Buying guide
Welding Electrode Guide: Rod Types & Sizes
A practical reference for fabricators across Kenya choosing between 6010, 6011, 6013 and 7018 stick electrodes — what each does best and which sizes to keep on hand.
E6010 — Deep penetration, DC+
Pipeline root passes, repair welds on rusty or painted steel where you need to dig through contamination.
Common sizes: 2.5mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm.
E6011 — All-position, AC or DC
Same digging arc as 6010 but runs on AC machines — ideal for site work and older transformer welders common in Kenyan workshops.
Common sizes: 2.5mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm.
E6013 — General purpose, easy strike
Light to medium fabrication: gates, grilles, bodywork, thin sheet. The go-to rod for apprentices and everyday workshop work.
Common sizes: 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm.
E7018 — Low hydrogen, high strength
Structural steel, heavy plate, pressure work and anything that will be inspected. Keep rods dry — store in a rod oven.
Common sizes: 2.5mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm.
Choosing the right rod size
As a rule of thumb, the rod diameter should be roughly equal to the thickness of the thinner piece being welded — up to a maximum of about 4mm for most workshop machines. For sheet metal under 3mm, use a 2.5mm 6013. For 6mm plate and gates, 3.2mm is the workhorse. For structural work on 8mm and above, step up to 4.0mm 7018.
Stocking up?
Weldwell stocks Kiswel, Böhler, ESAB and Hero electrodes in all the common sizes — nationwide delivery across Kenya. Add what you need to your shopping cart and we'll send pricing on WhatsApp.
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