Hobart 18AC Stick Electrode E7018 5/32 Inch 5lb Pack

Hobart 18AC: The E7018 Rod That Actually Runs on Your Buzz Box

If you have ever tried to run a standard E7018 welding rod on an AC "buzz box" welder, you know the frustration: the rod sticks, the arc stutters, and the bead looks inconsistent. Hobart understands this struggle and has developed the Hobart 18AC specifically to solve it. This 5/32-inch welding electrode brings the heavy-duty strength of a 7018 low-hydrogen rod to your AC welder, delivering a smooth, buttery arc that feels like you are welding with a high-end DC machine. Whether you are working on farm equipment, fixing a trailer frame, or handling general fabrication in your garage, the Hobart 18AC is the game-changer you need.

The "18AC" in the name stands for its specialized coating designed to maintain a stable arc during the zero-crossing points of Alternating Current. This means less sticking and fewer frustrating restarts. It is an all-position rod, so you can tackle vertical-up repairs on a tractor hitch or overhead welds on a structural beam with confidence. The 5/32-inch diameter is perfect for thicker materials, allowing you to lay down significant metal in a single pass while ensuring deep penetration and strong fusion. It works just as well on DCEN and DCEP settings, making it a universal solution for whatever machine you have available.

One of the standout features of this electrode is its performance in skip and tack welding. Tacking can be a headache with low-hydrogen rods due to the slag covering the tip after the arc breaks. The Hobart 18AC is formulated for easy restriking, allowing you to move quickly from tack to tack without having to aggressively scratch or file the tip every time. The slag is also designed to release easily, often curling up on its own as it cools, leaving you with a clean, professional-looking weld bead that requires minimal grinding.

Why Welders Choose Hobart 18AC:

• Forgiving Arc: Smooth operation on AC welders where other 7018s fail.
• Strong Welds: Delivers 70,000 psi tensile strength for structural peace of mind.
• All-Position: Weld flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead without changing rods.
• Convenient Pack: The 5 lb plastic pak keeps your rods dry and is easy to store in your toolbox.