{"product_id":"304-stainless-steel-rectangular-bar-1-8-in-x-2-in-x-36-in-durable","title":"304 Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar 1\/8 in x 2 in x 36 in - Durable","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the 304 Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar from OnlineMetals, the verdict is straightforward: this bar is for projects that need a durable, corrosion-resistant flat stock with reliable mechanical properties. The single biggest reason to buy is the material itself - \u003cstrong\u003e304 stainless steel\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most common alloy for general-purpose corrosion resistance and strength, making this bar suitable for finishes, fabrication and industrial use. The review examines finish, dimensions and typical applications to help craftsmen and fabricators decide if this stock fits their needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e 304 stainless steel provides a balance of high strength and good corrosion resistance suited to many environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1\/8 in thickness and 2 in width give a predictable, easily machined flat stock for trim, brackets and structural components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e At 36 in, the bar is convenient for medium-length fabrications and can often be cut down to multiple parts with standard shop tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The unpolished mill finish is practical for fabrication and welding where a finished surface is not required and where material removal may follow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Conformance to AMS and ASTM specifications ensures the alloy and heat treatment meet industry-accepted chemistry and mechanical criteria for many applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Common uses in food processing, architectural trim, pressure containers and cryogenic equipment make this a broadly useful stock item.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bar is aimed at metalworkers, fabricators, and engineers who need a reliable, off-the-shelf piece of \u003cstrong\u003estainless steel stock\u003c\/strong\u003e for projects where corrosion resistance and formability matter. It works well for small structural parts, trim, mounting plates and prototypes in industries like food and beverage, chemical processing and architectural work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need a finished aesthetic surface or a polished appearance should look elsewhere or plan an additional finishing step, since the unpolished mill finish is intended for fabrication rather than final presentation. If exact-to-the-inch length guarantees are critical, verify tolerances with the supplier because some customers reported slight length variation in individual pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReliable corrosion resistance and strength from 304 stainless steel for many environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical 1\/8 in thickness and 2 in width that are easy to cut, drill and weld for shop work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndustry-standard specifications (ASTM\/AMS) back the material quality and traceability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e36 in length is versatile for multiple small parts or longer single pieces without splicing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe unpolished mill finish may require additional work for applications needing a smooth or decorative surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome buyers report mixed length accuracy, so dimension-critical projects should confirm tolerance before ordering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlloy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e304 stainless steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnpolished (mill) finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWidth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnnealed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMeets AMS-QQ-S-763, AMS-5639, AMS-5647, ASTM-A276, ASTM-A479, ASTM-F899, ASTM-A240 (call for availability)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor general-purpose fabrication where durability and corrosion resistance matter, this 304 stainless rectangular bar represents solid value. It is best for fabricators and engineers who will cut, weld or finish the stock in-shop; users needing a polished final surface or absolute length precision should plan for extra finishing or confirm tolerances. Overall, the combination of material properties, standard compliance and practical dimensions makes it a dependable choice for many industrial and DIY applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this bar weldable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. 304 stainless steel is weldable with common stainless procedures, and the annealed condition helps reduce cracking risk during fabrication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be used for food-contact applications?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e304 stainless is commonly used in the food and beverage industry, but final suitability depends on finish and cleaning requirements for the specific use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the mill finish scratch easily?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe unpolished surface is more prone to visible marks during handling; if appearance is important, consider polishing or passivation after fabrication.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Online Metals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48201283600603,"sku":"B000H9NA2E","price":33.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51JYQNj_a-L._SL1231_53845844-3628-43fd-b715-2d9450b92ed3.jpg?v=1770321109","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/304-stainless-steel-rectangular-bar-1-8-in-x-2-in-x-36-in-durable","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}