A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1-1/2in OD - Durable Drawn

In this review of the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing the bottom line is straightforward: this tube is best for fabricators, HVAC technicians, and automotive hobbyists who need a strong, consistent welded tubing with a smooth bore. The reviewer found the tubing's cold rolled construction and drawn-over-mandrel process deliver a reliably uniform wall and improved yield strength compared with hot rolled alternatives, making it well suited to structural pin and shaft applications or fluid lines where consistent dimensions matter.

Key Features

• Material and grade: A513/1018 carbon steel gives good rigidity and tensile strength for pins, rods, and shafts used in machinery and automotive parts.
• Drawn-over-mandrel bore: The welded tube is drawn over a mandrel to produce a smoother inner surface and a more consistent wall thickness than standard welded tubing.
• Cold rolled finish: Cold rolling increases yield strength and hardness versus hot rolled tubing, improving durability in demanding installations.
• Application versatility: Suitable for transport of fluids and gases and for automotive HVAC lines where a reliable welded tube construction is acceptable.
• Dimensional clarity: The listed dimensions provide predictable fit for assemblies needing 1-1/2in outside diameter and a sturdy 0.188in wall thickness.

Who It's For

The tubing is aimed at professionals and experienced DIYers who require solid, industrial-grade carbon steel tubing for mechanical components, fuel or AC lines in automotive projects, and structural uses where strength and uniform walls matter. Shops that fabricate pins, rods, shafts, and sprocket components will benefit from the 1018 carbon steel properties.

Those who need the highest machinability or the easiest weldability might look elsewhere, since A513/1018 trades some ease of welding for added strength. For corrosion-sensitive applications, consider stainless alternatives rather than this carbon steel tubing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong and rigid 1018 carbon steel construction suited to load-bearing pins and shafts.
• Drawn-over-mandrel process produces a smoother bore and consistent wall for predictable performance.
• Cold rolled for improved yield strength and hardness compared with hot rolled tube.
• Customers report solid value and good overall steel quality for automotive and fabrication projects.

Cons

• Machinability and weldability are slightly lower than some softer steels, so extra care or prep may be needed during fabrication.
• Some users report the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, which may affect tight-fit inserts.

Specifications

Standard	Meets ASTM A513
Material	1018 carbon steel (A513)
Outside diameter	1-1/2in
Inside diameter	1.12in
Wall thickness	0.188in
Length	48in
Manufacture	Welded, drawn over mandrel, cold rolled

Our Verdict

The A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing is a practical, value-minded choice for fabricators and automotive technicians who need a strong, consistent welded tube with a smooth bore and reliable wall thickness. It offers good strength and durability for pins, shafts, and fluid lines, though those needing maximum weldability or corrosion resistance should consider alternate alloys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for automotive fuel or AC lines?
Yes, the tubing is specified for fluid and gas transport and is commonly used in automotive AC and related lines when carbon steel is acceptable.

Will the inner diameter accept standard fittings?
Most applications fit well, but some customers report the ID can be slightly smaller than expected, so verify fit for tight-tolerance inserts.

Can this tubing be welded and machined easily?
It is weldable and machinable, but A513/1018 has slightly reduced machinability and weldability compared with softer steels, so adjust processes accordingly.