A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 24in Length - Durable 2-1/8in

In this review the focus is on a single, heavy-duty piece of tubing intended for mechanical and fabrication use: the A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing, drawn over mandrel, with a 24in length. The bottom line is straightforward - this tube is for builders, machinists, and hobbyists who need rigid, high-strength steel tubing for shafts, pins, or structural runs where material strength and dimensional stability matter more than ease of welding. It performs as expected for A513/1018-grade material and delivers predictable strength and form for workshop projects.

Key Features

• Material: A513/1018 cold roll carbon steel provides notable strength and rigidity for load-bearing and rotating parts.
• Dimensions: The 2-1/8in outside diameter and 1.885in inside diameter give a consistent bore and wall for fitting shafts or bushings.
• Wall Thickness: The 0.12in wall balances weight and stiffness for many light- to medium-duty mechanical applications.
• Length: A 24in length is convenient for cutting to custom sizes or using as a single piece in short runs without extra joins.
• Manufacture: Drawn over mandrel (DOM) tubing meets ASTM A513 for roundness and concentricity, improving fit and finish for machined applications.
• Applications: Typical use in pins, rods, shafts, spindles, and sprockets makes it versatile for repair and fabrication tasks.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at machinists, fabricators, garage mechanics, and anyone building functional mechanical components who needs a tough, consistent steel tube with good dimensional control. Because it is DOM A513/1018 material, it suits turning, drilling, and press-fit operations where stiffness and strength are priorities.

It is less suitable for projects requiring high weldability or complex fabrication where a more weld-friendly alloy is preferred, and users needing very tight inner-diameter clearance should verify the fit because a few customers reported the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High strength and rigidity from A513/1018 steel make it reliable for load-bearing parts.
• DOM construction delivers good roundness and concentricity for machining and press fits.
• 24in length and standard diameters reduce the need for additional splicing or couplings.
• Customers report strong value for money and consistent steel quality in use.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability compared with some steels can complicate fabrication for certain tasks.
• Inner diameter may be slightly undersized versus expectations, so measure before tight-tolerance builds.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing is a sensible choice for anyone needing a strong, concentric steel tube for shafts, pins, and structural uses. It offers good value and consistent manufacturing quality for machining and mechanical assemblies, but buyers who require easier welding or extremely tight inner-diameter tolerances should consider alternative alloys or confirm dimensions before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing welded or seamless?
It is drawn over mandrel (DOM) tubing manufactured to A513, which provides improved roundness and concentricity compared with basic welded tube.

Can I weld this material easily?
As 1018 cold roll carbon steel, it has slightly lower weldability than some steels, so welding may require proper prep and technique.

Will the inner diameter accept a standard shaft?
Most shafts will fit, but some customers noted the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, so measure before building tight-tolerance assemblies.