welding rods still good?

[Rusty4242]

I have 2 almost full boxes of welding rods, one e7018 , one e6011. They are about 5 years old, with their inner plastic bags open, but in their hard plastic closed cases. There is no rust on them and they have been stored indoors and dry. Question is will they weld well , I know I can weld with them , but will they improve if I put 'em in the oven for a while. Also, what is meant by a low hydrogen rod? thanks, Larry

 

[Mighty Dodge]

The 6011's don't need to be dried and should be fine. The 7018's should be dried to get the maximum strength out of them or if you require x-ray quality welds. The coating on 7018 rods must be dry so as not to introduce hydrogen into the weld causing it to be brittle.
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M.D.

 

[Bill_C]

Yes, the 7018's cannot be trusted now. This article explains how to properly dry them.

Storing and Re-drying Electrodes

(I have no affiliation with them but their prices seem reasonable and their information appears accurate. Though I have not yet bought any of their products, one day I will...)

 

[AlanB]

For me, the 7018's are junk, if you reference the article from Bill C, which is credited to Lincoln, that is if they have just been open a couple days.

For me, and the relatively low cost of electrodes, just buy a one pound box of new 7018 if needed and start clean. If I am doing something that requires 7018 high strength rods, it would be worth new rods.

I would not blink an eye on the 6011's

My 6011's have probably sat open (in a sealed container but not evacuated) container that long.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree witht he others.. If you are doing something that really needs 7018.. then they are suspect. if you are just gluing together.. the 7018 can probably be use dok after drying. the 6011 are probably fine.. they don't make a particularly pretty weld anyway.. under good conditions.. etc.

soundguy

 

[allengentry]

7018 needs to be stored in an oven that maintains 250-300*F.

7018 can be reconditioned by placing in an oven set between 500-600*F for 2 hours.

However, I have never reconditioned 7018 that has been exposed that long to moisture.

6011 needs to be stored dry and at room temperature, generally between 40-120*F with less than 70% humidity.

 

[Rusty4242]

Thanks for the info. I'll scrap the 7018's.I'm going to use them to weld a hardened Northern splitter wedge to an I beam. Don't want to take any chances. Thanks, Larry

 

[sandman2234]

A splitter wedge isn't a "critical weld" so go ahead and use them. If it should fail, it won't be life threatening. I would dry them out best I could.

David from jax

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

I agree, use 'em! Now if you were welding a steering coupling, then you might reconsider.

Just run you a test pass and see what you think.

Most farm welding is "if it breaks, just make it stronger next time." On something like a wedge like you are welding, just run a couple more passes on it or add another brace.

....probably out-live all of us on this website....

A splitter wedge isn't a "critical weld" so go ahead and use them. If it should fail, it won't be life threatening. I would dry them out best I could.

David from jax

 

[bobodu]

Take them 7018s and mix em in with the neighbor's rods!!
Run when the cussin' starts.
Did that to my neighbor after he put a dead skunk under the center of my motor home....I never should have put the John Deere stickers on his Oliver.....