A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 5/8 in OD - Durable Shaft

In this review the A513 cold roll carbon steel round tubing is evaluated as a straightforward, hardworking material for mechanical and fabrication projects. The bottom line: this tube is best for anyone seeking a durable 1018-grade shaft or pin stock with consistent wall thickness and tensile strength, especially where rigidity matters more than ease of machining. Its primary appeal is strength and dimensional suitability for pins, rods, spindles, and sprockets, making it a practical choice for repairs and small builds rather than decorative or precision-bore applications.

Key Features

• A513 construction: provides high strength and rigidity for load-bearing components where material stiffness is required.
• 5/8 in outside diameter: a common OD that fits many bushings and bearings used in light machinery and automotive projects.
• 0.39 in inside diameter with 0.12 in wall: gives a useful balance between strength and internal clearance for shafts or sleeve applications.
• 72 in length: long enough to cut multiple parts or stock spindles and shafts from a single piece, reducing waste.
• 1018 carbon steel: a familiar grade for pins, rods, and sprockets that machines acceptably once you factor in slightly reduced machinability.
• Meets ASTM A513: assures buyers the tubing follows a recognized specification for cold rolled steel tubing.

Who It's For

This tubing suits hobbyists, machinists, and maintenance technicians who need sturdy round stock for repairs, custom shafts, or structural pins. It is particularly appropriate for automotive uses like fuel tank linkages or custom brackets where toughness and consistent OD are important.

Those who require high weldability, very easy machining, or a guaranteed oversized internal bore should look elsewhere; customers have noted the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than nominal, so precision-bore applications or slip-fit bushings may demand additional reaming or honing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong, rigid 1018 carbon steel that performs well in load-bearing roles.
• Long 72 in length allows multiple cuts and efficient use for workshop projects.
• Consistent OD makes it easy to match with bearings and housings for many applications.

Cons

• Inner diameter may be slightly under nominal, so some parts may require reaming for a precise fit.
• Higher carbon content means slightly reduced machinability and weldability compared with softer steels.

Specifications

Standard	Meets ASTM-A513
Material	1018 cold roll carbon steel
Outside Diameter	5/8 in
Inside Diameter	0.39 in
Wall Thickness	0.12 in
Length	72 in

Our Verdict

The A513 cold roll round tubing is a solid, no-frills choice for anyone needing reliable 1018 shaft or pin stock that balances strength with usable dimensions. It represents good value for workshop repairs and fabrication where rigidity is a priority, but buyers should plan to verify and, if necessary, ream the inner diameter for tight-fit applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing ready for slip-fit use?
It is close to nominal, but some buyers report a slightly smaller inner diameter, so plan to measure and ream if a precise slip fit is required.

Can it be welded and machined easily?
Yes, but with caution: 1018 A513 has good strength yet slightly reduced weldability and machinability compared with lower carbon steels.

What common uses suit this tubing?
Typical uses include pins, rods, shafts, spindles, sprockets, and other workshop or automotive repair parts.