6881 has a much higher tensile strenth than 7018 or 6010. i would have gone 7018 personally as 6881 rods are ridiculous money, but 6881 will be more than adequate for this imo.cut him off and weld on 2 hook ends ,way better.
6010 or better 7018 rods have higher tensile strength .
A fancy looking weld isnt necessarily stronger .