A500/A513 Carbon Steel Rectangular Tubing 1in x 3in x 72in

In this review the OnlineMetals A500/A513 carbon steel rectangular tubing is evaluated for builders, fabricators, and hobbyists who need a reliable structural tube at a modest price. The bottom line: this hot rolled A500/A513 tube delivers the most important benefit for structural work - consistent strength and weldability - making it a practical choice when cost, size, and straightforward fabrication matter. The review focuses on fit for purpose, material quality, and real-world handling based on customer feedback.

Key Features

• A500/A513 steel: Provides good structural strength and weldability so it can be used reliably in frames and support applications.
• Size: The 1in height by 3in width cross section gives a narrow rectangular profile useful for trim, rails, and moderate-load members.
• 0.12in wall thickness: Balances weight and stiffness, making the tube robust enough for many projects without excessive mass.
• 72in length: A full 6ft length reduces the need to splice pieces for common DIY and shop projects.
• Hot rolled finish: Arrives as a practical shop-ready surface that cleans easily and accepts welding and surface prep without special handling.
• Meets ASTM-A513: Confirms a recognized tubing standard so the material is appropriate for general structural and fabrication uses.

Who It's For

This tubing is best for fabricators, metalworkers, and contractors who need a cost-effective structural tube that is easy to weld and cut. Home workshop users making gates, frames, racks, or simple structural builds will appreciate the familiar A500/A513 material and the convenient 6ft length.

Those who need a finished or precision-ground appearance straight from the supplier, or who require very thin or very thick walls beyond 0.12in, should look elsewhere. For applications demanding cold-drawn precision or non-structural decorative chrome finishes, other tube types are more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good strength and welding characteristics suit it for structural joins and shop fabrication projects.
• Customers report value for money and consistent quality, with tubing arriving clean and generally free of rust.
• The 6ft length and practical hot rolled finish reduce handling steps and make layout easier for common projects.

Cons

• Hot rolled surface is not a finished aesthetic; cosmetic finishing or paint is required for visible installations.
• Wall thickness of 0.12in limits use in very heavy load or specialty thin-wall applications.

Specifications

Material	Carbon steel A500/A513
Height	1in
Width	3in
Wall thickness	0.12in
Length	72in
Finish	Hot rolled
Standard	Meets ASTM-A513

Our Verdict

The A500/A513 1in x 3in x 72in rectangular tubing is a solid value for anyone needing a structural-grade, weldable tube that is easy to work with. It is especially good for general fabrication and workshop projects where strength and cost matter more than a polished finish, offering dependable quality and practical lengths for everyday builds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for welding?
Yes. The A500/A513 carbon steel is chosen for good weldability and performs well with standard shop welding processes.

Does it arrive rust-free?
Customers report the tubing typically arrives clean with no rust, though the hot rolled surface may show mill marks that accept paint or finish preparation.

Can this be used for structural framing?
Yes. A500 is used for structural tubing and the product meets ASTM-A513 for typical structural and fabrication uses.