1-1/2in OD A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing - 24in Length

In this review of the 1-1/2in OD A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing, the bottom line is simple: this tube is for fabricators, machinists, and hobbyists who need a strong, straight section of drawn-over-mandrel steel for shafts, pins, or structural prototypes. The reviewer found the tubing delivers on rigidity and uniform wall thickness, making it ideal when strength and a predictable section are the priorities, though users who require exceptional machinability or welding ease should note the material trade-offs before committing.

Key Features

• Material: A513 cold roll carbon steel provides high strength and rigidity for load-bearing applications.
• Dimensional size: The 1-1/2in outside diameter and 1.12in inside diameter produce a consistent 0.188in wall thickness useful for shafts and pins.
• Drawn over mandrel finish: The DOM process yields a straight, smooth tube that reduces the need for additional straightening in many assemblies.
• Length: The 24in cut length is convenient for short runs, prototype builds, and repairs without extra cutting for many projects.
• ASTM specification: Meets ASTM-A513 standards, giving buyers confidence in material and manufacturing consistency.
• Common uses: Made from 1018 carbon steel, it suits pins, rods, shafts, spindles, and sprockets where strength matters.

Who It's For

The tubing is best for metalworkers, repair technicians, and small-scale fabricators who need a strong, straight DOM tube in a compact 24in length for shafts, tank fittings, or custom components. It is especially useful where a predictable wall thickness and overall rigidity matter more than easy machinability.

Those who need highly weldable or free-cutting steel for extensive machining or complex welded assemblies may want to consider alternative materials; A513 DOM steel has slightly lower machinability and weldability compared with softer mild steels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High material strength and rigidity make it reliable for load-bearing small parts.
• Accurate outside diameter and wall thickness reduce the need for post-processing in many builds.
• DOM finish produces a straight, smooth tube that fits cleanly into assemblies like fuel tank fittings or shaft housings.

Cons

• Inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected for some pieces, which may affect slip-fit applications.
• Lower machinability and weldability compared with softer carbon steels require planning for tooling and welding parameters.

Specifications

Material	A513 cold roll carbon steel (1018)
Outside diameter	1-1/2 in
Inside diameter	1.12 in
Wall thickness	0.188 in
Length	24 in
Production	Drawn over mandrel (DOM)
Specification	Meets ASTM-A513

Our Verdict

The 1-1/2in OD A513 DOM tubing is a solid choice for anyone needing a short, strong steel tube for shafts, pins, or repair work. It offers good value because of consistent dimensions and material strength; buyers should only be aware of the modest compromise in machinability and occasional slight variation in inner diameter when planning tight tolerance fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for shaft applications?
Yes. The DOM finish and 0.188in wall provide the rigidity and consistent section needed for many shafts and spindles.

Will it weld easily?
It can be welded, but A513/1018 has slightly lower weldability than milder steels, so proper welding technique and filler selection are recommended.

Are the dimensions reliable for slip-fit parts?
Outside diameter and wall are generally accurate, but some customers report the inner diameter can be marginally smaller, so measure before final assembly.