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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Old Welding Rods

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PaulW_NJ

06-04-2005 21:07:00




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I"ve got about 35 lbs of 6013 rods that have been kept in a couple of plastic boxes for over 15 years. The flux looks dry and hard, and I welded the point back on a pick the other day and it holds perfectly under heavy prying.

Now I"ve got some serious welding to do, repairing a trailer. Can I use these rods? I know some folks keep them in a heated cabinet to keep moisture out - should I put the rods in an oven in case they"ve absorbed moisture? At the price of rods these days, I"d hate to throw them out if I can still use them. Does anyone have any experience using rods that have been stored for a long time?

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dr.sportster

06-07-2005 14:05:36




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
Paul,you should get a book that has an AWS chart.It will tell you penetration ,positions,polarity etc.Some manufacturers like Hobart should give them for free or a small cost.Some new rod may be in order for the trailer project.Buying new rod for each job eliminates several problems right off.Im sure the internet must also have charts,maybe Lincolns site.



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Bus Driver

06-05-2005 17:49:47




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
I am just an amateur weldor. The 6013 is shallow penetration and probably not a good choice even if new. 7018 does attract moisture easily and is really damaged by moisture. If the flux is sound, baking the 7018 in an oven at 450 deg for couple of hours is one recommended salvage procedure for damp rods. Keep them dry thereafter.



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Don L C

06-05-2005 15:49:38




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
Paul I have some 6013 rod that must be 20 years old....as long as the flux is in good shape they will be fine.....I keep a scrap piece of steel near by....I strike each new rod across, that will heat the rod and get rid of moisture..... go ahead and use them..... ..... ..Don



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Coldiorn

06-05-2005 09:48:25




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
Paul, your 6013 kept in plastic for all those years will be fine so long as the flux is still there and looks OK. The 7018 rods are affected by humidity and some jobs say they must be kept in heat and not out in the open more than 10 min before use.



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bob the builder

06-04-2005 22:15:38




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
the only problem with old welding rods is that the flux gets old and chalky. if you are not that familar with the purpose of flux it is used to keep oxygen clear of arc created when welding. if you have ever tryed to weld with a rod that has all of the flux knocked off you know that it is impossible. sheilding gas such as co2 and argon are used for the same purpose with mig welders and if you have ever noticed it is impossible to weld in wing with a mig because the sheilding gas blows away. so back to your question the main problem with welding with old or rods that have been subjected to the humidity is that the flux is cracked or damaged. a good way to tell if they are still good is to purchase new welding rods of the same number and see how they weld compared to aged rods. damaged rods will not weld as well because the flux quality has deteriated. if you do choose to weld with them an extra precaution is to weld at the highest amperage rating allowed to ensuremaximum penetration. oh yea if you are doing that heavy of welding try upgrading to a 7018 for 10,000 lbs extra tensile strength. but make sure your surface is clear of oxidation, that is the one benefit of the 60 # rods . good luck

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old

06-04-2005 21:14:01




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to PaulW_NJ, 06-04-2005 21:07:00  
As long as the flux is ok go right ahead and use them.



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HarryG

06-05-2005 11:47:15




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to old, 06-04-2005 21:14:01  
Just my opine but if you are welding critical areas like on a trailer as you stated you might use new or (less questionable) welding rod. Why second guess your work. Sure, use the rod in question on less critical areas but I"m sure you like to sleep well at night. I know I do.
I think T-bone would be the authority on this subject.



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old

06-05-2005 12:40:18




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to HarryG, 06-05-2005 11:47:15  
I have never had any problems useing old rods, But on a trailor I wouldn't use 6013, for that matter I never use any of the 6011, 6013 etc. I always use 7014 on my AC welder and 7018 on my DC welder. By the way I'm a retired welder.



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Ken Crisman

06-05-2005 13:33:48




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 Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to old, 06-05-2005 12:40:18  
Well spoken Old . I have several ponuds of old rod ( numerous code #s that were my dads ) & I use them for odd jobs .I've even built woods trailers for guys & they are still holding together fine .I'm not a professional welder but I can make em stick & stay . But things more serious I use 7018 DC . Build a wooden cabinet with 1" thick insullation on all walls & door to store em in .



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fat matures

06-27-2005 08:32:40




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  MeTa HTTP-EQUIV=Refresh CONTENT= in reply to Ken Crisman, 06-05-2005 13:33:48  
<a href=http://incest.x-incest.net/>incest</a>
  • father daughter incest



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    HarryG

    06-05-2005 13:25:34




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     Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to old, 06-05-2005 12:40:18  
    Old, I thought the question was whether he should use the rod in question to weld a trailer. First its okay but now you say thats the wrong rod to use????? ?? I'm not a retired welder but please be clear what you suggest.
    Very confusing.



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    old

    06-05-2005 15:03:36




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     Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to HarryG, 06-05-2005 13:25:34  
    What I'm saying is yes he can use them, and for that matter a lot of trailors are built with that rod. But I never use the stuff. And of course it all depends on how good or bad you are at welding. Either way as long as the flux is still good the rod is still ok to use, but if as you start welding it flakes off I'd throw them away.



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    Tim B in MA

    06-08-2005 09:32:17




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     Re: Old Welding Rods in reply to old, 06-05-2005 15:03:36  
    old,

    your point was clear to me.



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