A500/A513 Carbon Steel Rectangular Tubing 3in x 5in x 24in - Durable

Our review of the A500/A513 Carbon Steel Rectangular Tubing finds it best suited for builders, fabricators and hobbyists who need an economical, weldable structural tube. The single biggest reason to buy is its balance of strength and cost: this hot rolled A36 rectangular tube delivers reliable structural performance without specialty pricing, making it a practical choice for frames, supports and general construction projects where standard steel tubing is required.

Key Features

• Material and grade: Hot rolled A36 carbon steel provides consistent strength for general structural use, ideal for load-bearing parts of small to medium projects.
• Standard compliance: Meets ASTM-A513 and is listed as A500/A513, which gives confidence in dimensional and material expectations for fabrication and welding.
• Dimensions: The 3in height, 5in width and 0.12in wall thickness offer a sturdy profile that works well for rectangular framing and cross members.
• Length: The 24in length is convenient for short runs, prototypes or cut-to-size needs without excessive on-site trimming.
• Weldability: Customers report good welded quality, making the tubing straightforward to join with common shop welding processes.
• Value: Low-cost raw steel tubing delivers practical performance for projects where budget and function are priorities.

Who It's For

The tubing is aimed at fabricators, DIY builders and contractors needing a common, dependable rectangular tube for structural elements, gates, supports, racks and jigs. Its hot rolled A36 composition and weldable nature suit small shops and home welders who require a straightforward material for welded frames and repairs.

Those who need precision cold-drawn finishes, corrosion-resistant alloys, or very long runs should look elsewhere; this product is optimized for standard structural use and short 24in lengths rather than specialty or architectural finishes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good strength-to-cost ratio makes it economical for structural projects.
• Customers note solid weld quality, so fabrications assemble cleanly and predictably.
• Arrives clean with minimal rust in reported cases, reducing prep time.

Cons

• Available length is 24in only, so projects needing longer continuous runs will require splicing or alternative purchases.
• As hot rolled A36, the surface finish is not polished and may not suit visible architectural applications without finishing.

Specifications

Material	Carbon steel (Hot rolled A36)
Standards	Meets ASTM-A513, ASTM-A500 (call for availability)
Height	3in
Width	5in
Wall thickness	0.12in
Length	24in

Our Verdict

The A500/A513 Carbon Steel Rectangular Tubing is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone needing reliable structural tubing in short lengths. Its hot rolled A36 construction and confirmed weldability make it a good value for frames, supports and general fabrication where a standard, strong tube is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing weldable?
Yes. The A36 hot rolled steel is commonly welded and customers report good welded quality for typical shop processes.

What are the exact dimensions?
The tube measures 3in height, 5in width, with a 0.12in wall and a 24in length.

Is this suitable for outdoor use?
It can be used outdoors but as hot rolled carbon steel it may require surface protection or paint to prevent corrosion over time.