The effects of the diffusible hydrogen content and hardness on the cold cracking in high strength weld metal were investigated. The diffusible hydrogen contents were influenced by welding parameters such as the voltage and contact tip-to-work distance (CTWD). The diffusible hydrogen content increased with an increase in voltage. However, it was decreased with an increase in CTWD. CTWD also influenced the weld metal hardness,especially when the wire used had a higher strength than the base metal. This showed that weld metal hardness had a more powerful effect on weld metal cold cracking than the diffusible hydrogen content in this experiment.