A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing 1-1/4 in OD 48 in Length

In this review of the A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a stout, dimensionally consistent tube best suited for mechanical uses where strength and rigidity matter. The reviewer found it ideal for pins, shafts and structural sleeves thanks to its drawn-over-mandrel finish and 1018 carbon steel makeup. Readers should consider this tubing if they need a durable, ASTM A513-compliant round tube with predictable outer dimensions; those who need exceptional weldability or intricate machining may want to evaluate alternatives.

Key Features

• Material strength: The A513 1018 carbon steel composition provides high strength and rigidity for load-bearing parts such as spindles and shafts.
• Dimensional specs: The 1-1/4 in outside diameter and 0.188 in wall give a clear fit for applications that require a sturdy outer size and predictable clearance.
• Inner diameter: The 0.87 in inside diameter leaves enough core for use as pins or bushings while keeping a solid tube wall for strength.
• Length: The 48 in length is ready for cutting to length or for longer runs where single-piece length matters, reducing joints and couplings.
• Manufacturing: Drawn over mandrel construction produces a consistent finish and tighter tolerances suitable for mechanical assemblies.
• Standards: Meets ASTM A513 for cold-rolled carbon steel tubing, giving buyers confidence in material and process control.

Who It's For

This tubing is aimed at machinists, fabrication shops, hobbyists making replacement shafts or rods, and mechanical engineers who need a solid, off-the-shelf 1018 carbon steel tube that meets ASTM A513. It works well when strength and straightness are priorities and when parts are to be cut or bored to size.

It is less appropriate for projects that demand excellent weldability or complex, high-speed machining where alloy or stainless alternatives would be preferable. Also, if an application requires a guaranteed oversized inner diameter, buyers should double-check bore requirements because some customers report a slightly smaller ID than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid, rigid 1018 carbon steel suitable for pins, rods, shafts and sprockets.
• Drawn over mandrel finish yields good dimensional control and straightness.
• Meets ASTM A513, providing reassurance about material and process standards.
• Good value for money according to customer feedback, balancing cost and performance.

Cons

• Machinability and weldability are slightly lower than softer steels, which can affect some repairs or joins.
• Some users report the inner diameter can be marginally smaller than nominal, requiring reaming for tight fits.

Specifications

Standard	ASTM A513
Material	1018 carbon steel (cold roll)
Outside diameter (OD)	1-1/4 in
Inside diameter (ID)	0.87 in
Wall thickness	0.188 in
Length	48 in

Our Verdict

The A513 Cold Roll 1018 tubing is a practical choice for anyone needing a rigid, standards-compliant round tube for mechanical parts and structural elements; it offers good value and consistent outer dimensions. Buyers who require easier welding or guaranteed oversized bores should consider alternative alloys or plan for secondary machining, but for many shaft and pin uses this tube is a dependable, cost-effective option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tubing weldable?
Yes, it is weldable, but as 1018 carbon steel its weldability and machinability are slightly lower than softer steels, so welding procedures should account for that.

Will the ID fit a 7/8 in shaft?
The nominal 0.87 in ID is close to 7/8 in, but several customers reported the ID can be marginally smaller, so reaming or measuring before final assembly is recommended.

Does it meet a recognized standard?
Yes, the tubing meets ASTM A513 for cold-rolled carbon steel tubing and is supplied with the drawn-over-mandrel finish for better dimensional control.