The mechanical properties and microstructures of dissimilar arc stud weldments of AISI 316L/AISI 1020 and AISI 304/AISI 1020 were investigated. Welding currents of 400, 600 and 800A and welding time of 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4 and 0.45 second were employed. Maximum torque strength of 77N.m was registered with 600A and 0.25 second for 316L/AISI 1020 joints with failure occurred away from the fusion zone (FZ) within the stud shank. Whereas for AISI 304/AISI 1020 joints, the maximum torque strength was 68Nm recorded with 600A and 0.35 second and the failure occurred at FZ. For both dissimilar joints, the presence of chromium carbides and equiaxed grain structures are the direct caused for the augmentation of hardness at the FZ. The microstructure of FZ was completely re-solidified of the austenite phase.