A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 2-1/8 in OD 72 in

Our review of this A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing finds it aimed at fabricators and machinists who need a strong, consistent tubing stock for shafts, pins, and structural components. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of rigidity and dimensional stability given the cold drawn over mandrel process; this tubing delivers a reliable wall thickness and straightness for shop projects. The review notes that weldability and machinability are slightly reduced compared with low-carbon steels, but the material's strength and value make it a practical choice for load-bearing parts and retrofit work.

Key Features

• Material and spec: Meets ASTM-A513, providing a documented manufacturing standard for consistent mechanical properties and dimensions.
• Cold drawn finish: Drawn over mandrel (DOM) construction improves roundness and surface finish, which benefits tight-fitting assemblies.
• Dimensional profile: A 2-1/8 in outside diameter with a 0.12 in wall gives substantial section modulus for shafts and spindles.
• Application-ready length: Supplied at 72 in length so longer projects or multiple cutoffs can be completed from a single piece.
• 1018 carbon steel behavior: Typical use for pins, rods, and sprockets means good strength and wear resistance for mechanical parts.

Who It's For

This tubing suits professional machine shops, metal fabricators, and serious hobbyists who build mechanical assemblies or need reliable tubular stock for load-bearing components. It is especially useful where strength and straightness outweigh the need for easy welding or aggressive machining.

Customers who require maximum weldability or the easiest possible machining should consider lower carbon options or preconditioned materials; likewise, projects needing very precise inner diameter clearance should verify fit since a few users reported a slightly smaller inner diameter than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High rigidity and strength from the cold drawn A513 process make it dependable for shafts and spindles.
• Consistent outer diameter and good surface finish reduce cleanup time for press fits and bearings.
• Long 72 in length is convenient for multiple parts or longer components without joints.

Cons

• Weldability and machinability are slightly lower than mild steels, so expect longer machining times or preheat for some welds.
• Some buyers have noted the inner diameter can be marginally smaller than nominal, affecting tight clearances.

Specifications

Standard	ASTM-A513
Material	1018 cold roll carbon steel
Outside Diameter	2-1/8 in
Inside Diameter	1.885 in
Wall Thickness	0.12 in
Length	72 in

Our Verdict

This A513 cold roll round tubing is a practical buy for machinists and fabricators who need robust, straight tubular stock for shafts, pins, and structural parts; its DOM finish and 72 in length add workshop convenience. While not ideal if you need the easiest welding or the loosest internal clearance, the tubing represents solid value due to strength, size consistency, and suitability for mechanical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing easy to weld?
It can be welded, but 1018 carbon steel has slightly reduced weldability compared with lower carbon steels, so proper technique and preheat may be recommended.

Will the inner diameter always match 1.885 in?
Most pieces are within tolerance, but some customers reported a slightly smaller inner diameter, so measure before final assembly for tight-fit applications.

Is the surface ready for bearing fits?
The drawn over mandrel finish gives good roundness and surface quality, often reducing the need for extensive finishing for press-fit bearings or collars.