A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 2 in OD - Strong, Precise

In this review the A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing is assessed for workshop and industrial use. The bottom line: this 2 in outside diameter, drawn-over-mandrel tube is best for fabricators, machinists, and hobbyists who need a strong, dimensionally consistent steel tube for pins, shafts, or structural projects. The reviewer found the tubing offers solid steel quality and rigidity, meeting ASTM-A513 standards, with a 36 in length that is ready for cutting, drilling, or turning for many common applications.

Key Features

• Material: A513 cold roll carbon steel delivers high strength and rigidity for load-bearing and wear-prone parts.
• Dimensions: 2 in outside diameter with a 0.12 in wall gives a consistent size for fitting and fabrication tasks.
• Inner diameter: 1.76 in inside diameter provides a predictable bore for shafts, liners, or press-fit parts.
• Length: The 36 in length is long enough for multiple cuts or full-length applications without additional splicing.
• Standards: Meets ASTM-A513, offering assurance of manufacturing process and mechanical properties for industrial use.
• Common uses: 1018 carbon steel composition is appropriate for pins, rods, spindles, and sprockets where strength is a priority.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at metalworkers, machine shops, restoration professionals, and serious DIYers who require a rigid, cold-rolled round tube for mechanical parts, structural supports, or custom shafts. It suits projects that demand consistent OD and a known wall thickness for machining and welding setups.

Those who need exceptional weldability or maximum ease of machining may want to consider lower-carbon alternatives; likewise, if near-net inner diameter precision is critical for interference fits, verify the bore size before finishing, as some users reported a slightly smaller ID than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High strength and rigidity suitable for load-bearing components and industrial use.
• Consistent 2 in OD and 0.12 in wall make measuring, cutting, and fitting straightforward.
• Meets ASTM-A513 standard which gives confidence in manufacturing and material properties.
• Good value for money for repairs and small production runs, according to customer feedback.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability compared with lower-carbon steels can require more effort and tooling care.
• Some customers note the inside diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, which may affect tight-fit applications.

Specifications

Standard	ASTM-A513
Material	A513 cold roll carbon steel (1018)
Outside Diameter	2 in
Inside Diameter	1.76 in
Wall Thickness	0.12 in
Length	36 in

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll carbon steel tubing is a practical choice for fabricators and machinists who need a strong, standards-compliant round tube at a reasonable price. It is best for applications like pins, shafts, and spindles where rigidity and dimensional consistency matter; buyers who prioritize maximum machinability or exact bore tolerances should confirm fit before final machining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tube suitable for making shafts?
Yes, the 1018-based A513 tubing is commonly used for shafts, pins, and spindles due to its strength and rigidity.

Will it weld easily for a frame or bracket?
It can be welded, but the higher carbon content reduces weldability compared with lower-carbon steels, so appropriate welding procedures are advised.

Are the dimensions accurate out of the box?
The OD and wall are generally accurate, but some users report the ID can be slightly smaller than expected, so measure before machining.