STEELWORKS BOLTMASTER 11678 Flat Steel Bar 3/16 x 3 x 36 in - Solid

In this review the STEELWORKS BOLTMASTER 11678 flat steel bar is evaluated for fabricators, hobby welders, and metalworkers who need a reliable low carbon stock piece. The bottom line: it is a straightforward, clean hot-roll flat bar that meets ASTM A-36 and performs predictably for common welding and fabrication tasks. Customers repeatedly praised the steel quality and ease of welding, making it a good choice when a simple, dimensionally consistent 3/16 x 3 x 36 in bar is required.

Key Features

• Size and fit: The 3/16 in x 3 in x 36 in dimensions provide a consistent, usable length and thickness for general fabrication and small structural tasks.
• Material: Made from low carbon steel, it offers good weldability and predictable machining for common shop operations.
• Standards compliance: Meets ASTM spec A-36, which assures typical mechanical properties and makes it suitable for structural and repair uses.
• Surface condition: Delivered clean and ready to work, the bar needs minimal prep before welding or finishing, saving shop time.
• Weld compatibility: Customers noted it welds well with common rods such as 1/8 in E6013, making it practical for hobbyists and repair jobs.
• Application versatility: Works for custom jobs, brackets, supports, and small frameworks where a flat bar is the right form factor.

Who It's For

This flat bar is aimed at metal fabricators, machinists, and serious DIYers who need an off-the-shelf low carbon steel bar that meets a recognized structural grade. It is especially useful for those doing small structural repairs, creating custom brackets, or practicing welding techniques where a predictable, clean piece of steel is important.

It may not be the best fit for users who require alloyed steels, stainless properties, or exact high-strength plate grades for heavy structural design. If your project needs corrosion resistance or unusually tight mechanical tolerances, consider a different material tailored to that requirement.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good overall quality and clean finish straight from delivery, reducing prep time.
• Low carbon composition provides excellent ease of welding with common electrodes like E6013.
• Meets ASTM A-36 so it is suitable for typical structural and fabrication uses where that spec is required.
• Versatile 3/16 in thickness and 3 in width make it useful for many small- to medium-size projects.

Cons

• Strength feedback was mixed, so it may not meet expectations for higher-stress structural applications where higher-strength steel is required.
• As a plain low carbon flat bar, it lacks corrosion resistance that some outdoor or marine projects demand.

Specifications

Product type	Flat Steel Bar
Dimensions	3/16 in x 3 in x 36 in
Material	Low carbon steel
Standard	Meets ASTM A-36
Finish	Hot roll, clean surface
Typical uses	Welding, fabrication, brackets, repairs

Our Verdict

The STEELWORKS BOLTMASTER flat steel bar is a practical, cost-effective choice for fabricators and hobby welders who want a clean, weldable A-36 flat bar in a convenient 36 in length. Its compliance with ASTM A-36 and consistent finish make it good value for everyday fabrication and repair tasks, though projects demanding higher strength or corrosion resistance should consider alternate materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this bar weldable with common electrodes?
Yes, the low carbon composition welds well with common electrodes such as 1/8 in E6013, which customers found effective.

Does it meet any engineering standards?
Yes, the bar meets ASTM spec A-36, suitable for many structural and fabrication applications that reference that standard.

Is the surface ready to paint or finish?
The bar arrives with a clean hot-roll surface that typically requires minimal prep before painting or finishing, though standard cleaning is recommended.