Hot take: I think 7018 rod is way overhyped for everyday jobs

Last week I was patching up a boiler drum at the old power plant outside of town, and the foreman insisted I use 7018 for a tack weld that just needed to hold until the next shutdown. I grabbed some 6010 instead, got it done in half the time, and the weld passed a dye check no problem. Three years ago I would have followed orders, but after welding on everything from barges to grain silos, I find 6010 is usually good enough for most repair work unless you're dealing with high stress or thick plate. 7018 has its place, sure, but guys act like it's the only rod that matters and I think that's just what they were taught in school. Anyone else think 6010 gets overlooked just because it looks rougher?

2 comments

2 Comments

troyp3713d ago

Totally agree, 6010 gets the job done just fine most of the time.

elizabeth_gonzalez12d ago

Skeptical. 6010 is fine but 7018 is just way smoother.