{"product_id":"a500-a513-carbon-steel-square-tube-4in-x-0-1875in-structural","title":"A500\/A513 Carbon Steel Square Tube 4in x 0.1875in - Structural","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the A500\/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, the bottom line is simple: this is a sensible choice for fabricators and hobbyists who need a sturdy, economical piece of square tubing for structural work. The reviewer found the tubing's primary appeal to be its combination of good strength and weldability, which makes it useful for a range of projects from framing to appliance or automotive fixtures. For anyone seeking a no-frills, hot rolled, mill-finish steel tube in a 12in length and a 4in height, this product delivers the expected mechanical utility at a low cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial strength:\u003c\/strong\u003e A500\/A513 steel provides reliable structural strength suitable for light to moderate load-bearing fabrications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeldability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The steel is easy to weld, enabling clean joints for frames, racks, and custom brackets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMill finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The unpolished, hot rolled surface reduces cost while remaining acceptable for painted or powder-coated finishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard compliance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meets ASTM A513 with ASTM A500 availability noted, which helps ensure consistent material properties for structural use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 4in height, 0.1875in wall thickness and 12in length make it versatile for small structural assemblies and prototypes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCost efficiency:\u003c\/strong\u003e As common North American steel tubing, it offers a low-cost raw material option for builders and shops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tube is well suited for metalworkers, welders, machine shops, and DIYers who need a short length of square tube for testing, bracing, or small fabrications. Its combination of strength and weldability makes it a practical pick for structural uses in buildings, bridges, or light automotive and appliance applications where exacting surface finish is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need stainless performance, superior corrosion resistance, or a pre-finished decorative surface should look elsewhere. Also, buyers requiring custom lengths beyond the listed 12in or highly precise cold-drawn tolerances may prefer other product families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood balance of strength and weldability for structural fabrications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAffordable mill finish reduces overall project cost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandardized to ASTM A513 with A500 availability, aiding material consistency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical 4in size and 0.1875in wall suitable for many light structural tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMill finish can show surface oxidation; rust resistance received mixed feedback from customers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly supplied as a 12in length in this listing, so not ideal if longer stock is needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA500\/A513 carbon steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnpolished (mill) hot rolled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.1875in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMeets ASTM A513 (ASTM A500 call for availability)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A500\/A513 Carbon Steel Square Tube is a practical, cost-effective choice for builders and fabricators who need a short run of workable square tubing. It combines useful strength and weldability with standard-compliant material properties, making it good value for structural and workshop projects that do not require advanced corrosion protection or decorative finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this tube ready to weld right away?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the hot rolled mill finish steel is weldable and commonly used for welded frames and brackets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it resist rust outdoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe mill finish is not corrosion resistant; some customers reported rust-free pieces while others noted surface corrosion, so protective coating is recommended for outdoor use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre other lengths available?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis listing is for a 12in length; check availability for ASTM A500 variants or longer lengths with the supplier.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Online Metals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48231012008155,"sku":"B000H9M2SW","price":36.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51mvzNj-mjL._AC_SL1000_ce586ee3-fc08-48b0-a163-ba155b2dea69.jpg?v=1770712234","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/a500-a513-carbon-steel-square-tube-4in-x-0-1875in-structural","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}