7014 vs 7018 Welding Rods – Which One Is Really Better?

Welding is a technique to connect two metals and has a vast use in this modern era. Amongst the different types of welding, arc welding is the most common one. It uses electric power to generate heat and thus melt metals. This type of welding uses a welding rod to generate that heat. 

In the world of arc welding, 7014 and 7018 welding rods are two common names. They both have similar welding features. And yet it often gets difficult to distinguish between these two. So, I am here to talk about their differences. Keep reading and explore the 7014 vs 7018 welding rods.

What is a 7014 welding rod?

7014 welding rod is an arc welding rod coated with Titania and Iron powder. It is mostly used to weld low metal alloys. This is why it is used in household welding. It provides a good deposition and pretty easy to use. 

Specifications:

• Code: AWS A5.1 ASME SFA 5.1, F-3, A-1
• Current: DC & AC
• Diameter: 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”

What is 7018 welding rod?

7018 welding rod is also an arc welding rod and also known as a low hydrogen electrode. It is used to weld crap or high sulfur steel. Like the 7014 rods, it also provides a good deposition. However, it is a bit sophisticated to handle and not recommended for armature users. 

Comparing 7014 and 7018 Welding Rods: Similarities and Key Differences

It is a bit difficult to distinguish between these two electrodes because both of these arc welding rods come with almost the same features. Especially the features like the tensile strength, positions, arc characteristics, motion, etc. 

They both have the same tensile strength which is 70000 PSI. Except for the vertical downhill, both of them can be used in any position. Both have the same arc characteristics which is a soft arc. Both work in drag motion. 

So, what makes them different from each other? Follow this article to get the answer. I will break down each distinct feature of these two. So, let’s get started with the 7014 vs 7018 welding rods.

• Storage needs

7018 welding consists of low hydrogen coating. This makes it unsuitable to store in a moist or damp environment. Storing 7018 welding rod in moist areas will affect its low hydrogen coatings. This characteristic is the reason why it is kept in the oven before use. 

Whereas, 7014 welding rod is of titanium coating. It can be stored in moist or damp conditions. Moisture will not affect it to that extent. So, in terms of storage conditions, 7014 is more comfortable than the 7018 welding rod. 

• Flux coating

These two have different flux coating. This one is the only structural difference between the two welding rods. 7018 has a low hydrogen coating of potassium iron. It is specially designed to weld steel that consists of high carbon. 

So it makes sense why it has the coating of low hydrogen. While 7014 has the coating of titanium iron powder. 

• Usability

Well, 7014 welding rod is mostly used in small projects or for household welding because of its ease of handling and use. It is more commonly used by beginner welders. 

While 7018 welding rod is mostly used by professionals. It is a bit sophisticated and may not be compatible for use by beginner. 

• Freezing properties

7018 has a fast freezing capability while 7014 doesn’t. This feature of 7018 added an advantage for the welder to be able to work in an uncomfortable position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Verdict

These electrodes have very few structural differences. However, these little differences serve very crucial purposes. And I think you also wondered that. If you are a beginner, I would suggest you use the 7014 welding rod.

So, that’s it for the 7014 vs 7018 welding rods. I have talked about the key differences here and I hope it helped you.