A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1-1/4 in OD - Durable Shaft

In this review of the A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing, the reviewer finds it best suited for fabricators, hobby machinists, and repair technicians who need rigid, straight shaft stock with predictable strength. The single biggest reason to buy is its material grade and dimensional combination: drawn over mandrel A513 1018 carbon steel that meets ASTM-A513 offers reliable mechanical properties for pins, rods, shafts and spindles where rigidity matters. Buyers should expect good value and solid steel quality rather than exceptional ease of welding or extreme machinability.

Key Features

• Material: The A513 1018 carbon steel construction provides high strength and rigidity for load-bearing parts and repairs.
• Precision tube: Drawn over mandrel manufacturing yields a straight, consistent tube profile useful for shafts and spool-type components.
• Dimensions: 1-1/4 in outside diameter with a 0.87 in inside diameter and 0.188 in wall gives a stout cross section suitable for pins and axles.
• Length: The 36 in length is long enough for multiple small jobs or for cutting to custom lengths without loss of material integrity.
• Standards: Conformance to ASTM-A513 ensures the tubing meets common industrial expectations for mechanical performance.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at metalworkers who need strong, straight carbon steel tubing for mechanical parts: machinists making shafts, hobbyists repairing fuel tank linkages or drivetrain components, and fabricators building fixtures or supports. Its stiffness and the 1018 grade make it a good choice where strength and dimensional stability are priorities.

Those who need excellent weldability or maximum ease of machining should take caution; A513 1018 has slightly lower machinability and weldability compared with some lower-carbon or engineered weldable steels. Also, if you require unusually tight internal bored tolerances, confirm the ID fits your needs because a few users noted the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High strength and rigidity make it dependable for shafts, pins, and sprocket supports.
• Drawn over mandrel finish produces a straight, consistent tube for predictable installation.
• Good value for solid steel stock that meets ASTM-A513 standards.
• 36 in length provides flexibility for multiple cuts or larger projects.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability than some other steels, so expect slower cutting and more attention when welding.
• Occasional reports of a slightly smaller inner diameter, so measure before assuming a slip fit.

Specifications

Standard	ASTM-A513
Material	1018 Carbon Steel (A513)
Outside Diameter	1-1/4 in
Inside Diameter	0.87 in
Wall Thickness	0.188 in
Length	36 in

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll round tubing is a practical choice for anyone needing strong, straight shaft stock and reliable mechanical performance at a reasonable price. It is especially good for repairs, shafts and spindles where rigidity matters; buyers should only be mindful of its modest limitations in machinability and occasional slight variation in inner diameter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing weldable?
Yes, it can be welded, but A513 1018 has slightly lower weldability than some other steels, so standard precautions and pre/post-heat practices may be needed for best results.

Can it be machined to tighter tolerances?
It can be machined, but expect slower cutting and more tool wear compared with softer steels; verify final ID before assuming a precision slip fit.

Is the length cuttable?
Yes, the 36 in length is intended to be cut to size; use appropriate sawing or tube-cutting tools to maintain square ends and avoid deforming the section.