
For professional welders who need a rod that runs as good as it looks, the Hobart Hoballoy 8018C3 is a top-tier choice. This 1/8-inch stick electrode is built to handle the tough jobs where a standard 7018 just won't cut it. With 80,000 psi tensile strength and 1% nickel, it is designed for heavy-duty applications, but what you will really appreciate is how it handles under the hood. The arc is smooth and stable, providing excellent puddle control that allows you to manipulate the weld pool with precision. Whether you are filling a bevel on a heavy wall pipe or capping a structural joint, the wetting action is superb, tying into the sidewalls effortlessly to prevent cold lap and undercut.
We know that fighting the environment is half the battle in field welding. That is why Hobart formulated the coating on the 8018C3 to be moisture resistant. If you are working in humid conditions—like a shipyard or an outdoor construction site—this rod resists picking up moisture better than standard electrodes. This means you get fewer porosity issues at the start and a more consistent burn-off rate throughout the entire rod. It runs beautifully on AC, which is a lifesaver when you are dealing with arc blow in tight corners or magnetized fit-ups, and it punches deep with DCEP for those root and hot passes. The slag release is generally crisp and clean, saving you time on chipping and brushing between passes.
This electrode is an all-position workhorse. The 1/8-inch diameter is versatile enough for vertical-up stringers or weaves, and the fast-freezing slag supports the puddle well in overhead positions. It is the ideal rod for welding T-1 steels, AR plate, or any project requiring that extra toughness at low temperatures. The 10 lb hermetically sealed can is the perfect size for maintenance trucks or job boxes, keeping your rods fresh and dry without the bulk of a 50 lb tin. When the specs call for an 80-series rod with nickel, the Hoballoy 8018C3 gives you the performance you need to pass X-ray and get the job done right.
| Additional Information |
|---|
| Brand:Hobart |
| Diameter:3.2mm (1/8") |
| Aws Spec:E8018-C3 |
| Packaging Description:10lb-can |
| Polarity:AC/DC |
| Position:All |
| Tensile Strength:80,000 psi |
| Alloy Content:1% Nickel |
| Impact Properties:20 ft.lbs. at -40°F |
| Hydrogen Designator:H4 |
| Coating Type:Moisture Resistant |
| Amp Range:140-180 A |