A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1.375 in OD - Strong, Precise

In this review of the A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing the bottom line is simple: this tube is for fabricators and hobbyists who need a strong, dimensionally stable section for shafts, pins, or custom fuel tank fittings. The reviewer found the tubing well suited to structural and mechanical uses because it combines the rigidity of a high-carbon 1018-style alloy with consistent outside dimensions, and it meets ASTM A513 standards. It is not the easiest material to machine or weld, but for applications that demand strength and straightness the tradeoff is reasonable.

Key Features

• Material: Cold rolled A513 carbon steel provides high strength and rigidity for load-bearing parts.
• Outside diameter: 1.375 in outside diameter offers a consistent external size for press fits and mounts.
• Wall thickness: 0.375 in wall gives substantial cross section for shafts, spindles, and heavy-duty pins.
• Inner diameter: 0.625 in inside diameter leaves a solid internal core suitable for machining to precise fits or for drilling.
• Length: Supplied in a 36 in length that is convenient for cutting to multiple parts or longer fabrications.
• Standards: Conforms to ASTM A513 which reassures consistency in manufacturing quality.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at metalworkers, machinists, and fabricators who build pins, rods, shafts, spindles, sprockets, or vehicle fittings and need a stiff, reliable tubular raw material. The combination of a thick wall and cold roll finish makes it especially good where straightness and strength matter more than ease of welding.

Those who need superb weldability or easiest possible machinability should consider seeking a lower carbon or annealed grade, since A513 steel trades some ease of machining and welding for higher strength. For light decorative projects the material may be overbuilt and harder to work with.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High structural strength and rigidity suitable for load-bearing components.
• Consistent outside diameter useful for press-fit assemblies and precise mounting.
• Thick 0.375 in wall gives long service life and resistance to deflection under load.
• Meets ASTM-A513, which supports predictable material behavior and quality.

Cons

• Higher carbon content reduces machinability and weldability compared with softer steels.
• Some buyers report the inside diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, which may require reaming for tight fits.

Specifications

Product Standard	ASTM A513
Material	Cold roll carbon steel (A513 / 1018-class)
Outside Diameter	1.375 in
Inside Diameter	0.625 in
Wall Thickness	0.375 in
Length	36 in

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll round tubing is a practical, value-oriented choice for anyone needing a strong, straight tubular section for shafts, pins, or tank fittings. While it requires a bit more care when machining or welding, its thickness, conformity to ASTM A513, and overall steel quality make it a smart buy for mechanical and industrial projects where strength and dimensional stability matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing weldable?
Answer. It can be welded, but the higher carbon and cold-rolled condition make welding and post-weld work more challenging than with softer steels.

Are the dimensions accurate out of the box?
Answer. Outside diameter and wall are generally accurate, but some customers note the inside diameter can be slightly undersize and may need reaming for tight fits.

What applications is this best for?
Answer. Ideal for pins, rods, shafts, spindles, sprockets, and structural uses where strength and rigidity are primary requirements.