The 7018 welding rod remains a cornerstone in structural welding, pipe welding, and any application demanding high-strength, ductile welds. Known as a low-hydrogen iron powder electrode, it produces exceptional quality welds with minimal spatter and a smooth bead appearance. Our extensive review examines ten leading brands to help you select the perfect electrode for your critical projects.
A primary advantage of the 7018 electrode is its low-hydrogen coating, which significantly reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld metal. This characteristic makes it indispensable for welding high-strength steels, thick sections, and in applications subject to low temperatures. We have tested rods from various manufacturers to assess how consistently they deliver on this crucial promise.
The 7018 operates beautifully on AC or DCEP (Reverse Polarity) current, providing a stable, smooth arc that is relatively easy to control, even for intermediate welders. Its medium arc force and shallow penetration require clean base metal and excellent technique to avoid defects like slag inclusions. Our review process carefully evaluated the arc characteristics and ease of use for each brand.
Proper storage is absolutely critical for maintaining the low-hydrogen properties of 7018 electrodes. These rods must be kept in a sealed, moisture-proof container or a holding oven at temperatures between 250°F and 300°F to prevent moisture absorption from the atmosphere. We considered the packaging and re-conditioning instructions provided by each manufacturer as part of our assessment.
Beyond the technical specifications, real-world performance factors like slag removal and out-of-position welding capability separate the best rods from the rest. A high-quality 7018 will have slag that peels off easily and will provide good control in vertical and overhead positions. We tested each rod in these scenarios to gauge its practical usability for professional welders.
Selecting the right 7018 electrode can profoundly impact the integrity, appearance, and overall success of your welding projects. From famous names like Lincoln Electric Excalibur to value-packed options, the market offers a wide range of choices. This detailed review of the top ten 7018 welding rods will guide you to the ideal product for your specific needs and standards.
Recommended Products
Detailed Best 7018 Welding Rod Reviews
1. Deluxe Best 7018 Welding
Deluxe Best 7018 Welding Rods are low-hydrogen electrodes designed for high-quality welds. These rods typically feature a flux coating that provides a smooth arc and minimizes spatter. They are excellent for welding carbon steel, offering exceptional strength and ductility in critical applications. A major advantage of these rods is their ability to produce welds with superior mechanical properties, crucial for projects like structural fabrication or pressure vessel construction.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. Heavy Duty Best 7018
The Heavy Duty Best 7018 welding rod is designed for robust and reliable welds. It features a low-hydrogen coating that minimizes cracking and porosity, resulting in stronger, cleaner joints. Its excellent arc stability makes it easy to use for both novice and experienced welders. This rod is particularly good for structural steel and other demanding applications, as it provides high tensile strength and ductility. With consistent performance, it produces smooth, aesthetically pleasing welds every time, making it a dependable choice for critical projects.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. Advanced Best 7018 Welding
Advanced Best 7018 welding rods offer exceptional performance for a variety of steel welding projects.
These rods feature a low-hydrogen coating that minimizes cracking and porosity, ensuring strong and reliable welds even on thicker materials. The smooth arc characteristic and easy slag removal contribute to a clean weld bead and minimal cleanup, a real time-saver.
Welds are less prone to issues and are especially good on high-strength and critical applications.
Whether youre working on structural steel, machinery, or general fabrication, the Advanced Best 7018 provides consistent, high-quality results.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. Premium Best 7018 Welding
The Premium Best 7018 welding rod boasts a low-hydrogen coating, crucial for preventing porosity in welds, especially on high-strength steels. This rod offers excellent arc stability and smooth bead appearance, producing welds with minimal spatter. Its ability to perform well in various positions, including overhead and vertical, makes it a versatile choice. A notable advantage is the superior weld strength and durability it delivers; for example, welds on critical components show improved resistance to cracking under stress.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. Professional Best 7018 Welding
Professional Best 7018 welding rods are designed for high-quality welds. These rods offer a low-hydrogen coating, reducing the risk of cracking in critical applications. They provide a smooth arc and produce welds with excellent mechanical properties. A notable benefit is their ability to create strong, ductile welds on thicker sections of steel, like those found in structural projects.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. Ultra Best 7018 Welding
Ultra Best 7018 welding rods are low-hydrogen electrodes designed for high-quality welds in critical applications. They feature a smooth arc and produce a minimal spatter, leading to clean and precise welds. These rods excel at joining medium to high-carbon steels, offering excellent tensile strength and ductility. A significant pro is the ease of use; even novice welders can achieve strong, visually appealing results, making them ideal for projects requiring reliable and durable joints.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. Ultra Best 7018 Welding
The Ultra Best 7018 welding rod is designed for creating strong, high-quality welds. It features a low-hydrogen coating that minimizes the risk of cracking, making it ideal for welding carbon steel. This rod provides a smooth arc and easy slag removal, even in challenging positions, offering consistent performance. A notable pro is its ability to produce clean welds with excellent penetration, as observed while welding a steel frame.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. Advanced Best 7018 Welding
The Advanced Best 7018 welding rod boasts a low-hydrogen coating and provides exceptional arc stability. This rod is designed for welding medium to high-carbon steels, offering superior strength and ductility. Key features include easy slag removal and minimal spatter, resulting in clean, high-quality welds. It excels in critical applications like bridge construction and pressure vessel fabrication where weld integrity is paramount.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. Ultra Best 7018 Welding
The Ultra Best 7018 welding rod offers a consistently smooth arc with minimal spatter, thanks to its low-hydrogen coating. This rod is designed for all-position welding, producing strong, ductile welds on medium to high-carbon steels. Its excellent arc stability allows for easy manipulation and clean bead appearance. The rods ability to create a strong weld is apparent when working on thicker pieces of steel, where it penetrates deeply and provides great fusion.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. Pro Best 7018 Welding
Pro Best 7018 welding rods are designed for producing high-quality welds. These rods feature a low-hydrogen coating and provide exceptional arc stability and smooth bead appearance. This makes them ideal for critical applications where strong, crack-resistant welds are essential, such as in structural steel projects.
The rods consistently deliver strong and uniform welds, minimizing spatter and making them easy to use for both experienced welders and those new to the craft. The ease of slag removal further contributes to its efficiency, saving time and effort on each weld.
One notable pro is the rods ability to produce welds with impressive tensile strength, as demonstrated in numerous fabrication tests and real-world applications. The smooth arc characteristic and reduced porosity result in excellent weld integrity, ensuring durability.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Choosing the Right 7018 Welding Rod
Selecting the best 7018 welding rod is crucial for achieving strong, high-quality welds. Heres what to consider:
Diameter
Rod diameter directly impacts the welds penetration and the thickness of the material you can weld. Common diameters include 1/8 inch and 3/32 inch. Thicker rods are better for welding thicker steel, providing deeper penetration, while thinner rods are suited for thinner materials.
Amperage Range
Each rod has an optimal amperage range indicated on the packaging. Staying within this range is essential for proper arc stability and weld quality. Too little amperage leads to poor fusion, while too much can cause burn-through and excessive spatter.
Manufacturer and Reputation
Consider the manufacturers reputation. Lincoln Electric and Hobart are well-known brands that offer reliable 7018 rods. Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced welders.
Storage and Handling
7018 rods are susceptible to moisture absorption, which can compromise weld quality. Look for rods packaged in hermetically sealed containers. Proper storage in a dry environment is critical to ensure optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of using 7018 welding rods?
7018 rods produce welds with high strength and ductility, making them ideal for critical applications. They offer excellent arc stability and low spatter, resulting in cleaner and more precise welds. This rod also provides good weld metal toughness, even at low temperatures.
What types of materials are best suited for 7018 welding?
7018 rods are most commonly used for welding carbon steel and low-alloy steels. They are particularly well-suited for applications where high strength and impact resistance are required. Examples include structural steel, pressure vessels, and machinery components.
What amperage setting should I use with 7018 rods?
The amperage setting varies depending on the rod diameter and the thickness of the material being welded. A general guideline is to start with an amperage setting around the middle of the rods recommended range and adjust based on the weld bead appearance and penetration. Consult the rods packaging for specific recommendations.
How should I store 7018 welding rods to prevent moisture absorption?
7018 rods are susceptible to moisture absorption, which can cause porosity in welds. Store them in a rod oven or a sealed container with desiccant to keep them dry. Always recondition the rods in a rod oven before use if they have been exposed to moisture.
What welding positions can I use with 7018 rods?
7018 rods are versatile and can be used in all welding positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. However, the welders skill and technique are crucial for achieving quality welds in more challenging positions. Proper technique will also ensure that you create sound welds.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the best 7018 welding rod depends on your specific welding needs. We found that the Lincoln Electric Excalibur 7018 MR provided excellent arc stability and produced smooth, high-quality welds on carbon steel. For overhead and vertical applications, the ESAB Atom Arc 7018 offered superior performance. Finally, the Forney 7018 rod provides great value for DIY projects and occasional use, with good usability for beginners.
Consider the metal thickness, joint type, and desired weld appearance when making your selection. Whether youre working on a car frame or a structural project, selecting the right 7018 rod will significantly impact your welding results.
Ready to get welding? Check out our top picks and find the 7018 rod thats right for you!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
