1-1/4 in OD A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing - 36 in Length

In this review the focus is on the 1-1/4 in outside diameter A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing, a straightforward industrial part for fabricators and hobbyists who need a rigid, consistent shaft or sleeve. The bottom line: this tube is for people who need solid 1018 carbon steel tubing that meets ASTM-A513 and delivers reliable strength for pins, shafts and spindles. It is not aimed at buyers who need easy welding or maximal machinability, but it is a good choice when dimensional strength and material quality matter most.

Key Features

• Material: A513 cold roll carbon steel offers high strength and rigidity, which helps maintain straightness and durability in structural and rotating parts.
• Dimensions: The 1-1/4 in outside diameter with a 1.01 in inside diameter and 0.12 in wall gives predictable fit and clearance for many shaft and bushing applications.
• Length: At 36 in length the tube is long enough for longer runs or for cutting multiple shorter pieces for projects without frequent joints.
• Application fit: 1018 carbon steel chemistry is appropriate for pins, rods, shafts, spindles and sprockets where strength and wear resistance are important.
• Standards: Conformance to ASTM-A513 provides reassurance that the tube meets common dimensional and material expectations for drawn-over-mandrel tubing.

Who It's For

This tubing is best for machinists, fabricators and home shop builders who need a strong, straight steel tube for mechanical parts such as shafts, pins or sleeves. Its combination of OD, ID and wall thickness makes it useful when a moderate bore and solid wall are required for load-bearing or alignment tasks.

Those who need tubing that is optimized for easy welding or for very tight machined tolerances should consider alternative alloys or tubing designed specifically for weldability or precision bore sizing, as A513 cold roll steel trades some weldability and machinability for increased strength.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong and rigid material suitable for load-bearing components and rotating shafts.
• Consistent outer and inner dimensions that make it easy to plan fits and clearances.
• Good value for steel quality, with customers reporting reliable performance in real projects like fuel tank supports and shafts.

Cons

• Inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected in some pieces, which may require additional reaming or machining for precise fits.
• Lower machinability and weldability compared with lower-carbon or specially alloyed steels, so it is not ideal for heavy welding work.

Specifications

Standard	Meets ASTM-A513
Material	A513 cold roll 1018 carbon steel
Outside Diameter	1-1/4 in
Inside Diameter	1.01 in
Wall Thickness	0.12 in
Length	36 in

Our Verdict

For workshops that need a sturdy, standards-compliant tube for mechanical parts, this 1-1/4 in A513 cold roll tubing represents good value and dependable performance. It is best chosen when strength and dimensional consistency are priorities; buyers needing easier welding or exact bore sizes should plan for extra machining or pick an alternate alloy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for machining down to shafts?
The 1018 carbon steel is commonly used for shafts and can be machined, but it has slightly lower machinability than some steels so expect a bit more tool wear and slower feeds.

Will the inner diameter accept standard bushings?
Most customers find the ID workable, but some pieces have a slightly smaller ID than nominal and may require light reaming for precise bushing fits.

Can this tube be welded easily?
Weldability is lower than with low-carbon steels; welding is possible with proper preparation and technique but customers should not expect the same ease as with softer steel grades.