Metal Bar, Sheet & Tube

50+ products

Expected delivery: Tue, Nov 17

Metal bar, sheet and tube are the basic shapes for brackets, shafts, guards, frames and repair parts. This subcategory includes round, square, flat and hex bar, sheet and plate, angle, channel, and round, square and rectangular tube. Materials include carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel and brass. Maintenance shops, fabricators and machinists use these shapes for one-off repairs, fixtures and short production runs.

What to check before you order

  • Material and alloy. Confirm the alloy your job needs, such as 1018 or A36 steel, 6061 aluminum, or 304 or 316 stainless. Each has different strength, machinability and corrosion resistance.
  • Dimensions. Bar is measured across the diameter or across the flats. Tube is usually listed by outside diameter and wall thickness. Sheet may be listed in gauge or decimal inches.
  • Gauge differences. The same gauge number means different thicknesses for steel, galvanized steel and aluminum. When in doubt, order by decimal thickness.
  • Finish and condition. Hot rolled steel has a scaled surface, while cold finished bar is smoother and held to tighter tolerances. Aluminum and stainless come in different tempers and finishes.
  • Length. Note the length you need, and allow material for cutting and squaring the ends.

Machine and fasten your parts with cutting tools and fasteners, see plastic, rubber and wood stock, or go back to Raw Materials.

Common questions

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides such as salt water and deicing salts. 304 suits general indoor and food equipment parts, while 316 is chosen for marine and washdown exposure.

What is the difference between A36 and 1018 steel?

A36 is a structural steel common in hot rolled plate, angle and flat bar. 1018 is a low carbon steel usually sold as cold finished bar with a smoother surface for machined parts.

Popular metal bar, sheet & tube

More in Raw Materials