E6013 Welding Rod: Specification, Settings, Polarity, and Amps

Published on 12 January 2022

5 min

static/images/Blog/E6013_welding_rod_specification.jpg

Table of Contents:

  1. What is a 6013 Welding Rod?

  2. E6013 Welding Rod Specifications

  3. Welding Rod Sizes and Their Importance

  4. Choosing the Right Polarity for 6013 Welding Rod

  5. Recommended Amps for 6013 Welding Rod

  6. Applications of E6013 Welding Rod

  7. Key Takeaways

 

 


 

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Choosing the right welding rod is crucial for achieving high-quality welds, optimising performance, and ensuring structural integrity. Among the various types available, the 6013 welding rod is widely regarded for its ease of use, smooth arc performance, and versatility, making it a favourite among beginners and seasoned welders.

Understanding 6013 welding rod specifications, including polarity settings and amperage ranges, is essential for ensuring precision and efficiency in any welding task. Whether you’re working on light fabrication, automotive repair, or shipbuilding, the 6013 welding rod is a reliable choice for general-purpose applications on mild steel.

What is a 6013 Welding Rod?

The E6013 welding rod is a rutile-coated, mild steel electrode designed for all-position welding. Its smooth arc, low spatter, and easy slag removal make it ideal for:

  • Thin sheet metal work

  • General repairs

  • Structural applications

Compared to other electrodes:

  • 6010: Offers deeper penetration, often used for root passes

  • 7018: Higher strength and more suited for structural welding

  • 6013: Balanced performance, perfect for cleaner work with moderate penetration

E6013 Welding Rod Specifications

The E6013 electrode specification includes:

  • E: Electrode

  • 60: Minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi

  • 1: Suitable for all welding positions (flat, vertical, overhead, and horizontal)

  • 3: Indicates the flux type and current compatibility

Flux Composition

The 6013 electrode is coated with a rutile-based flux that contains ferromanganese, cellulose, potassium silicate binders, and titanium-rich compounds. These elements produce a smooth and stable arc and facilitate easy slag removal. Potassium compounds in the flux allow the rod to run well on AC and DC currents, even at low open-circuit voltages. 

Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile Strength: Approx. 60,000 psi

  • Yield Strength: Moderate

  • Impact Toughness: Suitable for low-impact general fabrication tasks

Key Features

  • Smooth arc performance with medium to shallow penetration

  • Minimal spatter

  • A stable arc is ideal for beginners

  • Easy slag removal, especially on root passes

  • Bright, clean backside slag, reducing oxidation risks

These features make the 6013 welder-friendly for multi-pass welds, poor joint fit-up, and positional welding adjustments.

Welding Rod Sizes and Their Importance

The rod is available in several diameters, each suited to different tasks:

 

Size

Application

1/16” (1.6mm)

Thin sheet metal, precision work

3/32” (2.5mm)

Light structural fabrication

1/8” (3.2mm)

Medium-duty applications

5/32” (4.0mm)

Heavy sheet or plate welding


The correct size ensures optimal arc control, proper penetration, and better overall results.

Choosing the Right Polarity for 6013 Welding Rod

The E6013 welding rod is compatible with both AC and DC polarities:

  • AC – Stable arc, great for home welders and general use

  • DCEN (DC-) – Lower penetration, faster deposition

  • DCEP (DC+) – Deeper penetration, suitable for thicker materials

This versatility makes it a go-to option for outdoor, vertical, or overhead welds, even using low-voltage machines.

Recommended Amps for 6013 Welding Rod

Choosing the correct amperage depends on rod size, material thickness, and welding position:

 

Electrode Size

Recommended Amperage

1/16” (1.6mm)

40-70 amps

3/32” (2.5mm)

70-100 amps

1/8” (3.2mm)

100-150 amps

5/32” (4.0mm)

130-180 amps


Tips:

  • Use lower amps for overhead or vertical welds

  • Increase amps for thicker base metals

  • Clean the work surface for better arc stability

Applications of E6013 Welding Rod

The welding rod 6013 is versatile and widely used in:

  • General steel fabrication

  • Automotive repair and bodywork

  • Shipbuilding and marine welding

  • Maintenance and repair jobs

  • Multi-pass welding tasks

  • Home and DIY metalwork projects

 


 

The 6013 welding rod is a top choice for mild steel welding, offering smooth operation, easy slag removal, and all-position usability. Knowing the E6013 electrode specification, ideal amperage, and polarity ensures efficient welding and better results.

Whether you’re just starting or tackling everyday fabrication tasks, the 6013 is a reliable, accessible electrode that gets the job done.

At D&H Sécheron, we manufacture a trusted range of E6013, specially designed for clean, smooth welds in general fabrication and maintenance tasks. With our commitment to quality and innovation, our welding solutions ensure reliability in every arc. 

Get in touch to explore our welding electrode range and find the right E6013 variant for your specific application.

Key Takeaways

  • E6013 welding rods are best suited for mild steel and general-purpose applications.

  • E6013 electrode specification highlights its AC/DC compatibility and all-position welding capability.

  • Correct welding rod sizes and amperage settings ensure optimal results.

  • Produces smooth, quiet arcs with easy slag removal and minimal spatter.

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