A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1-5/8 in OD - 72 in Length

Our review of the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing looks at whether this 1-5/8 in outside diameter, 72 in length tube is a practical choice for workshop fabricators and repair technicians. Bottom line: it is best for projects that need a strong, rigid carbon steel shaft or structural tube where adherence to ASTM-A513 matters; reviewers praise its material quality and strength, though a few mention inner diameter tolerance can be slightly tight for press-fit parts. This assessment focuses on build uses like shafts, pins and fuel tank repairs where mechanical strength and consistent wall thickness matter.

Key Features

• ASTM-A513 construction: Provides a standardized manufacturing process so the tubing is suitable for many mechanical and structural applications requiring consistent material properties.
• 1-5/8 in outside diameter: Matches common shaft and spacer sizes for repairs or custom machining, making it easy to substitute into existing assemblies.
• 1.385 in inside diameter: Offers a predictable bore for turning, reaming or using as a sleeve in projects that need controlled clearances.
• 0.12 in wall thickness: Balances strength and weight for components like spindles, pins and short drive shafts where rigidity matters without excessive mass.
• 1018 carbon steel alloy: Delivers good tensile strength and wear resistance for pins, rods and sprockets while remaining workable for standard machining operations.
• 72 in length: Long enough for multiple parts or long runs, reducing joints and allowing multiple cuts from a single piece.

Who It's For

The tubing is aimed at metalworkers, hobby machinists, and repair shops that need a durable 1018 carbon steel tube for shafts, pins, or structural components. It is particularly useful when adherence to ASTM-A513 is important and when a long 72 in length can be cut to multiple needed sizes.

Those who need excellent weldability or the highest machinability should look elsewhere, since this higher-carbon variant trades some ease of welding and cutting for added strength. If precise, oversized inner bore tolerance is required for slip-fit assemblies, verify measurements before ordering because some customers reported a slightly smaller inner diameter than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good material quality and strength that suits mechanical parts like shafts and sprockets.
• Long 72 in length lets shops cut multiple pieces and reduces the need for splicing.
• Meets ASTM-A513 so it follows an industry standard for drawn-over-mandrel tubing.

Cons

• Inner diameter can run slightly tight for some press-fit or slip-fit applications, requiring additional finishing.
• Higher carbon content means slightly reduced weldability and machinability compared with low-carbon steels.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Standard	ASTM-A513
Material	1018 carbon steel
Outside diameter	1-5/8 in
Inside diameter	1.385 in
Wall thickness	0.12 in
Length	72 in

Our Verdict

This A513 drawn-over-mandrel tubing is a sensible, cost-effective choice for fabricators needing a strong 1018 carbon steel tube in a long 72 in length. It performs well as shafts, pins and sleeves when strength and standardized manufacture are priorities, though users requiring easy welding or exact oversized bores should plan for additional machining or choose a different alloy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing welded or seamless?
The product is drawn over mandrel tubing that meets ASTM-A513 specifications, providing a uniform, mechanically formed tube suitable for structural and mechanical uses.

Can it be used for shafts and sprockets?
Yes, 1018 carbon steel is commonly used for pins, rods, shafts and sprockets due to its strength and wear properties, though final machining may be needed for bearings or tight fits.

Will the inner diameter fit standard bearings?
Some customers noted the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, so measure and finish-bore as needed before installing bearings.