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Answering the buyer’s intent: for durable, cost-effective hollow steel sections, square tubing made from A500/A513 mild steel is a common choice in construction and fabrication. This article reviews five suitable options, highlighting who they’re best for and why. These selections favor builders, fabricators, and hobbyists seeking reliable structural steel that’s easy to weld and relatively affordable.
Quick buying guide at a glance:
- Best for general structural framing: 1.5″ x 3/16″ tubes in longer lengths
- Better for tight budgets and standard repairs: 1″ x 1″ in 60″ or 24″ increments
- Choose this if you need a lighter wall thickness with adequate strength: 1.5″ x 0.12″ or 1.5″ x 3/16″
Product comparison table
| Product | Size | Wall | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A500/A513 1.5″ x 3/16″ Tube | 1.5″ Height | 3/16″ | 36″ | General structural framing |
| A500/A513 1″ x 1″ Tube | 1″ x 1″ | 0.065″ | 60″ | Smaller frames, tight spaces |
| A500/A513 1.5″ x 3/16″ Tube | 1.5″ Height | 3/16″ | 48″ | Bridges, buildings, and automotive components |
| A500/A513 1.5″ x 0.12″ Tube | 1.5″ Height | 0.12″ | 24″ | Lightweight framing and short spans |
| A500/A513 1″ x 0.065″ Tube | 1″ Height | 0.065″ | 24″ | Compact projects and retrofits |
A500/A513 Carbon Steel Square Tubing, 1.5″ x 3/16″, 36″ Length
Features: A500/A513 steel exhibits good strength, weldability, low cost, and is the most common type of steel tubing in North America. Dimensions: 1.5″ Height, 3/16″ Wall, 36″ Length. Used in structural applications in bridges and buildings, as well as in automotive and appliance industries.
Best for: General structural framing where size and weldability matter. This option is a balanced choice for builders seeking reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Caution: Longer lengths may require careful handling to avoid bending during transport.
Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, 1″ x 1″, 0.065″ Wall, 60″ Length
Features: A36 carbon steel is a structural steel known for formability. Hot rolled to meet specified dimensions, this tube adheres to ASTM A36 specifications.
Best for: Projects requiring good formability and straightforward fabrication in compact frames. Choose this if you need workability with predictable straightness for simple assemblies.
Caution: A36 is not the lightest option; for high-load, slender frames, verify thickness and span to avoid deflection.
A500/A513 1.5″ x 3/16″ Square Tubing, 48″ Length
Features: A500/A513 steel with good strength, weldability, and low cost. Size: 1.5″ Height, 3/16″ Wall, 48″ Length. Commonly used in structural applications including bridges, buildings, and automotive components.
Best for: Medium-length structural runs where standard dimensions simplify fabrication. The 48″ length reduces joint count in longer frames.
Caution: Longer stock may incur higher transportation costs; plan cut-to-length with this consideration in mind.
A500/A513 1.5″ x 0.12″ Square Tubing, 24″ Length
Features: A500/A513 steel with strong weldability, low cost, and broad use in North American markets. Dimensions: 1.5″ Height, 0.12″ Wall, 24″ Length.
Best for: Lightweight frames and short-span projects where a thinner wall suffices. It’s a good choice for internal frames or non-load-bearing components.
Caution: Thinner walls require careful handling to prevent denting or deformation during assembly and transport.
A500/A513 1″ x 0.065″ Square Tubing, 24″ Length
Features: A500/A513 steel with good strength, weldability, and affordability. Size: 1″ Height, 0.065″ Wall, 24″ Length. Common in automotive, appliance, and light structural contexts.
Best for: Compact assemblies where a small footprint and modest load capacity are adequate. Choose this when space constraints matter more than maximum strength.
Caution: For larger loads or longer spans, this tube may require additional bracing or thicker walls for safety margins.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Mild Steel Hollow Sections
What is A500/A513 steel, and why choose it?
A500/A513 are common structural hollow sections in North America. They offer a balance of strength, weldability, and cost, making them a standard choice for frames, supports, and fabrications that require square tubing.
How to select wall thickness and height?
Heavier walls (like 0.065″ and 0.165″ equivalents) provide higher strength and stiffness but add weight and cost. Thinner walls suit lightweight framing and non-structural parts. Height (1″ to 1.5″ etc.) affects rigidity and fit with other components.
Which length is best for fabrication?
Longer lengths reduce the number of joints but can increase handling and shipping challenges. Match stock length to project size and planned cuts to minimize waste.
Welding and fabrication considerations
These tubes are typically weldable with standard methods. Ensure proper fit-up, avoid warping by clamping during welding, and consider post-weld finishing if corrosion resistance is a concern.
Compatibility and usage scenarios
Best used for structural frames, supports, brackets, and automotive or appliance components. They are not perfect for high-load or high-stress external applications without design adjustments.
Quality and sourcing tips
Choose reputable suppliers and verify material specifications (A500/A513 compliance) before purchase. For projects requiring precise tolerances, confirm your project’s dimensional allowances with the fabricator.
FAQ
- What is the difference between A500 and A513 tubing?
- Is mild steel hollow section suitable for outdoor use?
- What wall thickness should I choose for a DIY frame?
- How do I pick the right length?
- Are these tubes easy to weld?
- Can I use these tubes for critical load-bearing components?
A500 and A513 refer to different steel classes with similar uses. Both are common for hollow structural sections, but verify exact mechanical properties with the supplier for your application.
Yes, but consider corrosion protection or coatings if the environment is harsh. Bare steel will rust over time without protection.
For lightweight frames, 0.065″ or 0.12″ walls may be sufficient. For more robustness, 3/16″ walls provide additional stiffness and load capacity.
Estimate the project’s cut plan to minimize waste. Longer stock reduces joints but demands more accurate fabrication and handling.
Yes, A500/A513 tubes weld well with common techniques when properly prepared and clamped during welding.
Consult a structural engineer for critical load applications. These tubes are suitable for many frames, but exact safety margins depend on size, wall, and design.
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