A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1-1/8 in OD - Strong Shaft

In this review the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing is assessed as a straightforward, heavy-duty option for machinists and fabricators who need reliable shaft and pin stock. The bottom line: this drawn over mandrel, ASTM A513 tube is for buyers who prioritize strength and dimensional consistency in projects such as shafts, spindles, and custom pins, with the single biggest reason to buy being its robust 1018 carbon steel construction that delivers rigidity and long-term service in mechanical applications.

Key Features

• Material: 1018 carbon steel provides solid tensile strength and rigidity for load-bearing parts and general machinery use.
• Construction: Drawn over mandrel cold roll tubing yields a smoother surface and tighter tolerances for better fit and finish in machined components.
• Standard: Meets ASTM-A513, offering assurance that the tubing adheres to common dimensional and material expectations for structural tubing.
• Dimensions: 1-1/8 in outside diameter with a 0.095 in wall gives a balance of strength and machinability for pins, shafts, and spindles.
• Length: Supplied in a 48 in length that is convenient for cutting multiple parts or leaving long stock for machining down to finished sizes.
• Common uses: Typical applications such as sprockets, rods, and fuel tank fittings benefit from the steel's durability and consistent cross section.

Who It's For

The tubing is best for hobby machinists, small fabrication shops, and maintenance teams that need a dependable piece of shaft or rod stock with good strength and consistent OD/ID for turning and drilling. Its cold roll drawn surface helps reduce cleanup and finishing time when accurate concentricity matters.

Those who require exceptional weldability, very high machinability, or nonferrous materials should look elsewhere; the high-carbon 1018 grade trades some weld and machining ease for added rigidity. If you need custom alloy properties or very tight inner-diameter fits beyond slight variation, consider specifying a closer-tolerance or different material option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good overall steel quality that customers consistently describe as strong and fit for mechanical parts.
• Drawn over mandrel finish improves surface smoothness and dimensional consistency for machining.
• Meets ASTM-A513 so it follows an established tubing standard for predictable performance.
• Generous 48 in length allows multiple parts to be cut from one piece, offering value for projects.

Cons

• Inner diameter may be slightly smaller than expected in some pieces, so reaming or boring may be necessary for tight-fit applications.
• Lower weldability and slightly reduced machinability compared with softer low-carbon steels.

Specifications

Material	1018 carbon steel (A513)
Standard	Meets ASTM-A513
Outside Diameter	1-1/8 in
Inside Diameter	0.935 in
Wall Thickness	0.095 in
Length	48 in

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll tubing is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone making pins, rods, shafts, or spindles who values strength and predictable performance. It offers good value when rigidity and surface finish matter, though buyers should plan for minor ID corrections and recognize its tradeoffs in weldability and machinability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing ready to machine?
Yes, the drawn over mandrel finish gives a smooth surface and consistent OD, but you may need to bore or ream the ID slightly for tight-fit parts.

Can this be welded easily?
Welding is possible, but the 1018 carbon steel has slightly lower weldability than lower-carbon steels, so preheat and appropriate filler may be needed for critical welds.

What are common uses for this size?
Typical uses include pins, rods, shafts, spindles, and sprockets where strength and rigidity are required.