7 Best General Purpose Stick Welding Rods Reviewed for 2025

When I first dipped my toe into stick welding, picking the right rod felt like navigating a maze. There’s a ton of jargon, but honestly, a good general purpose stick welding rod can make all the difference, especially for us everyday fabricators and DIY enthusiasts. I’ve spent my fair share of time laying beads, and I know how crucial it is to have a reliable rod that starts easy, handles well, and cleans up without a fuss. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best general purpose stick welding rod for your shop, whether you’re fixing a gate or building something new.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	YESWELDER E6013 3/32” 2LB Welding Rod Carbon Steel Stick…	View on Amazon
	YESWELDER E6013 3/32” 5LB Welding Rod Carbon Steel Stick…	View on Amazon
	YESWELDER E7018 1/8” 5LB Welding Rod Low Hydrogen Carbon…	View on Amazon
	WISUNO Welding Rods,E6013 3/32” 1LB,Carbon Steel Stick…	View on Amazon
	ARCCAPTAIN E7018 Welding Rod 3/32” 5LB Low Hydrogen Carbon…	View on Amazon
	LIIJII E6013 Welding Rod 3/32″, 5lb Welding Rods Carbon…	View on Amazon
	TOOLIOM E6013 Welding Rod 1/8″ 10LB Carbon Steel Stick…	View on Amazon

YESWELDER E6013 3/32” 2LB Welding Rod Carbon Steel Stick…

This YESWELDER E6013 rod is a fantastic pick for anyone tackling lighter projects or needing a go-to for general maintenance. It’s a mild-steel, all-position rod that’s incredibly forgiving, making it a favorite for those just starting out or working on less-than-perfect fit-ups. You’ll appreciate its low spatter and how easily the slag comes off, almost cleaning itself in vertical down fillets, which means less grinding and more welding time.

Key features that stand out:
– Model: E6013 is a mild-steel, general purpose rod.
– Versatile: Operates on AC or DC current, great for low-voltage AC machines.
– Performance: Low spatter and excellent, virtually self-cleaning slag removal.
– Application: Ideal for light gauge metal, sheet metal, and duct work.
– Size: 3/32” diameter, 14” length, 2LB weight.

• Pros: Very easy to use, excellent for beginners, clean welds, versatile for AC/DC.
• Cons: The smaller 2LB package might not be enough for larger projects.
• Best for: Small DIY projects, light gauge sheet metal, quick repairs, and beginners.
  Expert Opinion: This rod’s ease of use and clean finish make it a strong contender for everyday tasks where simplicity and a decent appearance are key. It’s a workhorse for most home shops.

YESWELDER E6013 3/32” 5LB Welding Rod Carbon Steel Stick…

Similar to its 2LB sibling, this 5LB package of YESWELDER E6013 rods offers the same fantastic general-purpose performance but in a larger quantity. If you find yourself frequently reaching for E6013 for light fabrication, maintenance, or joining mild steel, this bulk pack is a smart choice. You’ll get the same smooth arc, minimal spatter, and easy slag removal that makes E6013 such a popular general purpose stick welding rod.

Key features that stand out:
– Model: E6013 for mild-steel, general purpose applications.
– Compatibility: Works with AC or DC welding current, good for low-voltage AC machines.
– Welding Quality: All position welding with good performance on poor fitted conditions.
– Efficiency: Excellent welding experience with beautiful welds and low spatter.
– Quantity: 5LB weight ensures you have enough rods for multiple projects.

• Pros: Same great E6013 performance, more economical in bulk, reliable for general mild steel tasks.
• Cons: Still focused on milder steels, not ideal for high-strength structural work.
• Best for: Regular light fabrication, general repair work, and hobbyists needing more supply.
  Expert Opinion: Stepping up to the 5LB pack is a practical move for any welder who knows they’ll be using a good amount of E6013. It keeps you stocked without overspending.

YESWELDER E7018 1/8” 5LB Welding Rod Low Hydrogen Carbon…

When you need serious strength and integrity in your welds, the YESWELDER E7018 low-hydrogen rod is your go-to. This isn’t just a general purpose rod; it’s a high-performance one, designed for high-quality X-ray welds and demanding applications. It offers a steady arc, low spatter, and excellent re-striking ability, making it suitable for structural steel, heavy machinery, and critical repairs where weld integrity is paramount.

Key features that stand out:
– Model: E7018 is a low-hydrogen, iron powder electrode for high-quality welds.
– Versatility: All position welding on AC or DC reverse polarity.
– Performance: Steady arc, low spatter, excellent re-striking, high deposition.
– Applications: Recommended for medium grade carbon steels, structural components, offshore rigs.
– Size: 1/8” diameter, 14” length, 5LB weight.

• Pros: Produces strong, high-quality welds, low hydrogen content reduces cracking, good for structural applications.
• Cons: Requires proper storage to maintain low hydrogen properties (can be tricky for some).
• Best for: Structural welding, heavy fabrication, critical repairs, and projects requiring high tensile strength.
  Expert Opinion: E7018 is a must-have for any serious welder, especially when dealing with thicker materials or applications where weld strength is non-negotiable. Just remember its storage requirements.

WISUNO Welding Rods, E6013 3/32” 1LB, Carbon Steel Stick…

For those really small projects, or if you’re just dipping your toes into stick welding and want to try out a general purpose stick welding rod without committing to a large pack, the WISUNO E6013 1LB option is perfect. These rods are known for their easy arc initiation and a super stable arc, which beginners will truly appreciate. They deliver a beautiful weld seam with easy slag removal, making them ideal for thin plate work and situations where a smooth finish is desired.

Key features that stand out:
– Product Introduction: E6013 suitable for AC and DC, all position welding.
– Welding performance: Simple operation, easy arc initiation, super stable arc, beautiful weld.
– Scope of application: Particularly suitable for low carbon steel structures, thin plate small parts.
– Quality: Strictly controlled chemical composition ensures strength and elongation.
– Adaptive current: 3/32″ diameter works well with 50-80A.

• Pros: Great for beginners, very easy to use, excellent for small repairs, small quantity is budget-friendly.
• Cons: Limited quantity means it’s not practical for larger or ongoing projects.
• Best for: Absolute beginners, very small occasional repairs, testing out stick welding.
  Expert Opinion: This 1LB pack is essentially a starter kit. If you’re learning or have a one-off small job, it’s a solid, low-commitment way to get a reliable E6013.

ARCCAPTAIN E7018 Welding Rod 3/32” 5LB Low Hydrogen Carbon…

ARCCAPTAIN’s E7018 rod provides another excellent low-hydrogen option for welders seeking high-quality, strong welds. With a 3/32” diameter, it’s a bit more versatile for different material thicknesses than its 1/8” counterparts, yet still delivers outstanding X-ray values and high tensile strength. This makes it a top choice for critical applications like high-pressure pipelines, ship hulls, and structural components where weld integrity and crack resistance are crucial.

Key features that stand out:
– Model: E7018 low-hydrogen iron powder electrode for high-quality x-ray welds.
– Versatility: Suitable for any position using AC or DC reverse polarity.
– Advantages: Outstanding X-ray values, high tensile strength, good resistance to cracking.
– Performance: High melting efficiency, smooth and stable arc, less spatter.
– Applications: Ideal for low, medium, and high carbon steels, structural components.

• Pros: Excellent strength and crack resistance, ideal for critical applications, 3/32” diameter offers good versatility.
• Cons: Like all E7018, requires diligent storage to prevent moisture absorption.
• Best for: Structural steel, high-pressure pipelines, marine structures, and applications demanding superior weld strength.
  Expert Opinion: This 3/32″ E7018 offers a great balance for those needing the strength of a low-hydrogen rod but perhaps on slightly thinner materials than a typical 1/8″ rod. It’s a highly capable structural rod.

LIIJII E6013 Welding Rod 3/32″, 5lb Welding Rods Carbon…

The LIIJII E6013 welding rods are marketed as one of the easiest electrodes to learn and use, and from my experience, that holds true. This 5lb pack of 3/32″ rods is a fantastic workhorse for general fabrication, maintenance, and repair on clean or lightly rusted mild steel. Welders will appreciate its excellent arc stability and readily removable slag, which contribute to a smoother welding experience and a cleaner finish, making it a truly versatile general purpose stick welding rod.

Key features that stand out:
– Model: E6013 general-purpose mild steel electrode.
– Compatibility: Widely used with both AC and DC welding machines, great for low-voltage AC welders.
– Features: All-position welding with excellent arc stability and easily removable slag.
– Performance: Easy arc starting, smooth arc, little spatter, beautiful weld.
– Ideal for: General fabrication, maintenance, repair, and light construction.

• Pros: Extremely user-friendly, very stable arc, excellent for learning, good for everyday mild steel tasks.
• Cons: Not designed for high-strength or critical structural applications.
• Best for: Beginners, general shop work, DIY projects, and maintenance welding on mild steel.
  Expert Opinion: If you’re looking for a fuss-free E6013 for general use, this one delivers. Its emphasis on easy arc starting and stability makes it very approachable.

TOOLIOM E6013 Welding Rod 1/8″ 10LB Carbon Steel Stick…

For those with bigger projects or a workshop that sees a lot of action, the TOOLIOM E6013 1/8″ 10LB package is an economical and practical choice. This larger diameter E6013 is still a fantastic general purpose stick welding rod, offering the characteristic soft and stable arc, low spatter, and easy slag removal that makes E6013 so popular. It’s particularly useful for intermittent welding of thin metal plates, pipeline projects, and sheet metal where a smooth, clean surface is desired, and you need more material.

Key features that stand out:
– Product: E6013 low carbon steel general-purpose welding rod.
– Versatility: AC and DC dual-use.
– Advantage: Ideal general purpose electrode for all-position welding of medium to shallow depths.
– Feature: Soft and stable arc, seldom produces smoke or spatter, easy to re-start.
– Size: 1/8” diameter, 14” length, 10LB weight.

• Pros: Large quantity, cost-effective for frequent use, 1/8″ diameter is good for thicker mild steel, easy to use.
• Cons: Larger diameter might be too much for very thin sheet metal if not careful with amperage.
• Best for: Busy workshops, larger general fabrication projects, pipeline work, and those who prefer a slightly larger rod for mild steel.
  Expert Opinion: This 10LB bulk pack of 1/8″ E6013 is a great value for those who go through a lot of rods. It handles a wider range of mild steel thickness than the 3/32″ options, making it quite versatile.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When looking for the best general purpose stick welding rod, you’ll primarily be choosing between E6013 and E7018.

E6013 rods like the YESWELDER 2LB and 5LB packs, WISUNO, LIIJII, and TOOLIOM are your true general-purpose workhorses. They’re incredibly easy to use, boast easy arc starting, and provide excellent slag removal with minimal spatter. They’re fantastic for mild steel, sheet metal, and light fabrication, often working great with AC or DC welders, and are very forgiving for beginners. The different diameters (3/32″ vs. 1/8″) and weights (1LB, 2LB, 5LB, 10LB) mostly come down to the scale of your projects and how much you want to stock up. The 3/32″ rods are more nimble for thinner materials, while 1/8″ offers more deposition for slightly thicker mild steel.

On the other hand, E7018 rods from YESWELDER and ARCCAPTAIN are for when you need maximum strength and weld integrity. These are low-hydrogen rods that produce high-quality, X-ray compliant welds, ideal for structural steel, heavy equipment, and critical applications. While they can be used for general purposes, their primary benefit is in situations demanding high tensile strength and crack resistance. They’re generally less forgiving than E6013 and require proper storage to maintain their low-hydrogen properties. The ARCCAPTAIN 3/32″ E7018 is a nice option if you need the strength of 7018 but on materials that are a bit thinner than what a typical 1/8″ 7018 might handle.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best general purpose stick welding rod really boils down to your specific needs and skill level.

For beginners, hobbyists, or those tackling light fabrication and repairs, the YESWELDER E6013 3/32” (5LB pack) or the LIIJII E6013 3/32″ (5lb) are absolute champions. They’re incredibly user-friendly, forgiving, and deliver clean welds on mild steel without much fuss. If you’re just starting out or have very small, infrequent projects, the WISUNO E6013 3/32” 1LB is a perfect low-commitment choice.

If your projects involve thicker mild steel, general fabrication, or you simply prefer a larger rod with more deposition, the TOOLIOM E6013 1/8″ 10LB offers great value and performance. It’s still very much a general-purpose rod but geared towards slightly heavier duty within the E6013 class.

However, if you’re working on structural components, heavy machinery, or any application where weld strength and integrity are paramount, then the YESWELDER E7018 1/8” 5LB or the ARCCAPTAIN E7018 3/32” 5LB are the clear winners. These low-hydrogen rods provide superior strength and crack resistance, making them indispensable for critical welds, though they do require careful storage.

Ultimately, having a combination of E6013 for everyday tasks and E7018 for critical applications will equip you for almost any project a stick welder might encounter.

Best General Purpose Stick Welding Rod: Your Questions Answered

What makes a welding rod “general purpose”?

A “general purpose” welding rod typically refers to electrodes that are versatile and easy to use across a wide range of mild steel applications, often forgiving of less-than-perfect surface conditions. The E6013 classification is the most common general purpose stick welding rod due to its easy arc initiation, stable arc, all-position capabilities, and good aesthetic bead.

What’s the main difference between E6013 and E7018 welding rods?

The main difference lies in their weld properties and applications. E6013 is a mild steel, cellulosic-titania type electrode, known for its ease of use, smooth arc, minimal spatter, and good appearance on lighter gauge materials. It’s excellent for general fabrication and maintenance welding where high strength isn’t the primary concern. E7018 is a low-hydrogen, iron powder type electrode, designed for high-strength, high-quality welds with excellent ductility and crack resistance. It’s crucial for structural welding, heavy fabrication, and critical repairs where weld integrity is paramount.

What diameter welding rod should I choose for general purpose welding?

The ideal diameter depends on the thickness of the metal you’re welding and your amperage capabilities. For most DIY projects, sheet metal, and light fabrication on materials up to 1/4 inch thick, a 3/32 inch (2.4mm) rod is a great general purpose stick welding rod choice. For thicker materials (1/4 inch to 3/8 inch) or when you need more weld deposition, a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) rod is often preferred.

Can I use these general purpose rods with both AC and DC welders?

Most E6013 welding rods are designed for use with both AC and DC welding machines, making them very versatile for various welders, including low-voltage AC machines. E7018 rods can also run on both AC and DC reverse polarity (DCEP), but they generally perform better and produce higher quality welds on DC reverse polarity for structural work. Always check the rod’s specifications for recommended current types.

How should I store E7018 welding rods to maintain their quality?

Proper storage is critical for E7018 low-hydrogen rods to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to hydrogen embrittlement and weld defects. They should be stored in a dry, airtight container or a heated rod oven at specified temperatures (typically 250-300°F or 120-150°C) after opening. E6013 rods are less sensitive but still benefit from dry storage to prevent rust and ensure good arc stability.

Are these general purpose rods good for beginners learning stick welding?

Absolutely! E6013 welding rods are highly recommended for beginners. Their easy arc starting, smooth arc, and forgiving nature make the learning process much less frustrating. While E7018 rods produce excellent welds, they can be more challenging for beginners due to their specific operating characteristics and the need for proper rod angle and travel speed for optimal results in structural welding.

What does “all-position welding” mean for a general purpose stick welding rod?

“All-position welding” means that the welding rod can be used to effectively lay down a weld bead in any position: flat, horizontal, vertical (up or down), and overhead. This versatility is a key characteristic of a good general purpose stick welding rod, as it allows welders to tackle various fabrication and repair tasks without needing to change electrodes for different joint orientations.