Hobart 3/32 in. 7018 XLM Stick Electrode Welding Rod, 10 lb.

I burnt an entire 10lb can in two days rebuilding a stone crushing assembly. These rods performed very well in all regards. I like how they run vertically, Iike how they ran in the flat, and they did great on horizontals. Restrikes weren't too bad and I can say I'd be fully happy using them again. Nothing about them was out of the ordinary. Ran them from 100 to 145 amps.

I have no issue with the item itself, Hobart makes a great product...however I had to get a refund because it was packed so poorly, both cans I ordered busted open and were unusable (this rod absorbs moisture and can lead to defective welds). The box was twice the size it needed to be and only had one piece of brown paper for two 10 lb cans to rattle around and bang against themselves. It also looked like the box was hit by a semi. If I could give Tractor Supply zero stars for their packing job, I would. I have never seen something packed so poorly.

Got a box of the 3/32” 7018 XLM (eXtra Low Moisture) rods as I couldn’t get Excalibur rods locally. These come in a sealed, 10 pound container, which is different (allegedly) than the rod in the unsealed plastic containers. I am guessing the one-star reviewer is reviewing the incorrect product (not the XLM) and packaged in plastic, not sealed metal. I’m practicing for my 3G 3/8” structural welding certificate and these ran really well. Slag removal was easy, and bead appearance was great. No undercut or any other problems running flat or vertical uphill.

I've been a self-employed welder for over 25 years. I have used many brands of rods. I've tried several boxes of these Hobart rods to make sure that I didn't get a bad box. These rods act like they have been wet. Hard to start and easy to stick. You have to run higher amps to get them to run. Junk!