Best Rods For AC Welding 5 Expert-Tested Choices 2025

When I first started diving into AC stick welding, choosing the right rods felt like a bit of a maze. I quickly learned that the electrode you pick can make all the difference between a clean, strong weld and a frustrating mess. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the best rods for AC welding, based on hands-on experience and deep dives into what makes an E7018 AC rod truly stand out. We’re going to explore five top contenders that I’ve seen perform reliably, helping you make an informed choice for your next AC welding project.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Forney 30680 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 3/32-Inch, 1-Pound	View on Amazon
	WISUNO Welding Rods,E7018 3/32’’ 1LB,Carbon Steel Stick…	View on Amazon
	YESWELDER E7018 3/32” 5LB Welding Rod Low Hydrogen Carbon…	View on Amazon
	Forney 30681 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 3/32-Inch, 5-Pound	View on Amazon
	Forney 30685 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 1/8-Inch, 5-Pound	View on Amazon

Forney 30680 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 3/32-Inch, 1-Pound

This 1-pound pack of Forney E7018 AC rods is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking for reliability without committing to a large quantity. I’ve found these rods to be incredibly user-friendly, offering smooth arc stability and minimal spatter, which really helps keep your cleanup time down. They’re designed for general-purpose AC applications, providing good penetration and an excellent bead contour, making them a solid choice for various projects around the shop or farm.

Key features that stand out:
– LB 3/32 7018AC Weld Rod: A versatile 3/32-inch diameter suitable for many common tasks.
– Easy to use, All position welding: Offers flexibility in welding position.
– Low hydrogen rod for general purpose AC applications requiring low penetration: Ensures strong, crack-resistant welds.
– Excellent bead contour, light spatter and slag is often self cleaning: Reduces post-weld cleanup significantly.
– Good performance with low open circuit-Voltage OCV power sources: Compatible with a wider range of AC welders.

Pros:
– Very easy to strike and re-strike
– Produces clean, consistent welds with minimal spatter
– Slag tends to be self-cleaning
– Great for hobbyists and DIY users due to its forgiving nature
– Works well with various AC welders, even those with lower OCV

Cons:
– The 1-pound pack might not be enough for larger, ongoing projects

Best for: Small projects, hobbyists, beginners, and those who need a reliable rod for occasional AC welding tasks.

Expert Opinion: The Forney 30680 is a go-to for its exceptional ease of use and consistent results. Its ability to perform well with low OCV machines makes it highly accessible for many home workshops.

WISUNO Welding Rods, E7018 3/32’’ 1LB, Carbon Steel Stick…

The WISUNO E7018 rods offer a compelling package for both AC and DC welding, emphasizing ease of operation and weld aesthetics. I’ve noticed their arc initiation is consistently simple, leading to a super stable arc, which is crucial for maintaining control and producing a beautiful weld seam. They’re particularly adept at handling low carbon steel structures, whether you’re working on delicate thin plates or laying down cover welds that demand a smooth, visually appealing finish.

Key features that stand out:
– E7018 welding rod is suitable for both AC and DC applications: Offers dual-machine compatibility.
– Simple operation, easy arc initiation, super stable arc: Reduces frustration and improves weld quality.
– Beautiful weld seam, easy slag removal, and less likely to splash: Contributes to a cleaner, more professional finish.
– Particularly suitable for welding low carbon steel structures: Ideal for common fabrication and repair work.
– Chemical composition of the deposited metal is strictly controlled: Ensures high strength and elongation for durable welds.

Pros:
– Excellent for achieving aesthetically pleasing welds
– Very stable arc makes it easy for beginners and experienced welders alike
– Versatile for both AC and DC machines
– Slag removal is notably effortless
– Good choice for thin materials and cover passes

Cons:
– Requires pre-baking, which adds an extra step to the process

Best for: Welders who prioritize aesthetic weld quality, work frequently with low carbon steel, and appreciate easy slag removal.

Expert Opinion: WISUNO’s E7018 truly shines for its commitment to a beautiful finish and ease of use across different materials. The stable arc and minimal splash are significant advantages for consistent work.

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

When you need a larger quantity of high-quality E7018 rods, the YESWELDER 5LB pack is a serious contender. These low-hydrogen iron powder electrodes are designed to produce x-ray quality welds, which speaks volumes about their integrity. I’ve found their steady arc and low spatter characteristics make them a pleasure to work with, especially on medium grade carbon steels where avoiding preheat is desirable. Their excellent re-striking ability also saves time and frustration during continuous welding.

Key features that stand out:
– E7018 is a low-hydrogen iron powder type electrode that produces high quality x-ray welds: Guarantees superior weld integrity.
– All position welding, recommended for welding medium grade carbon steels where no preheat is used: Increases versatility and efficiency.
– Steady arc, low spatter, excellent re-striking ability and high deposition efficiency: Enhances productivity and weld quality.
– Application: Low-alloy structurals, low, medium and high carbon steels, offshore rigs and power plants, steel structures, tack welds: Wide range of professional and industrial uses.
– Diameter: 3/32”; Length: 14”; Weight: 5LB: Standard sizing for professional use.

Pros:
– Capable of producing extremely high-quality, defect-free welds
– Ideal for structural applications due to its strength
– Reduces the need for preheating on certain steels
– Excellent re-striking and deposition efficiency
– Low spatter keeps cleanup to a minimum

Cons:
– 5LB pack might be overkill for very small or infrequent tasks

Best for: Professionals, structural welders, and serious hobbyists who need large quantities of high-integrity welds across various carbon steel grades.

Expert Opinion: YESWELDER’s E7018 is a workhorse. Its ability to lay down X-ray quality welds and perform well on demanding applications without preheat makes it a top choice for critical structural work.

Forney 30681 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 3/32-Inch, 5-Pound

Building on the reliability of its 1-pound counterpart, the Forney 30681 provides a generous 5-pound supply of the same trusted 3/32-inch E7018 AC rods. For me, this bulk option is perfect when I know I’ll be tackling larger projects or multiple smaller jobs that require consistent, all-position welding. These rods maintain their excellent characteristics: easy striking, minimal spatter, and a self-cleaning slag that makes post-weld processing much quicker. It’s the same dependable performance, just more of it!

Key features that stand out:
– 5LB 3/32 7018AC Weld Rod: A larger quantity for extended welding tasks.
– Easy to use, All position welding: Offers versatility for different joint configurations.
– Low hydrogen rod for general purpose AC applications requiring low penetration: Ensures robust welds.
– Excellent bead contour, light spatter and slag is often self cleaning: Promotes clean, professional results.
– Ideal for shops, farms, hobbyist, and DIY welders: Caters to a broad user base.

Pros:
– Cost-effective for bulk purchases
– Same reliable, easy-to-use performance as the smaller pack
– Consistently good bead appearance and minimal spatter
– Slag is typically very easy to remove
– Versatile for a wide range of AC welding projects

Cons:
– Might be too much for someone who welds very infrequently

Best for: Workshops, farms, and serious hobbyists who go through welding rods regularly and value consistent performance in larger quantities.

Expert Opinion: If you love the Forney 30680 but need more, the 30681 is your obvious next step. It delivers the same predictable, high-quality results in a more economical package for ongoing work.

Forney 30685 E7018 AC Welding Rod, 1/8-Inch, 5-Pound

Sometimes, a larger diameter rod is just what the job calls for, and the Forney 30685 delivers with its 1/8-inch E7018 AC rods. This 5-pound pack is fantastic for working on thicker materials or filling larger gaps, where a 3/32-inch rod might feel undersized. I’ve found that despite the increased diameter, these rods retain the signature Forney ease of use, with smooth arc characteristics and excellent re-striking capabilities. They’re still a low-hydrogen option, ensuring strong, crack-resistant welds even on demanding applications.

Key features that stand out:
– 5LB 1/8 7018AC Weld Rod: Larger diameter for heavier material and higher deposition.
– Easy to use, All position welding: Provides flexibility for various project types.
– Low hydrogen rod for general purpose AC applications requiring low penetration: Ensures strong, reliable welds.
– Excellent bead contour, light spatter and slag is often self cleaning: Facilitates professional finishing.
– Good performance with low open circuit-Voltage OCV power sources: Broad compatibility with AC welders.

Pros:
– Ideal for welding thicker sections and heavier materials
– Offers higher deposition rates compared to 3/32-inch rods
– Maintains Forney’s ease of use and consistent weld quality
– Minimal spatter and self-cleaning slag
– Suitable for out-of-position welding

Cons:
– Not suitable for very thin materials where heat input needs to be minimized

Best for: Welders working on medium to heavy fabrication, structural repairs, or projects requiring significant fill, especially when using an AC machine.

Expert Opinion: The Forney 30685 is the choice when you need more heat and fill. It scales up the reliable E7018 performance to handle bigger jobs without sacrificing the ease of striking or slag management.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When comparing these top AC welding rods, it’s clear that Forney offers consistent performance across different pack sizes and diameters. The Forney 30680 (1LB) and 30681 (5LB) are essentially the same reliable 3/32-inch rod, making them perfect for general use, with the larger pack offering better value for frequent users. The Forney 30685 steps up to a 1/8-inch diameter, which is crucial for thicker materials and higher deposition rates, while still maintaining the brand’s signature ease of use.

For those prioritizing weld aesthetics and very easy slag removal, the WISUNO E7018 rods truly stand out. Their focus on a beautiful weld seam and super stable arc makes them a joy to work with, particularly on low carbon steel, though they do require pre-baking.

The YESWELDER E7018, available in a 5LB pack, is your go-to if x-ray quality welds and structural integrity are paramount. It performs exceptionally on medium and high carbon steels, making it a professional’s choice for critical applications where preheat might be a concern. While all reviewed rods are E7018, a low-hydrogen rod ideal for AC, their nuanced strengths cater to different project requirements and welder preferences.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best rods for AC welding really boils down to your specific needs and project scale.

• If you’re a hobbyist, just starting out, or tackling small, occasional repairs, the Forney 30680 (1-pound, 3/32″) is an absolute winner. Its ease of use and forgiving nature make it incredibly accessible.
• For those who value pristine weld appearance and effortless cleanup on low carbon steel, the WISUNO E7018 (1-pound, 3/32″) will not disappoint, provided you can accommodate the pre-baking requirement.
• When consistent, high-quality output in larger quantities is your priority for general fabrication, the Forney 30681 (5-pound, 3/32″) offers excellent value and dependable performance.
• If your work involves critical structural components, medium to high carbon steels, or you need X-ray quality welds, the YESWELDER E7018 (5-pound, 3/32″) is engineered to meet those rigorous demands.
• And finally, for projects involving thicker metals or significant material buildup where a smaller rod won’t cut it, the Forney 30685 (5-pound, 1/8″) steps up, delivering robust welds with the same trusted Forney performance.

Ultimately, each of these rods excels in its own right, ensuring you have a reliable option for nearly any AC welding scenario you might encounter.

Best Rods For AC Welding: Your Questions Answered

Q1: What makes E7018 rods good for AC welding?

A: E7018 rods are “low hydrogen” electrodes, which helps reduce cracking in welds. The “AC” designation in their name or description indicates they have been formulated to perform well with alternating current welders, offering a stable arc and good bead control even with the fluctuating polarity of AC power. This makes them ideal for many home and shop welders that use AC stick machines.

Q2: Can I use E7018 AC rods on a DC welder?

A: Yes, E7018 AC rods are typically versatile enough to be used on both AC and DC+ (direct current electrode positive) welders. In fact, many welders find that E7018 performs exceptionally well on DC+, producing a smoother arc and potentially better penetration, depending on the application. Always check the specific rod’s packaging for recommended current types.

Q3: What’s the difference between 3/32-inch and 1/8-inch welding rods?

A: The difference lies in their diameter, which affects the amount of material deposited and the heat input. A 3/32-inch rod is generally used for lighter gauge metals, smaller welds, or where precise control and lower heat input are needed. A 1/8-inch rod is suitable for thicker materials, larger weldments, or when you need higher deposition rates to fill larger gaps. You’ll typically use higher amperage with a 1/8-inch rod.

Q4: Why is low hydrogen important in welding rods for AC welding?

A: Low hydrogen rods, like the E7018, are crucial because hydrogen can cause defects such as hydrogen embrittlement or underbead cracking in the weld metal, particularly in high-strength steels. By minimizing hydrogen content, these rods significantly reduce the risk of such flaws, leading to stronger, more ductile, and more reliable welds, which is a key factor in structural applications.

Q5: Do E7018 rods require pre-baking before use?

A: Many manufacturers, like WISUNO, recommend pre-baking E7018 rods, especially for critical applications or if the rods have been exposed to moisture. Pre-baking helps to drive out any absorbed moisture from the flux coating, preventing hydrogen entrapment in the weld. If the rods are kept in a sealed, dry environment (like a rod oven or sealed container), immediate pre-baking might not be necessary for general purpose work, but it’s always best practice to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Q6: What does “all position welding” mean for AC welding rods?

A: “All position welding” means that the rod can be used to create welds in flat, horizontal, vertical (up or down), and overhead positions. This versatility is highly beneficial as it allows a welder to tackle various joint configurations without needing to switch to a different type of electrode. E7018 AC rods are known for their good all-position performance, making them a versatile choice for many projects.

Q7: What are some common AC welding applications where these rods shine?

A: These AC welding rods are excellent for a wide range of applications. They’re frequently used in farm equipment repair, general maintenance in workshops, fabrication of mild and medium carbon steel structures, pipe welding (where applicable), and various DIY projects around the home. Their stability with AC machines makes them a preferred choice for many hobbyists and professionals alike using conventional AC stick welders.