What makes my 6010 rods do this.

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Im pretty sure they just got old but i was wondering what is causing this.I have some Lincoln 6010 5p+ rods. I buy them in the 50lb can. They are about 10 months old i think.Anyways, when Im welding, they start off ok but then after 3-4inches of rod the arc starts to come out of the side of the rod and not directly out the tip.  This causes the flux opposite the arc to not burn down properly. Its a real pain especially if your not welding on a flat surface.  I guess they just got old.The try to tape the box up to help seal the air off. Then I put them in a Freezer.  This is about the best i can do for now.Is there any good tricks to help save the rods a little longer, besides buying some expensive rod oven etc.
Reply:6010 does not need a rod oven.  They are better being stored in a dry area in your shop than in a rod oven.   What are you welding on?  is the arc going to one side all the time or does it wander?I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:it just seems like it goes to one side and stays there. When it does it I kind of scratch the material im welding on to knock off the flux thats not buring right on the other side. After a little while it usually goes back to burning right. But sometimes it doesn't.
Reply:When the arc starts blowing out the side stop welding and see if there is a crack in the flux running along the rod. If there is a crack that's the problem. Any fault in the flux and the arc will find it. I've had a few Lincoln rods do this but not many. Had some ESAB 6011 lay around about six months and a lot of the rods in that box cracked. It is something I've run into now and then but not a lot.
Reply:I get it sometimes with 5P+ but not too often. It's always following a crack in the flux. I can get by for about 6 months here by taping the can up, but by then I'd just as well toss it.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Try taking a few of them and get them wet. Not dripping wet but somewhat damp. Cellulose coatings dont like being bone dry.