hydrogen, iron powder coating provides maximum strength and ductility, making them the industry standard for critical jobs. Perfect for use in construction, shipbuilding, pipeline welding, heavy equipment repairs, and structural steelwork, these rods ensure reliable, high-quality welds every time.
Whether you need precise control for overhead welds or robust consistency for thick steel plates, our 7018 electrodes deliver proven results on the toughest projects. Enhance your builds with electrodes that promise strong, clean, and inspection-ready welds—trusted by professionals across the welding industry. Explore our selection to find the perfect rod for your next fabrication or industrial challenge.
What is the difference between 7018 and other welding electrodes?
7018 electrodes stand out from other welding rods because of their low-hydrogen, iron powder coating. This coating significantly reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking, a common concern in structural and critical welds. While rods like 6010 or 6011 are known for deep penetration and are often used for root passes on dirty or rusty metal, they produce rougher welds and require more post-weld cleaning. On the other hand, 6013 rods are easier to use for beginners and great for sheet metal but don’t offer the same mechanical strength as 7018. The 7018 electrode provides a smooth, stable arc, less spatter, easy slag removal, and superior weld quality, making it ideal for jobs where strength, toughness, and professional appearance matter most.
What applications is 7018 best suited for?
7018 welding electrodes excel in situations requiring high strength and reliability. They are the industry standard for structural steel fabrication, bridgework, heavy equipment repairs, and pressure vessel or pipeline construction. Their unique properties make them perfect for welding thick steel sections, joining critical structural components, shipbuilding, and industrial projects where safety, compliance, and long-lasting performance are essential. Many building codes and certifications specifically call for 7018 electrodes due to their excellent mechanical properties and reliability.
How should 7018 rods be stored for moisture control?
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality and performance of 7018 electrodes. Because these rods are low-hydrogen, they must be kept dry at all times. After opening, store 7018 electrodes in a rod oven set between 225°F and 300°F (107°C to 149°C) to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the air. If they become exposed to humidity, the rods can pick up moisture, increasing the risk of weld defects such as porosity or cracking. For best results, only remove as many rods as needed for immediate use and return any unused electrodes to the heated storage promptly. Following these simple steps ensures strong, defect-free welds on your most important project.
Key Advantages of 7018 Electrodes
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Superior Strength:
7018 rods have a tensile strength of 70,000psi, higher than many general-purpose rods like 6013 (60,000psi). This makes them ideal for demanding projects like bridge building, structural steel, and heavy equipment repairs. -
Low Hydrogen Content (Crack Resistance):
The low-hydrogen iron powder coating of 7018 rods helps prevent hydrogen-induced cracking, a major concern in critical joints and thicker steel. This is why building codes and certifications often specify 7018 for crucial applications. -
Clean, Smooth Welds:
7018 provides a stable arc, low spatter, medium penetration, minimal porosity, and an easy-to-remove slag. The results are smooth, professional-looking weld beads that are both tough and ductile. -
All-Position Versatility:
You can weld with 7018 rods in any position (flat, vertical, overhead), and they work with both AC and DC power sources.
7018 Welding Rods: Trusted Performance for Structural, Pressure, and Precision Welds
When your welds need to stand the test of time, you turn to 7018 welding rods. At Badass Welding Products, we offer top-grade 7018 welding electrodes built to deliver unmatched arc stability, excellent mechanical properties, and low hydrogen performance. These rods are the backbone of structural fabrication, pipe welding, shipbuilding, and high-pressure applications where strength, consistency, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Whether you're running a root pass on pipe or building critical structures, our 7018 welding rod lineup—including trusted names like Excalibur—provides the clean puddle control, smooth arc, and exceptional re-strike capability that professional welders demand. From field welds to shop projects, 7018 welds produce clean, strong results with minimal spatter and excellent slag release—saving you time on cleanup and rework.
Versatile Sizes and Quantities to Fit Your Workflow
Our inventory includes everything from the popular 7018 1/8 welding rod to precision-sized 3/32 7018 welding rod and heavier-duty 5/32 and 1/4-inch 7018 rods. Need a full shop restock? Choose a 50 lb box of 7018 welding rod or grab a convenient 10 lb pack for field work. Whether you're welding vertical, overhead, or in flat positions, our rods meet AWS E7018 H4R specs for low moisture absorption and superior coating integrity.
Not sure what amperage range you need? We’ve got guidance on everything from 7018 welding rod 3/32 amperage to 7018 welding rod 5/32 settings to ensure clean, defect-free welds. And yes, these rods are ready for AC or DC—making them ideal for both shop and field equipment.
Engineered for Low Hydrogen Performance
Our 7018 H4R welding rods are designed to resist moisture pickup, making them perfect for critical applications where hydrogen-induced cracking is a concern. These low hydrogen electrodes perform exceptionally well even in humid or challenging conditions, especially when stored properly at the recommended welding rod oven temperature.
Need to weld in vertical or overhead positions? Our 7018 vertical welding options offer controlled puddle behavior and smooth arc transitions—ideal for those tricky out-of-position welds. Whether you're performing welding 7018 uphill or laying down a perfect 7018 weld in tight quarters, these rods provide dependable control and penetration every time.
Applications That Demand the Best
The 7018 welding rod is the standard for countless industries. From pipe welding to heavy structural steelwork, 7018 welding rod uses include:
- Structural beams and pressure vessels
- Shipbuilding and bridge construction
- Heavy machinery and equipment repair
- Welding cast iron to steel
- Multi-pass welds requiring high tensile strength and low porosity
With a tensile strength of around 70,000 PSI, 7018 weld beads deliver solid mechanical performance and toughness under stress. Need to know more? We provide full 7018 welding rod specifications and guidance on stick welding 7018 polarity (DC+ is standard, but AC-compatible rods are also available).
Shop 7018 Welding Rods at Badass Welding Products
Ready to take your welding to the next level? Explore our complete selection of 7018 welding rods for sale, including industry-trusted options from Lincoln Electric, ESAB, and Excalibur. Whether you're running a 7018 AC welding rod on a buzzbox or dialing in the amps for a multi-pass 7018 weld on pipe, we’ve got the consumables that perform under pressure—because your work deserves nothing less than badass quality.
Stock up today and experience why welders across the country rely on our 7018 welding rod lineup for precision, strength, and code-ready results every time.