Best Steel Tubes of 2026
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Steel tubes are versatile cylindrical structures made from steel, renowned for their durability and strength. These tubes are used in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing. With their ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure, steel tubes are commonly employed in applications such as pipelines, structural supports, and machinery components. Available in various shapes and sizes, they offer exceptional resistance to corrosion and can be customized to meet specific project requirements. From transporting fluids to providing structural integrity, steel tubes are an essential component in numerous industries.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Steel Tubes
Allstar 1in x 2in Steel Tubing
The Allstar Steel Tubing measures 1 inch by 2 inches with a thickness of .120 inches and stretches 7.5 feet long. This robust hardware tubing is ideal for various construction and DIY projects, providing strength and durability. Weighing approximately 15.85 pounds, it is easy to handle while ensuring it can support your needs. With a single unit in each package, you can conveniently purchase exactly what you need without excess material. Whether you're building frames or supports, this tubing is designed to help you achieve reliable results.
Small Parts ALL22183-4 Steel Rectangular Tube
The Small Parts Steel Rectangular Tube is a high-quality steel tube with a 1" height and 2" width. It has a 0.120" wall thickness and comes in a 4' length. This steel tube is perfect for various applications, including construction, fabrication, and DIY projects. With its durable construction, it can withstand heavy loads and provide structural support. The Small Parts Steel Rectangular Tube is easy to handle and install, making it convenient for both professionals and hobbyists. Its unpolished (mill) finish gives it a rugged and industrial look. Whether you need to build a sturdy frame or create a custom railing, this steel tube is a reliable choice.
Small Parts Unpolished Steel Square Tube
The Small Parts Steel Square Tube is a versatile and durable steel tube designed for various applications. With a 0.083" wall thickness and 0.0834" inner diameter, this 4' length tube is perfect for construction, fabrication, and DIY projects. Its unpolished mill finish gives it a rugged and industrial look, while the 1" square shape provides stability and strength. The model number ALL22169-4 ensures compatibility with other Small Parts products. Measuring 47.99999995104" in length and 0.99999999898" in width and height, this steel tube is conveniently packaged for easy transport and storage. Whether you're building furniture, constructing frames, or creating custom structures, the Small Parts Steel Square Tube is a reliable choice that offers exceptional performance and durability.
Small Parts 1008-1010 Steel Square Tube ALL22164-4
The Small Parts Steel Tube offers a sturdy and reliable option for your projects. Its model number, ALL22164-4, helps you easily identify the exact product you need. Measuring just under 4 feet in length, this tube is convenient to handle and fits well in various spaces. With a width of about 2.2 inches and a height of just over half an inch, it’s designed to provide solid support without adding too much bulk. This tube is perfect for anyone looking for a durable steel tube that’s easy to manage and versatile for different uses.
Small Parts 1008-1010 Steel Round Tube 1" OD
The Small Parts Steel Tube offers a durable and precise steel round tube ideal for various projects. With a 1-inch outer diameter, it fits perfectly for users needing a standard size for construction or repairs. The wall thickness of 0.083 inches ensures strength while keeping the tube lightweight and manageable. Inside, the tube has a 0.8340-inch inner diameter, making it useful for applications requiring a specific fit around other components. At 4 feet long, this tube provides ample length for many tasks, offering convenience and flexibility for your work.
Small Parts Unpolished Steel Round Tube
The Small Parts Unpolished Steel Round Tube, also known as the Small Parts Steel Tube, is a high-quality steel tube that is perfect for a variety of applications. With an outer diameter of 1.250 inches and a wall thickness of 0.120 inches, this tube provides strength and durability. The 1.010-inch inner diameter allows for easy flow of fluids or gases. Measuring 4 feet in length, it is suitable for various projects. The Small Parts Steel Tube is a versatile and reliable option for construction, automotive, and industrial use. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a great choice for any project.
Rocaris 1" Steel Square Tubes 12" Length
The Rocaris Steel Square Tubes offer precise sizing with a 1-inch height, 12-inch length, and 1/8-inch wall thickness, making them ideal for various industrial and DIY projects where accuracy matters. Made from durable A36 hot rolled steel, these tubes provide strong support and resist rust, so you can rely on them for long-lasting use. Their versatility means you can use them in construction, automotive repairs, or home improvements, adapting easily to your needs. Plus, they are designed to be easy to work with—you can cut, weld, and shape them smoothly to fit your exact project requirements, ensuring professional results every time.
Small Parts Unpolished Steel Round Tube
Introducing the Small Parts Unpolished Steel Round Tube, a versatile and durable steel tube designed to meet your various needs. With a 1.5" outer diameter, 0.120" wall thickness, and 1.260" inner diameter, this 4' length tube is perfect for a wide range of applications. Whether you're working on a DIY project or in an industrial setting, this steel tube will provide the strength and stability you require. The ALL22137-4 model number ensures high quality and reliability. With its compact packaging, measuring at 47.99999995104" in length, 1.49999999847" in width, and 1.49999999847" in height, this tube is easy to transport and store. Upgrade your projects with the Small Parts Unpolished Steel Round Tube today!
Allstar Performance 2in Square Mild Steel Tubing 20ft
The Allstar 2in Steel Tubing offers a strong and reliable option for your metalworking projects. Made from mild steel, this tubing provides excellent durability and strength, making it ideal for structural applications. With a 2-inch square profile and a wall thickness of .083 inches, it delivers the right balance of sturdiness and lightweight convenience. The 20-foot length gives you plenty of material to work with, whether you're building frames, supports, or custom fabrications. This steel tubing from Allstar Performance is perfect for those who need a dependable, easy-to-handle product for a variety of construction or DIY tasks.
OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Rectangular Tubing
The OnlineMetals Steel Rectangular Tube is made from A500/A513 carbon steel, known for its strong and durable nature. This material is easy to weld, making it a great choice if you plan to join pieces together. It also offers excellent value, as it’s a cost-effective option for many projects. The tube’s dimensions—1.5" height, 2" width, and 0.12" wall thickness—provide a sturdy structure ideal for various uses. Plus, it’s hot rolled, a process that enhances its strength, making it suitable for building and structural work like bridges or frameworks. This tubing meets important industry standards, ensuring quality and reliability for your projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is steel tube so expensive?
Steel tubing is more expensive because it requires a complex manufacturing process. This involves superheating raw materials, adding amendments, shaping, and cooling, which requires more time and labor compared to other materials.
2. What are steel tubes used for?
Steel tubes are commonly used by automobile manufacturers for applications such as vehicle suspension, fuel injection, and control systems. Steel tubing is preferred for these purposes due to its strength, durability, and ability to ensure safety.
3. What is the strongest metal tube?
Titanium alloy tubing is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it the strongest metal tube available. Although more expensive than steel or aluminum, titanium alloy tubing is widely used in various industries for its exceptional strength.
4. How strong is 12 gauge steel tubing?
In terms of strength, 12-gauge steel tubing is 2.86 times stronger than 14-gauge steel tubing, even though it is only slightly thicker at .031 inches.
5. What is the main disadvantage of steel tubing?
One of the main disadvantages of steel tubing is its poor thermal conductivity. Steel pipes have low heat transfer, but this can be improved by bonding them with aluminum or copper to enhance thermal conductivity.
6. Is tube steel stronger than solid steel?
Hollow tube steel has a higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to solid steel. This is because the inertia of a pipe is greater than that of a solid rod, making it less susceptible to changes in strength and providing superior strength.
7. Is round or square steel tubing stronger?
Round steel tubing is generally stronger than square tubing. The absence of corners in cylindrical tubing eliminates weak points, resulting in consistent strength along both the interior and exterior surfaces. Round tubing is also more resistant to flexing and torsional twisting under weight.
During our steel tube research, we found 24 steel tube products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,667 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel tubes list. We found that most customers choose steel tubes with an average price of $20.27.
The steel tubes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel tubes, including Allstar Performance, Small Parts, Rocaris, Online Metals. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.