7/8 in OD A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing - 48 in Length

In this review the 7/8 in OD A513 cold roll carbon steel tubing is presented for fabricators, machinists, and hobbyists who need a strong, straight shafting option. The bottom line: this 48 in length of drawn over mandrel 1018 steel delivers reliable strength and rigidity for pins, rods, shafts, and spindles while meeting ASTM A513 standards, making it a practical choice when dimensional stability and steel quality matter more than ease of welding or high machinability.

Key Features

• A513 cold roll construction: provides improved straightness and surface finish compared with hot-rolled tubing, which helps reduce finishing work for shaft or rod applications.
• 7/8 in outside diameter: a common shafting size that fits many collars, bearings, and brackets used in repair and fabrication projects.
• 0.563 in inside diameter and 0.156 in wall: a combination that balances internal clearance with wall strength for loaded pins and spindles.
• 48 in length: long enough for full-length shafts or cut-to-size projects without the need to join sections.
• 1018 carbon steel: offers good tensile strength and rigidity for mechanical components such as sprockets and spindles.
• Meets ASTM-A513: assures the tubing conforms to a recognized specification for mechanical and dimensional properties.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at small machine shops, metalworkers, and do-it-yourself mechanics who need dependable steel shafting for projects like replacement shafts, fuel tank linkage, or custom spindles. Its strength and straightness make it well suited for load-bearing parts and rotating components.

Those who require extremely high weldability, easy machining for complex shapes, or corrosion resistance absent further finishing should look elsewhere or plan for additional processing such as welding-friendly filler, machining allowances, or protective coatings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good material strength and rigidity that hold up in mechanical applications and repairs.
• Surface finish and straightness from drawn over mandrel processing reduce the need for truing.
• Positive customer feedback on steel quality and value for money indicates practical suitability for common tasks.
• Full 48 in length allows flexibility for cutting to required sizes without joins.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability compared with softer alloys may require adjusted techniques or tooling.
• Some users report the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than nominal, which may affect tight-fit clearances.

Specifications

Material	1018 carbon steel (A513)
Manufacture	Cold roll, drawn over mandrel
Outside diameter	0.875 in
Inside diameter	0.563 in
Wall thickness	0.156 in
Length	48 in
Specification	Meets ASTM-A513

Our Verdict

For anyone needing sturdy, straight shafting for mechanical repairs or shop projects, this 7/8 in OD A513 tubing is a pragmatic and cost-effective choice. Its combination of 1018 carbon steel, drawn over mandrel finish, and full 48 in length delivers value where strength and dimensional stability matter; just plan for slightly reduced machinability and confirm internal clearance on tight-fit parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for shafts and pins?
Yes, the 1018 carbon steel and wall thickness make it well suited for pins, rods, shafts, and spindles when strength and rigidity are required.

Can it be welded and machined easily?
It can be welded and machined, but A513/1018 has slightly lower weldability and machinability than softer steels, so expect adjusted techniques or tooling.

Are the dimensions exact to nominal?
Dimensions generally match the spec, but some users report the inner diameter may be slightly under nominal, so check fit for tight-tolerance applications.