When welding thinner metals, such as less than 5 mm diameter, choosing the right welding rod is crucial for precise control over heat input and for producing cleaner welds.
A correct Stick welding electrode will be compatible with the tensile strength of the metal to avoid unwanted cracking or damaging issues.
This article will help you choose the best welding rod for thin metal, along with a practical buying guide.
6 Best Welding Rod For Thin Metal
| Product | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hobart E6013 Welding Rod | Country of Origin USA Item Weight 5 pounds Size 3/32-5lbs Installation Method Arc-welding | Check Price |
 | Forney E6013 Welding Rod | size 3/32-Inch Style Rod Material Mild Steel Thickness 0.09 Inches Power Source AC/DC Amperage Capacity 80 Amps | Check Price |
 | Kikinghorse E6013 Welding Rod | Country of Origin China Style 6013-3/32 Material Mild steel Power Source Ac_dc | Check Price |
 | Hyweld E6013 Welding Rod | Size 1/8″ 10 lb Material MILD STEEL | Check Price |
 | Weldcote E6013 Welding Rod | Item Weight 5.12 pounds Size 3/32 – 5 lbs – vacuum pack Material Rutile coated Special Features Low Manganese Emission, Patent Protected | Check Price |
 | Blue Demon E6013 Welding Rod | Item Weight 4.95 pounds Item model number E6013-116-05P Size 1/16″(Diameter) Style 5# Plastic | Check Price |
01. Hobart E6013 Welding Rod
Are you looking for a good-quality welding electrode that is easy to use? If so, this option appears to be a perfect pick.
The unit has light to medium penetration ability. Its tensile strength is around 60,000 PSI, enough for handling most DIY welding projects.
The unit has a 3/32-inch diameter. This small-size electrode is a perfect choice for low heat on thin metals. You can weld metal up to ¼-inch. It is easy to weld and provides appealing welds.
Pros
- Produces solid welds with smooth arch and minimal slag
- Easy to use, well-suited for beginners
- An all-position electrode to provide effortless arc creation and retention
Cons
- The plastic container for the rods could be better
Why Should One Buy This One?
Hobart 770466 appears a perfect welding electrode if you have recently started learning to weld. It is simple to use in all positions. You will take less time to get used to it.
Why Is It Special?
Hobart 770466 can produce high-quality welds with decent penetration and lower spatter. You can achieve a consistent welding performance.
Check Hobart E6013 Welding Rod Price At Amazon
02. Forney E6013 Welding Rod
Do you need a functional welding rod, especially for mild steel fabrication? Forney 30301 can produce decent-quality welds with good bead appearance and uniformity.
You will appreciate how it yields smooth, flat beads with a stable arc with AC or DC operations.
Besides, the unit is a perfect choice for vertical down welding as it has a moderate deposition rate. You will achieve clean welds that will significantly reduce post-weld clean-up.
Pros
- Disperse better and melts more easily
- Well suited for mild steel and light gauge metal
- Produces minimal spatter to reduce cleaning hassles
Cons
- Instructions on the outside on how to open the box could be better
Why Should One Buy This One?
If you want to specially work on thin or sheet metal pieces, such as maintenance and repair welding, light fabrication, etc. Forney 30301 E6013 welding rod is a good choice.
Why Is It Special?
If you want an excellent wetting action in welding for improved joint strength with minimal defects, this welding electrode can be a perfect choice.
Check Forney E6013 Welding Rod Price At Amazon
03. KICKINGHORSE E6013 Welding Rod
This welding electrode can produce a stable and smooth arch. You will have better control over the welding process and can precisely adjust the welding parameters.
Don’t you love to see a visually appealing weld? This 3/32-inch diameter welding rod can ensure a uniform, consistent appearance. It will be an indication of good mechanical properties.
KICKINGHORSE 6013 Welding Rod produces easily removable slag. It will reduce the amount of time and effort required for post-weld clean-up. You just need to chip or brush away them.
Pros
- Perfect for using maintenance and repair projects due to its simplicity
- Saves time and effort required for post-weld clean-up
- Available in five different diameters
Cons
- Not the best choice for mild and low-alloy, and high-stress applications
Why Should One Buy This One?
If you want to weld thinner metals, such as mild steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, KICKINGHORSE 6013 is an excellent option as it produces a relatively low heat input.
Why Is It Special?
Welders who want to experience porosity or incomplete fusion from slag should try this option. It can improve your welding productivity, too, if you regularly weld.
Check Kikinghorse E6013 Welding Rod Price At Amazon
04. Hyweld E6013 Welding Rod
Are you looking for a particular welding rod to repair farm equipment? If so, this Hy-weld stick welding rod can show reliable performance.
It can penetrate through thicker materials effortlessly. Whether the base metal is made of steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum, this versatile welding rod is well-suited.
The welding electrode has an excellent shape. Hence, the weld bead will be consistent in shape and size throughout the weld joint to meet the required specifications.
Pros
- More consistent and free from defects welding results
- Reduces spatter during welding
- Perfect for repairing heavy-duty farm equipment
Cons
- A bit challenging to use in vertical and overhead welding positions
Why Should One Buy This One?
The Hy-weld stick welding rod is the best choice for welders who want to produce solid and reliable for repairing heavy-duty farm equipment.
Why Is It Special?
This weld can provide high-quality welding results, especially on expensive base metals with smooth arc initiation, low spatter, and stable arc.
Check Hyweld E6013 Welding Rod Price At Amazon
05. Weldcote E-6013 Welding Rod
Are you tired of welding in hazardous manganese emission environments? Weldcote Metals E-6013 is a low manganese emission stick welding electrode.
The unit has lower manganese content to produce lower levels of fume emissions than high manganese electrodes
The electrode also decreases the risk of cracking in the weld metal. It usually comes in handy for welding high-strength steel.
Pros
- Ensures minimal manganese emission for optimal environmental safety
- Contains decent mechanical properties to resist mechanical forces and loads
- ABS approved to ensure toughness, rigidity, and creep resistance
Cons
- The Flux is a bit heavy on the end area
Why Should One Buy This One?
If you are looking for an easy-to-use welding rod for general and heavy welding without severe sticking or splatter, Weldcote Metals E-6013 is a good option.
Why Is It Special?
Welders who highly prioritize their health and environmental safety can use this low manganese emission stick welding electrode.
Check Weldcote E6013 Welding Rod Price At Amazon
06. Blue Demon E6013 Welding Rod
Are you looking for a particular welding rod for poor fit-up in the joint? Blue Demon 6013 is well suited for this purpose due to its smoother and simpler deposition.
It can effortlessly adapt to reduced heat and thinner materials. Accommodating a certain amount of misalignment and irregularities in the joint is easygoing for this electrode.
The welding electrode also provides a stable arc to create precise and accurate welds. You are less likely to see distortion and warping in the material.
Pros
- Easy to deposit a large amount of welded metal quickly
- Perfect for use on regular fabrication, metal buildings and structures, and machine parts
- High-quality packaging to protect the rods properly
Cons
- Need to be a bit cautious to avoid burning hot
Why Should One Buy This One?
The welding electrode can show a reliable performance for welding large, poorly fitting joints. as well as vertical and horizontal lap and butt joints.
Why Is It Special?
This welding rod can penetrate through the base metal and fill gaps and voids in the joint, resulting in a sound and secure weld.
Check Blue Demon E6013 Welding Rod price At Amazon
What Type of Welding Rod Is Used For Thin Metal?
It depends on the welding metal and welding technique.
Experts usually recommend using welding rods with a lower diameter. It will provide a narrower, more concentrated heat input during welding.
Besides, the welding rod should have a reduced amperage rating for better control over the welding procedure.
What Size Welding Rod For Thin Metal?
E6013 welding rod is the best choice for welding thin metal. It has a 3.15-3.25mm diameter.
The welding electrode is a perfect choice for light and medium penetration jobs.
Welders usually use it for welding thin metal sheets, galvanized steel, low alloy steels, and other thin metals.
E6013 welding rods offer a smooth and stable arc, making it a perfect choice for beginner Welders.
Plus, this particular size welding rod provides a decent penetration even on thin metal while producing minimal slag.
How To Choose A Welding Rod For Thin Metal
The followings are crucial attributes you should not overlook to choose the best welding rod for thin metal.
01. Tensile strength
Do you know it is necessary to meet the required strength and ductility levels for welding?
Make sure to match the welding rod’s tensile strength to the base metal’s tensile strength. It can be higher but not lower.
Otherwise, you will see cracking and other weld discontinuities.
02. Base Metal Thickness
Choosing a smaller diameter welding rod for welding thin metal is crucial.
The welding electrode will produce a smooth and soft arc.
It is perfect for getting light to medium or shallow penetration. You are less likely to see overheating or burn-through issues.
03. Welding Position
Which type of welding position do you prefer? The downhill welding position is one of the most common choices for thin metals.
But you can also use vertical or overhead positions. Make sure to choose a welding rod with a lower amperage rating to avoid overheating and sagging the weld.
04. Welding Current
The welding current should be matched to the diameter of the welding rod.
Generally, a 30 to 50 amps welding current is enough for handling thinner metals.
You don’t need too much current for thinner workpieces as it would otherwise cause arc instability, undercutting, and bad weld profiles.
05. Joint Type
Which type of weld will you join? It can affect the choice of welding rod.
If you are welding a lap joint, make sure the welding electrode provides light penetration.
But, you need at least medium penetration for welding a butt joint to perfectly join two pieces of metal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of E6013?
One of the common issues of E6013 is leaving a heavy slag formation that may create weld defects and weaken the join. Also, it can lead to too shallow penetration if not used the weld correctly.
Do you use AC or DC for 6013?
If you are welding thinner materials up to around 1/8 inch, DC straight polarity (DCSP) or DC reverse polarity (DCRP) is the best choice. But thicker materials over 1/8 inch AC or DCRP polarity are better when it comes to welding.
What is the difference between E7018 and E6013?
E6013 is a rutile welding rod with increased titanium oxide (rutile) in the coating, whereas E7018 is a low hydrogen rod that doesn’t need preheating on heavy sections. E6013 is suitable for thin sheets, but E7018 is well suited for thicker workpieces.
Last Words
When it comes to choosing the best welding rod for thin metal, you want to consider the diameter, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, welding current, and welding position.
Before choosing a particular option, determine what type of welding projects you are going to mostly handle and select a specific option depending on those criteria.
Author
-
by
