Electrode storage myths and rod oven temperatures

Welders often ask me, “Can I dry welding rods in my oven if they have gotten wet?” and “Can I put 7018 welding rods in my freezer for a certain amount of time if they are old?”

The 7018 electrode is a low-hydrogen rod, which means it doesn’t tolerate moisture in its flux. If you’ve welded with 7018 that has moisture in it, you’ve discovered the meaning of porosity, or wormholes, a major welding defect.

Storage Myths

If someone’s told you that you can dry wet welding rods in your oven or put rods in a freezer if they are old, you’ve heard two welding myths.

Another myth is that you can put a light bulb in an old refrigerator and store your welding electrodes in it. First, you can’t open the door from inside many old refrigerators, so any curious kid prowling around the job site can climb in and suffocate. On top of that, a light bulb won’t emit enough heat to keep welding electrodes at the proper temperature.

Oven Temperatures

Using a home oven to recondition welding rods is another unwise choice. The fire department likely will visit your house, because most rods require 500 to 700 degrees for reconditioning for anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.

The old saying “Use the right tool for the job” comes to mind here. If you’re welding at home, you can buy an inexpensive rod oven that uses regular 110-V electricity. Bigger, more efficient, and affordable ovens are available for bigger jobs or shops.