6011 Vs 6013 Welding Rods – What’s Difference & Which Better For You!

When doing shielded metal arc welding, a welding rod is a necessary tool. This welding rod can be consumable or non-consumable. And if you are new in the welding industry, the importance of having knowledge on welding rods is quite gigantic.

In this article, you will know the difference between 6011 vs 6013 welding rods. In fact, both of these rods are highly used in different construction sites and industries. But they have some significant differences between them in terms of application and usage.

Buying an electrode for your welding machine without knowing its properties is a waste of time and money. Here I will tell you everything you need to know.

What Is 6011 Welding Rod?

A welding electrode that can stand 60,000 PSI pressure, can be used in any position, and has deep penetration properties is known as 6011 Welding Rod. This rod is popular among welders because it can weld on any rough surface regardless of dust, paint, or contamination. (Check details about: 7013 Welding)

Specifications

• ANSI/AWS A5.1 & ASME SFA 5.1 E6011
• Ultimate tensile strength: 60,000 psi
• Type of current: DC or AC

What Is 6013 Welding Rod?

If you are welding in thin sheets of metal and over a clean surface, 6013 must be your first choice. That’s because high potassium in the composition gives a stable arc than other welding electrodes. Besides, this one is a fill-freeze rod that can be used in either AC or DC.

6011 vs 6013 Welding Rods: A Detailed Comparison

Before jumping to the conclusion of which one should be your preferred welding rod let’s take a quick look at the comparison of 6011 vs 6013 welding rod.

Penetration of the weld

Almost all the features are the same for both the welding rods but the main thing that differentiates them from each other is the depth of penetration. 6013 electrodes usually weld best on thin metal sheets where deep penetration is not required, while 6011 penetrates deeply in thick metals. (Read more about: Welding rod ovens)

Power sources

Both of these electrodes can work on AC and DC current. But when deep penetration is needed it can be helpful to use Direct Currents rather than Alternating Currents. Therefore, the arc of 6011 will be better if you work on DC polar and for 6013, AC polar will be the best.

Arc characteristics

Since 6011 uses direct current and the penetration is deeper, Arc of 6011 is violent and rough. But the arc of 6013 is softer than 6011.

The composition of flux

The flux which surrounds the electrode is an important indicator for the application of the welding rod by the welder. The composition of 6011 flux is cellulose potassium which is also known as a fast freeze. On the other hand, the high potassium rod is the flux for 6013.

Type of slag

The slag type of 6011 is mostly thin and flaky but the 6013 produces a dense slag. Now, the advantage of 6011 is, the welding never peels off over time but for 6013, the welding doesn’t last long. (Read more about 1/8 vs 3/32 Welding Rods).

Usage

The 6011 electrodes are highly used in the maintenance work in the mining and shipping industry where the sheet is galvanized, painted, or rusty and also for manufacturing any metal structure. Since it can be used in all directions and the weld cooling happens real fast, the rod is popular among many welders.

In comparison, the 6013 electrode creates a smoother arc in thin sheets where appearance is more important than penetration frames or body of bus or truck, furniture, sculpture can be welded by 6013.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the best all-purpose welding rod?

Answer: It should be the 6011 welding rod because 3/32 or 1/8 sized rod in your toolbox can help you anytime and any type of work with fast-fill freeze technology.

Q. How do you store a 6011 welding rod?

Answer: You can store all the unused 6011 welding rods on a dry storage box because no moisture absorption happens for this welding rod.

Q. Can you weld uphill with 6013?

Answer: It is possible but since it uses AC polarity, the welding might not look too good.

Verdict

In the process of stick welding, the welding rod plays a vital role. And I hope that through this article about 6011 vs 6013 welding rod, you will be able to differentiate your preferences and choose the right electrode for you.

Otherwise, the welding might not come out as you expected. Follow the instructions of the manual given by the manufacturer and always take necessary safety precautions before working.