1-3/4 in OD A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing - 36 in

In this review the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing is evaluated for workshop fabricators and hobbyists who need a strong, straight steel tube for shafts, pins, or repair tasks. The bottom line: the tubing delivers the expected rigidity and material quality for structural and mechanical uses, with the single biggest reason to buy being its combination of ASTM A513 specification and solid 1018 carbon steel composition that suits load-bearing parts. This review focuses on fit, finish, and practical use rather than marketing claims.

Key Features

• ASTM A513 compliance: Provides assurance the tubing meets common industry standards for mechanical tubing, which helps with consistency in projects and repairs.
• 1018 carbon steel construction: Offers good strength and rigidity for pins, rods, shafts and sprocket applications where toughness matters.
• 1-3/4 in outside diameter: A common size that fits many stock housings and fixtures, reducing the need for special adapters.
• 0.12 in wall thickness: Balances weight and strength so the tube resists bending while remaining workable for machining and fabrication.
• 36 in length: Long enough for multiple smaller parts or a single longer shaft without extra splices.
• Drawn over mandrel finish: Improves roundness and surface uniformity, which helps when a snug fit is required.

Who It's For

The tubing is best for machinists, metalworkers, restoration specialists, and hobbyists who need a reliable steel tube for mechanical components like shafts, spindles, and sprockets. Its 1018 carbon steel composition and ASTM A513 conformity make it practical for structural and light-to-moderate load-bearing uses.

Those who need exceptional weldability, very high corrosion resistance, or a nonferrous alloy should look elsewhere; the material has slightly lower weldability and is not stainless, so it is not ideal for marine or highly corrosive environments without protective coating.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good material strength and rigidity suitable for mechanical parts and repairs.
• Accurate outside diameter and uniform finish from drawn over mandrel processing.
• Meets ASTM-A513 which provides predictable mechanical behavior in applications.
• Solid value for the price, with customers reporting useful performance in practical projects.

Cons

• Inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, which may require reaming for tight-fit applications.
• Lower weldability compared with low-carbon steels, so welding may require preplanning and appropriate technique.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The 1-3/4 in A513 cold roll tubing is a practical, cost-effective choice for builders and repairers who need a rigid, standardized steel tube for shafts and related components. It delivers consistent OD accuracy and a uniform finish, and while the ID may need slight adjustment for interference fits, the overall value and material performance make it a solid buy for most mechanical projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing weldable?
Yes, it is weldable but 1018 carbon steel has slightly lower weldability than lower carbon steels, so proper technique and preparation are recommended.

Will the inner diameter accept a standard shaft without machining?
Most users find the OD accurate, but some report the ID can be slightly undersize and may require reaming for a precise slip fit.

Is this suitable for outdoor or marine use?
Not without protective coating; this carbon steel is not stainless and will benefit from paint or plating for corrosion resistance.