Ever found yourself in the middle of a welding project, only to realize that the wire you're using just isn't up to the task? Maybe it's spattering everywhere, or perhaps it's struggling to penetrate that rusty, painted steel. We've all been there, and it's frustrating. That's why we've taken the guesswork out of the equation by rigorously testing and selecting the top flux core welding wires that guarantee clean, strong welds every time.
Our recommendations are based on a few key criteria:
- Material Compatibility: Ensuring the wire works well with various metals, including carbon steel and galvanized steel.
- Welding Positions: Evaluating the wire's performance in different welding positions, such as vertical, horizontal, and overhead.
- Spatter and Slag: Minimizing spatter and ensuring easy slag removal for a cleaner weld.
- Outdoor Performance: Assessing how well the wire performs in less-than-ideal conditions, like windy environments.
We believe in quality over cheap alternatives, so you can trust that our picks are worth every penny.
Navigating through our recommendations is straightforward and tailored to your needs. Here's how you can make the most of the tools and content on this page:
- Handy Selector Tool: Enter your preferences, and our tool will provide the top 3 picks tailored just for you.
- Detailed Product Reviews: Dive deep into the specifics of each product we've reviewed, offering you comprehensive insights.
- Buyer's Guide: If you're new to the research process, start here to understand the essentials and make an informed decision.
Use the links in our table of contents at the top of the page to quickly jump to any section you want. Your time is valuable, and we've made it easy for you to find the best flux core welding wire without the hassle.
Your Personal Selections
Numerical Choices
Selecting a bigger value for any feature, will make products with higher values of that feature to rank higher.
Weight:
Diameter:
Tensile Strength:
Categorical Choices
Selecting any option means that products with that option will rank higher. This will not filter out options, it will only make your desired options rank higher.
Material:
Wire Type:
| Img | Brand | Model | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Hobart | Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030 | $$$ | Check Availability |
 | Forney | Forney E71T-GS .030 | $$$ | Check Availability |
 | Lincoln | Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035 | $$ | Check Availability |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030
Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030
4.8 WeldWins Rating
The Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030 is a high-quality flux core welding wire designed for versatility and performance. Ideal for outdoor welding and effective on rusty or painted steel, this wire is perfect for both professionals and hobbyists looking for reliable results.
Brand:
Hobart
Model:
Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030
Price Rating:
$$$
Material:
Carbon steel
Application:
Thin sheet metal, galvanized steel
Weight:
2-pound roll
Diameter:
0.030-inch wire
The Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030 is a standout choice for those in need of a reliable and versatile flux core welding wire. Made from high-tensile carbon steel, this wire is designed to handle a variety of welding tasks, including thin sheet metal and galvanized steel. Its 0.030-inch diameter makes it suitable for all-position MIG welding, providing flexibility whether you're working on a vertical, horizontal, or overhead project.
One of the key advantages of the Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 is its effectiveness on less-than-perfect surfaces. Whether you're dealing with rusty, dirty, or painted steel, this wire ensures strong, consistent welds. It's also particularly well-suited for outdoor welding, where conditions can be less controlled. The wire's high-speed capabilities make it ideal for single-pass work, saving you time and effort on your projects.
While the Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 does produce more spatter than some other wires, this can be mitigated by adjusting the amperage for better penetration. The deeper penetration helps to burn away spattering droplets more effectively, resulting in cleaner welds. Some users have reported issues with spool winding, but this is a common challenge with flux core wires and not unique to this product. Overall, the quality and performance of this wire make it a top choice for both professional welders and DIY enthusiasts.
In summary, the Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030 offers excellent value for its price. Despite minor drawbacks like spatter and spool issues, its benefits far outweigh these concerns. The wire's versatility, high-speed performance, and effectiveness on various surfaces make it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about welding. Whether you're tackling a complex project or a simple repair, this welding wire is designed to deliver reliable, high-quality results every time.
Benefits
- Suitable for all position MIG welding
- Effective on rusty, dirty, or painted steel
- Ideal for outdoor welding
- High speed for single pass work
- Hotter than solid wires
Complaints
- Produces a lot of spatter
- Issues with spool winding
2. Forney E71T-GS .030
Forney E71T-GS .030
4.7 WeldWins Rating
The Forney E71T-GS .030 is a versatile self-shielding flux core wire that excels in welding painted or rusty metal, making it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Its ability to perform well in breezy conditions and produce low to moderate spatter adds to its appeal.
Brand:
Forney
Model:
Forney E71T-GS .030
Price Rating:
$$$
Wire Type:
Self-shielding flux core wire
Diameter:
0.030-inch
Weight:
2-pound roll
Material Compatibility:
Suited for sheet metal or plate, welds galvanized steel
Positioning:
Multiple position wire
The Forney E71T-GS .030 is a self-shielding flux core wire that stands out for its versatility and reliability. Designed for welding in all positions, this wire is particularly well-suited for those working with sheet metal or plate, and it even handles galvanized steel with ease. One of the standout features is its ability to weld painted or rusty metal, which can be a significant advantage in various repair and fabrication tasks. Additionally, the wire performs admirably in breezy conditions, making it a reliable choice for outdoor projects.
One of the core reasons to consider the Forney E71T-GS .030 is its high-speed single pass welding capability. This feature not only saves time but also ensures strong, durable welds with a tensile strength of 79,000 PSI. Users have reported that the wire produces low to moderate spatter, which is a common concern in welding. Forney recommends using an Argon/CO2 gas mix on MIG welders to further reduce spatter, and higher amperage settings can also help achieve cleaner results. These attributes make it a practical choice for both novice and experienced welders.
However, it's important to note that some users have experienced feeding problems with this wire. Issues such as wire breaking or having too much manufacturing coating have been reported. To mitigate these problems, some users have installed wire cleaners on their welding machines. Additionally, there have been instances where the wire does not feed smoothly in certain Lincoln welders. Despite these occasional issues, many users have found that these problems can often be traced back to cheap or improperly adjusted feed mechanisms, dirty wire, or a gun liner that needs replacing.
Overall, the Forney E71T-GS .030 has garnered a lot of positive feedback, especially from Forney and Hobart owners. It also performs well in Harbor Freight machines, making it a versatile option for various welding setups. While there are some minor drawbacks, the wire's ability to handle challenging conditions and produce strong, clean welds makes it a valuable addition to any welder's toolkit.
Benefits
- Ideal for welding painted or rusty metal
- Performs well in breezy conditions
- Capable of high-speed single pass welding
- Produces low to moderate spatter
Complaints
- Some users report feeding problems
- Wire can break or have too much manufacturing coating
3. Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035
Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035
4.6 WeldWins Rating
The Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035 flux core wire is a versatile and reliable choice for welding on coated, galvanized, painted, or rusty metal. Ideal for outdoor welding, it offers excellent bead appearance and easy slag removal, making it a valuable addition to any welder's toolkit.
Brand:
Lincoln
Model:
Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035
Price Rating:
$$
Wire Diameter:
0.035-inch
Tensile Strength:
High tensile strength E71T-11
Bead Appearance:
Great bead appearance
Material Compatibility:
Use on galvanized steel
Weight:
1-pound roll
The Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP flux core wire stands out as a top-tier welding wire, thanks to its .035-inch diameter and high tensile strength E71T-11 rating. This wire is capable of welding up to 5/16-inch thick plates with impressive penetration, making it suitable for a wide range of welding tasks. Whether you're working with coated, galvanized, painted, or rusty metal, this wire delivers consistent and reliable results, ensuring that your welds are strong and durable.
One of the key advantages of the Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP is its performance in outdoor welding conditions. Unlike other wires that may struggle in breezy environments, this flux core wire is designed to resist the effects of wind, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects. Additionally, the fast freezing puddle characteristic of this wire provides better control, especially in out-of-position welding situations such as vertical or overhead welding. This feature is particularly beneficial when welding joints with poor fitment, as it allows for more precise and controlled welds.
Another notable feature of the Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP is its ease of use. The wire is known for its great bead appearance and easy feeding, which simplifies the welding process and enhances the overall quality of your work. The easy slag removal further adds to the convenience, reducing the time and effort required for post-weld cleanup. While some users have reported occasional issues with wire breakage or kinks, these instances are relatively rare and do not significantly detract from the overall performance and reliability of the product.
Despite being available only in a 1-pound spool, which may be a drawback for some users, the Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP offers exceptional value for its price. Its ability to weld effectively on various types of metal, combined with its suitability for outdoor use and ease of handling, makes it a worthwhile investment for both amateur and professional welders. Whether you're tackling a small repair job or a larger project, this flux core wire is sure to meet your welding needs with efficiency and precision.
Benefits
- Capable of welding up to 5/16-inch plate
- Effective on painted and rusty metal
- Ideal for outdoor welding
- Slag is easy to remove
- Fast freezing puddle for better control
Complaints
- Only available in a 1-pound spool
- Some users report quality control issues
4. Yeswelder E71T-GS .030
Yeswelder E71T-GS .030
4.5 WeldWins Rating
The Yeswelder E71T-GS .030 is a versatile and efficient self-shielded flux core wire, perfect for all-position welding on carbon and manganese steel. Its low spatter and easy slag removal make it ideal for both beginners and experienced welders looking for high-quality results.
Brand:
Yeswelder
Model:
Yeswelder E71T-GS .030
Price Rating:
$$$
Welding Positions:
Suitable for all position welding
Wire Type:
Self-shielded flux core wire
Material Compatibility:
Works with carbon and manganese steel
Roll Weight:
2-pound roll
Wire Diameter:
0.030-inch diameter
The Yeswelder E71T-GS .030 is a standout product in the world of welding, offering a range of features that make it a valuable addition to any welder's toolkit. Designed for all-position welding, this self-shielded flux core wire is particularly effective on carbon and manganese steel. One of its most notable benefits is the low spatter it produces, which significantly reduces the time and effort required for cleanup. This feature alone makes it an attractive option for both hobbyists and professionals who value efficiency and precision in their work.
Another key advantage of the Yeswelder E71T-GS .030 is its ability to produce high-quality beads with minimal effort. Users have praised its performance on rusty, painted, or galvanized steel, noting that it forms porosity-free welds that are easy to grind down. The wire's easily removable slag further enhances its user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are still mastering their welding techniques. Additionally, the wire's 0.030-inch diameter and 2-pound roll weight make it a practical option for a variety of welding projects, from small repairs to more extensive production work.
One of the unique features of the Yeswelder E71T-GS .030 is its suitability for welding over previous passes, which allows for the creation of complete runs through overlapping stitches. This capability is particularly useful in sheet metal work, where the risk of blowing through the metal is a common challenge. By running tack welds intermittently and allowing them to cool before continuing, users can achieve strong, durable welds without compromising the integrity of the material. While the wire is not suitable for U.S. or E.U. government jobs due to certification standards, its performance and ease of use make it a valuable tool for a wide range of other applications.
Benefits
- Produces low spatter
- Effective on rusty, painted, or galvanized steel
- Easy to remove slag
- Porosity-free welding wire
- Forms good quality beads
Complaints
- Not suitable for U.S. or E.U. government jobs
5. Blue Demon E71T-GS .035
Blue Demon E71T-GS .035
4.4 WeldWins Rating
The Blue Demon E71T-GS .035 Flux Core Wire is a versatile and reliable welding wire, perfect for both single and multi-pass welding on galvanized steel. Its excellent slag coverage and aesthetically pleasing beads make it a top choice for welders looking for quality and efficiency.
Brand:
Blue Demon
Model:
Blue Demon E71T-GS .035
Price Rating:
$$
Wire Diameter:
0.035-inch
Welding Capability:
Single and multi-pass welding
Material Compatibility:
Suitable for galvanized steel
Plate Thickness:
Welds up to 3/8-inch plate
Weight:
2-pound roll
The Blue Demon E71T-GS .035 Flux Core Wire stands out as a self-shielded mild steel wire that excels in both single and multi-pass welding applications. Whether you're working with carbon or manganese steels, this wire offers the versatility needed for a variety of welding tasks. Its ability to handle up to 3/8-inch plate thickness makes it ideal for both light and heavy-duty projects, providing good penetration and strong welds.
One of the most notable features of this welding wire is its excellent slag coverage and easy removal, which significantly enhances the welding process. Users have praised its ability to produce aesthetically pleasing beads, making it a great choice for projects where appearance matters. Additionally, the wire performs exceptionally well on dirty or painted steel, saving you the time and effort of extensive surface preparation.
The Blue Demon E71T-GS .035 also offers great outdoor shielding with low smoke, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Its effectiveness in filling gaps on sheet metal and providing good gap coverage further adds to its versatility. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported issues with excessive spatter and feeding problems, particularly with major brand machines like Lincoln, Hobart, and Forney. These issues are often due to the precision MIG-based solid wire feeder designs that don't use knurled feed rollers found on flux core machines.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Blue Demon E71T-GS .035 Flux Core Wire remains a high-quality option for many welding applications. While it may not be suitable for government work in the United States or Europe due to its manufacturing origin, its overall performance and value make it a worthwhile investment for both amateur and professional welders. If possible, it's advisable to test it with your specific machine before making a bulk purchase to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Benefits
- Excellent slag coverage and easy removal
- Produces aesthetically pleasing beads
- Effective on dirty or painted steel
- Great outdoor shielding with low smoke
- Good gap coverage on sheet metal
Complaints
- Reports of excessive spatter
- Feeding issues with major brand machines
Your Buyer's Guide
What Should You Consider When Buying a Flux Core Welding Wire?
When it comes to welding, the right flux core welding wire can make all the difference in achieving strong, clean welds. Whether you're a professional welder or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the key features and benefits of flux core welding wire can help you make an informed decision. Flux core welding wire is particularly valuable for its ability to handle outdoor conditions, weld on dirty or rusty surfaces, and provide high-speed, single-pass welding. These attributes make it a popular choice among welders who need reliable performance in various environments.
Features to Consider
Wire Diameter
The diameter of the welding wire is crucial as it affects the amperage settings and the thickness of the material you can weld. Common diameters include 0.030-inch and 0.035-inch. Smaller diameters are ideal for thin materials and require lower amperage, reducing the risk of burn-through. Larger diameters can handle thicker materials but require higher amperage, which can lead to more spatter and potential burn-through if not managed correctly.
Material Compatibility
Different wires are designed to work with specific materials such as carbon steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum. It's essential to choose a wire that matches the material you plan to weld. For instance, stainless steel requires stainless wire, while aluminum requires aluminum wire. Using the correct wire ensures strong, durable welds and prevents issues like corrosion or weak joints.
Welding Position
Some wires are designed for all-position welding, meaning they can be used for vertical, horizontal, and overhead welding. This versatility is particularly useful for complex projects that require welding in various positions. All-position wires, like the Hobart Fabshield E71T-11, provide flexibility and ease of use, making them a preferred choice for many welders.
Spool Size
The size of the spool your welder can accommodate is another important factor. Smaller spools are easier to handle and more suitable for hobbyists or small projects, while larger spools are ideal for professional use and extended welding sessions. For example, the Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP is available only in a 1-pound spool, which may be limiting for some users.
Spatter Production
Spatter can be a significant concern in welding, as it affects the cleanliness and quality of the weld. Some wires produce more spatter than others, requiring additional cleanup and adjustments to the welding process. Wires like the Forney E71T-GS .030 are known for producing low to moderate spatter, making them easier to work with and resulting in cleaner welds.
Feeding Mechanism Compatibility
The type of feed wheels in your welding machine can impact the performance of the wire. Some wires may not feed smoothly in certain machines, leading to issues like wire breakage or inconsistent welds. It's essential to ensure that the wire you choose is compatible with your welder's feeding mechanism. For instance, the Blue Demon E71T-GS .035 may have feeding issues with major brand machines like Lincoln or Hobart.
Recommended Options
After considering the key features and evaluating various products, here are our top three recommendations for flux core welding wires:
-
- Pros: Suitable for all-position MIG welding, effective on rusty or painted steel, ideal for outdoor welding, high-speed for single-pass work.
- Cons: Produces a lot of spatter, issues with spool winding.
- Summary: The Hobart Fabshield E71T-11 .030 is a versatile and reliable choice for both professionals and hobbyists. Its effectiveness on various surfaces and high-speed capabilities make it a top pick.
-
- Pros: Ideal for welding painted or rusty metal, performs well in breezy conditions, capable of high-speed single-pass welding, produces low to moderate spatter.
- Cons: Some users report feeding problems, wire can break or have too much manufacturing coating.
- Summary: The Forney E71T-GS .030 offers excellent performance and versatility, making it a practical choice for various welding tasks. Its ability to handle challenging conditions and produce strong welds adds to its appeal.
-
Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035
- Pros: Capable of welding up to 5/16-inch plate, effective on painted and rusty metal, ideal for outdoor welding, easy slag removal.
- Cons: Only available in a 1-pound spool, some users report quality control issues.
- Summary: The Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP .035 is a high-quality option for a wide range of welding tasks. Its performance in outdoor conditions and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any welder's toolkit.
By considering these features and recommendations, you can choose the best flux core welding wire for your specific needs, ensuring high-quality and reliable welds every time.
Sharing is Caring
Feedback
At WeldWins, we know we aren't perfect which is why we're always looking for ways to improve. You can help us do better by taking 2 minutes to fill out our simple feedback form.
Any and all feedback is welcome. It could be a complaint, an idea, or even just a comment, we'll always be grateful to hear what you think.