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

Our review of the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing finds it a practical choice for DIY machinists and light industrial users who need strong, straight shaft stock. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of rigidity and dimensional consistency: drawn over mandrel 1018 carbon steel provides reliable strength for pins, rods, shafts and spindles while meeting ASTM A513 standards. For projects that demand a stiff, economical metal bar with predictable outer diameter and a decent inner clearance, this tubing performs well and delivers good value.

Key Features

• A513 steel composition: provides high strength and rigidity suitable for structural and rotating parts that need durability.
• Drawn over mandrel finish: yields a straighter, more uniform tube that is easier to machine and fit into assemblies.
• 1/4 in outside diameter: fits common small-bore applications such as dowel pins and small shafts without extra turning on the OD.
• 0.18 in inside diameter and 0.035 in wall: offer a balance of interior clearance and wall thickness for light-duty hydraulic or mechanical uses.
• 48 in length: gives enough material for multiple parts or longer shafts without needing to join sections.
• Meets ASTM A513: ensures the tubing conforms to a recognized standard for mechanical tubing performance.

Who It's For

This tubing is well suited to home machinists, fabricators and maintenance technicians who need economical, straight carbon steel stock for pins, shafts, spindles and simple sprocket axles. Its 1018 grade and drawn over mandrel finish make it a good fit where rigidity and dimensional stability matter more than exceptional weldability.

Those who require easy welding, high corrosion resistance, or very precise inner bore tolerances should consider alternative materials or specify a tighter-tolerance tube; some customers report the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected for tight-fit sleeve applications.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good overall steel quality and strength for mechanical parts and small shafts.
• Consistent outside diameter and straightness thanks to the drawn over mandrel process.
• Reasonable length and wall thickness for multiple small projects, offering value for money.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability compared with some low-carbon steels, which may slow production work.
• Inner diameter may run slightly undersized for applications requiring precise ID fits.

Specifications

Material	1018 carbon steel (A513)
Process	Cold roll, drawn over mandrel
Outside diameter	0.25 in
Inside diameter	0.18 in
Wall thickness	0.035 in
Length	48 in
Standard	Meets ASTM A513

Our Verdict

The A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing is a dependable, cost-effective choice for makers and repair professionals who need sturdy shaft stock with good straightness and predictable OD. It is particularly good for pins, rods and spindles where strength and value matter, though buyers requiring easier welding or perfect ID tolerances should verify fit before committing to large runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing welded or seamless?
The listing describes cold roll drawn over mandrel tubing consistent with mechanical tubing standards under ASTM A513.

Can this be welded easily?
It is 1018 carbon steel with slightly lower weldability than lower carbon steels, so standard welding is possible but may require preheat or attention to technique.

Will the inside diameter accept standard 1/8 in rods?
The ID is 0.18 in so it will accommodate some 1/8 in components, but a few users report the inner diameter can be slightly undersized so measure before final assembly.