A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 7/8 in OD - Durable Shaft

In this review of the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing the bottom line is simple: this tubing is for fabricators and hobbyists who need strong, accurate shaft stock for pins, rods and spindles. Our review found the biggest reason to buy is the material strength and consistent wall thickness offered by drawn-over-mandrel A513/1018 steel, which makes it a reliable choice when rigidity and fit are priorities. It is not the easiest material to machine or weld, but when strength and dimensional stability matter, it performs well.

Key Features

• Material: A513/1018 carbon steel delivers high strength and rigidity for load-bearing parts and shafts.
• Precision tubing: 7/8 in outside diameter with a 0.563 in inside diameter gives predictable clearance for common shaft and pin uses.
• Consistent wall: 0.156 in wall thickness provides a sturdy cross section that resists flex and maintains concentricity under load.
• Length: 36 in stock length is long enough for multiple parts or long runs without seams.
• Specification: Meets ASTM A513, so buyers get industry-standard drawn-over-mandrel tubing quality and finish.

Who It's For

This tubing suits machine shops, metal fabricators, and serious DIYers who need reliable shaft and rod stock for components like pins, spindles, sprockets, and custom shafts. The combination of A513 construction and 1018 carbon steel properties makes it useful where strength and rigidity are primary concerns.

Those who need highly weldable or easy-to-machine stainless alternatives, or who require extremely tight inner-diameter fits without further machining, should consider other alloys or precision ground stock. The tubing is best where durability and structural performance outweigh maximum weldability or the absolute easiest cutting experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong, rigid A513/1018 steel makes durable components for mechanical applications.
• Accurate outside diameter and consistent wall deliver predictable fit and strength for shafts and pins.
• Good value for industrial tubing intended for functional parts rather than decorative uses.

Cons

• Lower machinability and weldability than some steels, so expect a bit more effort when cutting or joining.
• Some buyers report the inner diameter can be slightly smaller than expected, which may require reaming for tight-fit applications.

Specifications

Standard	Meets ASTM A513
Material	A513 / 1018 carbon steel
Outside Diameter	7/8 in
Inside Diameter	0.563 in
Wall Thickness	0.156 in
Length	36 in

Our Verdict

The A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing is a solid choice for anyone making functional mechanical parts where strength and consistent geometry matter. For shops and hobbyists building pins, rods, shafts, or spindles, it delivers good value and dependable performance; just plan for modestly tougher machining and possible inner-diameter reaming when tight fits are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing suitable for shafts and spindles?
Yes, the 1018 carbon steel and 0.156 in wall make it well suited for pins, shafts and spindles that need strength and rigidity.

Will the tubing be easy to weld?
Weldability is lower than some steels; welding is possible but may require preheat and attention to avoid brittleness at joints.

Are the dimensions accurate out of the box?
Outside diameter and wall are generally accurate, but some customers report a slightly smaller inner diameter, so plan for reaming if you need an exact bore.