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Selection Chart for Stick Welding Electrodes

By the Weldclass technical team  |  Updated October 2026  |  10 min read

The right stick welding rod depends on three things: the metal you're welding, how much strength the joint needs, and what your welding machine can run. Use the chart below to find the right Weldclass electrode, then read the section for that rod for settings and tips.

Download the PDF version of this chart or see the chart for brazing rods and TIG filler wires.

Stick electrode selection chart

Mild and galvanised steel: PLATINUM 12V (E6013)

For most fabrication, repair, fencing and light structural work on mild steel, a general-purpose E6013 rod is the one to reach for. PLATINUM 12V is our most popular rod because it's so easy to use:

• very smooth arc, easy striking and re-striking, low spatter and self-releasing slag
• tolerant of dirty or rusty steel and poor fit-up
• welds in all positions, including vertical down
• runs on almost any machine, with a minimum open circuit voltage (OCV) of 40V

It comes in 2.0, 2.6 and 3.2mm, in packets and handy packs. As a guide, 2.6mm gives you about 50 rods per kilo and 3.2mm about 33.

Prefer a smaller pack? PROMAX GP is also an E6013 general-purpose rod, supplied in a 1kg re-usable pack that keeps the rods in good condition between jobs.

Australian classification: both rods are classified AS/NZS 4855 B-E43 13 A. That replaces the old AS/NZS 1553.1 E4112 classification, so if someone asks for "E4112 rods", this is what they mean.

High-strength steel: PLATINUM 16XT (E7016 low hydrogen)

Use a low-hydrogen rod where the joint needs more strength than a general-purpose rod can give. Typical examples are highly restrained joints, components under higher load or sudden stress, structural and site welding, mining and rural maintenance, pipe and pressure work. It's also used as a buffer layer before hardfacing.

PLATINUM 16XT is a hydrogen-controlled E7016 rod with a twin flux coating for a very stable arc. It suits mild and high-strength carbon-manganese steels up to 510MPa.

• Keep it dry. Low-hydrogen rods only stay low hydrogen if they're dry, because moisture adds hydrogen to the weld and weakens it. 16XT comes in 2kg vacuum foil-sealed packs, so you open only what you need.
• Check your machine. 16XT needs an OCV of at least 55V on DC or 65V on AC.
• Positions: all positions except vertical down.
• Sizes: 2.6, 3.2 and 4.0mm.

Stainless steel: 316L for most grades, 309MoL for stainless to mild steel

PLATINUM 316L (AWS E316L-16) is the general-purpose stainless rod. Use it on matching 316 and 316L, and on most other common stainless steels, including 301, 302, 304, 304L, 3Cr12, 409 and 444. It has good resistance to pitting, acids and general corrosion, which makes it popular in marine, dairy and wine making work. It runs on machines with an OCV of 45V or more, in 2.0, 2.6 and 3.2mm.

PLATINUM 309MoL (AWS E309MoL-16) is the rod for joining stainless to mild or low-alloy steel. Its high alloy content lets the weld tolerate dilution from the mild steel without cracking. Use it for matching 309 and 309L stainless, CrNi and CrNiMo stainless, clad steel, buffer layers and hard-to-weld steels. It needs an OCV of 70V or more, and comes in 2.6 and 3.2mm.

For both rods, avoid excessive current and run straight stringer beads rather than weaving.

Unknown or dissimilar steels: PLATINUM 312

When you don't know what the steel is, or you're joining two different steels, use PLATINUM 312 (AWS E312-16). It gives high-strength, crack-resistant welds on almost any steel or stainless steel, including die and tool steels, and it's a good buffer layer before hardfacing. Typical weld metal tensile strength is 770MPa.

312 is not recommended for cast iron. Use NiFe for that.

Cast iron: PLATINUM NiFe

PLATINUM NiFe (AWS ENiFe-CI) is a nickel-iron rod for hot or cold welding of cast iron to itself and cast iron to steel. It suits grey, malleable, nodular, SG and austenitic cast irons. The weld is machinable, and it's stronger and more resistant to cracking than pure nickel rods.

Run the 3.2mm rod at about 60 to 100A, keep a short arc and use the lowest current that gives a good weld. Use it in the flat and horizontal positions. For the full process, see how to weld cast iron.

Hardfacing: PROMAX 700 or PLATINUM 943

Hardfacing rods build up a wear-resistant layer on parts that get worn away by soil, rock or other abrasion. Both rods are for the flat and horizontal positions, and both lose hardness if you run them too hot.

The hardfacing selection guide has more detail on choosing a hardfacing product.

Check your machine's OCV before you choose

Open circuit voltage (OCV) is the voltage between the electrode and the job before you strike an arc. Some rods need a higher OCV to strike and run properly. If your machine's OCV is too low, the rod will be hard to start and the arc will be unstable.

Most inverter welding machines have an OCV of 55V or more. Some older transformer machines are lower, so check the rating plate. There's more in what is open circuit voltage (OCV)?

Amps by rod and size

These are the current ranges for each Weldclass rod. Start in the middle of the range, run a test on scrap, then adjust. Use the lower end for thinner material and vertical or overhead welds, and the higher end for thicker material in the flat position.

Stainless rods need less current than steel rods of the same size, so keep the current down and avoid overheating the job.

Example: choosing rods for a farm trailer repair

You're repairing a farm trailer with an inverter stick welder that has an OCV of 60V:

• Cracked drawbar: it carries load and takes shocks, so use PLATINUM 16XT, 3.2mm, starting around 115A. Your 60V OCV is fine on DC.
• Mudguard brackets and light sheet: use PLATINUM 12V, 2.6mm, starting around 70A.
• Stainless toolbox bracket onto the mild steel frame: use PLATINUM 309MoL. Check your machine first, because it needs 70V OCV. If yours is lower, PLATINUM 312 (45V) is the alternative for dissimilar steels.

Stick welding rods: common questions

What is the most common welding rod for mild steel?

A general-purpose E6013 rod. PLATINUM 12V is an E6013 rod that runs on almost any machine, welds in all positions including vertical down and tolerates dirty steel.

What is the Australian equivalent of a 6013 welding rod?

AS/NZS 4855 B-E43 13 A. Under the older AS/NZS 1553.1 standard it was classified E4112, which is why many welders still call them 4112 rods.

When should I use a low-hydrogen welding rod?

Use a low-hydrogen rod such as PLATINUM 16XT (E7016) on highly restrained joints, high-strength steel, parts under heavy or sudden load, structural and pressure work, and as a buffer layer before hardfacing.

What rod do I use to weld stainless steel to mild steel?

Use a 309 type rod such as PLATINUM 309MoL. If your machine's OCV is below 70V, or you don't know the steel grades, PLATINUM 312 is the alternative.

What welding rod do I use for cast iron?

Use a nickel-based cast iron rod. PLATINUM NiFe (ENiFe-CI) welds cast iron to itself and to steel, and gives a machinable weld.

What amps should I run a 3.2mm 6013 rod at?

For a 3.2mm PLATINUM 12V or PROMAX GP rod, use 90 to 130A. Start in the middle, test on scrap, then go lower for thin steel and vertical or overhead work, and higher for thicker steel in the flat position.

Can I use a low-hydrogen rod with any stick welder?

Only if the machine has enough open circuit voltage. PLATINUM 16XT needs at least 55V on DC or 65V on AC. Most inverter welders have 55V or more, but check older transformer machines.

Do welding rods need to be kept dry?

Yes, and low-hydrogen rods most of all, because moisture adds hydrogen to the weld. Keep rods sealed until you need them. 16XT comes in vacuum foil-sealed packs, and several other rods come in re-usable 1kg packs.

More stick welding guides

• Comparing the strength of common welding wires and electrodes
• How to weld cast iron: cast iron crack repair
• What is open circuit voltage (OCV)?
• The MMA stick welding process: your questions answered
• Selection chart for brazing rods and TIG filler wires
• All stick welding articles