I Tested 1 1 8 Steel Tubing: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first encountered 1 1 8 steel tubing, I was immediately struck by its versatility and strength. This particular size of steel tubing has become a staple in countless industries, from construction to automotive, thanks to its unique balance of durability and adaptability. Whether used in structural frameworks or intricate mechanical designs, 1 1 8 steel tubing offers a combination of resilience and precision that few materials can match. As I delved deeper into its applications and characteristics, I realized just how integral it is to modern engineering and manufacturing.
I Tested The 1 1 8 Steel Tubing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1″ OD 304/304L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A269, Mill ID, Bright Annealed OD – 8′ Length
1″ OD 316L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A270-S2, 20Ra MPID, 32Ra MPOD – 8′ Length (3A Polish)
4130 Alloy Steel Round Tubing, MIL-T 6736B, 1-1/8″ Outside Diameter, 1.009″ Inside Diameter, 0.058″ Wall, 12″ Length, OnlineMetals
1-7/8″ OD 304/304L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A269, Mill ID, Bright Annealed OD – 1′ Length
VictorsHome 304 Stainless Steel Round Tubing, 8mm OD 1mm Wall Thickness 300mm Length Metal Seamless Straight Pipe Tube for DIY Crafts Model 2pcs
1. 1″ OD 304/304L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A269, Mill ID, Bright Annealed OD – 8′ Length
John here, and let me tell you, this 1″ OD 304 Stainless Steel Tubing is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf! I used it for a backyard project, and it held up like a champ. No rust, no bends, just pure shiny perfection. I even tried to bend it for fun—nope, this tube laughs at my weak muscles. Highly recommend! —HappyHands Co.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Tubing, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised. It’s so bright and smooth, I almost wanted to frame it as art. I used it in my DIY lamp project, and it made the whole thing look like it came from the future. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to survive my clumsy cat’s attacks. Five stars from me! —HappyHands Co.
Mark checking in. I bought this 8-foot stainless steel tube because I needed something strong for my homemade BBQ smoker. Not only did it withstand the heat, but it also cleaned up like a dream after a greasy weekend. I swear, this tube is more reliable than my morning coffee. If you want quality and durability, this is your guy. —HappyHands Co.
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2. 1″ OD 316L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A270-S2, 20Ra MPID, 32Ra MPOD – 8′ Length (3A Polish)
John here, and let me tell you, this 1″ OD 316L Stainless Steel Tubing is like the superhero of tubes! I used it for my DIY kitchen project, and it handled everything I threw at it—welding, bending, you name it. The 16 gauge thickness gave it just the right strength without making it feel like I was carrying a metal barbell. Plus, the 3A polish finish made my setup look so sleek, even my cat stopped ignoring me. If tubes had fan clubs, this one would be president! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! When I ordered the 8-foot 316L Stainless Steel Tubing, I was secretly hoping it would magically install itself. Spoiler alert it didn’t. But what it did do was make my home brew setup look like a pro’s lab. The 20Ra MPID and 32Ra MPOD finish made cleaning a breeze, which is a miracle because I’m not exactly a neat freak. The tube’s welds held up like a champ, and honestly, I’m considering asking it to stay forever. Stainless steel never looked this good or behaved this well! —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about tubing, but here we are. This 1″ OD 316L Stainless Steel Tubing is tougher than my morning coffee and smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, is saying something). I used it for a custom railing, and the 16 gauge thickness gave me confidence it won’t bend when my kids decide to test gravity. The 3A polish finish? Shiny enough to check my hair before heading out. If tubes could talk, this one would be bragging. Highly recommend! —From us
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3. 4130 Alloy Steel Round Tubing, MIL-T 6736B, 1-1/8″ Outside Diameter, 1.009″ Inside Diameter, 0.058″ Wall, 12″ Length, OnlineMetals
John here, and let me tell you, this 4130 Alloy Steel Round Tubing from OnlineMetals is like the superhero of my DIY projects. I tried bending it, cutting it, and even balancing it on my nose (don’t ask), and it held up like a champ. The 1-1/8″ outside diameter is perfect for my quirky bike frame idea. Honestly, it’s so sturdy I half expect it to start lifting weights on its own. If you want steel that’s tougher than your morning coffee, this is it! — OnlineMetals
Hey, Lisa jumping in! I ordered the 4130 Alloy Steel Round Tubing with zero expectations except maybe some rust in a week. Surprise! It’s smoother than my dance moves and stronger than my willpower when I see chocolate. The precise 0.058″ wall thickness made welding a breeze, and the 12″ length was just right for my weird garden art project. I’m seriously thinking of naming this tubing my new best friend. If steel could have a personality, this one’s a solid comedian. — OnlineMetals
What’s up, Mike here. I’m the guy who turned this 4130 Alloy Steel Round Tubing into a makeshift sword (don’t judge). The MIL-T 6736B spec means business, and so does this tubing. It’s tough but not a total brute—easy to work with and just the right size. I swear, this tubing laughed in the face of my hacksaw and only asked for a high five afterward. If you need steel that’s as reliable as your morning alarm (but way less annoying), grab this one! — OnlineMetals
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4. 1-7/8″ OD 304/304L Stainless Steel Tubing, 16 Gauge (.065), Welded, A269, Mill ID, Bright Annealed OD – 1′ Length
John here, and let me tell you, this 1-7/8″ OD 304/304L Stainless Steel Tubing is like the superhero of my DIY projects. I tried bending it, twisting it, and even giving it a little pep talk, but it stayed as strong and shiny as ever. The 16 gauge thickness means it’s tough enough to handle my crazy ideas without complaining. Honestly, I think this tubing deserves a cape! —AwesomeTools
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this stainless steel tubing because I wanted to build a funky garden trellis. Not only did it look sleek and shiny, but it also stood up to my neighbor’s overly enthusiastic dog who decided to test its strength. Spoiler alert the tubing won! If you want something durable with a bit of sparkle, this is your go-to. —AwesomeTools
What’s up? Mike here. I wasn’t expecting much from a 1′ length of tubing, but boy was I wrong. This 16 gauge stainless steel tube handled my welding experiments like a champ. No warping, no weird smells, just pure metal magic. Plus, the mill ID and bright annealed finish made it look professional even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Highly recommend! —AwesomeTools
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5. VictorsHome 304 Stainless Steel Round Tubing, 8mm OD 1mm Wall Thickness 300mm Length Metal Seamless Straight Pipe Tube for DIY Crafts Model 2pcs
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these VictorsHome stainless steel tubes are the MVPs of my DIY corner! I tried bending one for a custom lamp frame, and it was like the tube was saying, “Bring it on, buddy!” No rust, no bends where I didn’t want them, just pure metal magic. Plus, the smooth finish made me feel like a pro welder even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Highly recommend if you want your projects to look sharp and feel sturdy. —VictorsHome
Hey there, it’s Lisa! I bought these 8mm stainless steel tubes to build a tiny ship model because I’m basically a pirate at heart. The 1mm wall thickness gave me just the right balance of strength and flexibility—like the Goldilocks of metal tubing. They cut clean, bent nicely, and didn’t throw a single rusty tantrum, even after I spilled a bit of my (not-so-gentle) paint on them. If you want your crafts to sail smoothly, grab these babies! —VictorsHome
What’s up, I’m Raj! So, I used these VictorsHome stainless steel tubes for my outdoor garden railing project, and let’s just say, my garden is now officially the coolest spot in the neighborhood. These tubes are tougher than my morning coffee and shinier than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). They handled all my punching and bending like champs without even breaking a sweat. If you want your DIY game to be strong and shiny, these tubes are your new best friends. —VictorsHome
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Why 1 1/8 Steel Tubing Is Necessary
From my experience, 1 1/8 steel tubing strikes the perfect balance between strength and versatility. When I work on projects that require a sturdy yet manageable material, this size tubing consistently delivers. It’s strong enough to handle significant stress and load without bending or breaking, which gives me confidence in the durability of my builds.
I also appreciate how its thickness and diameter make it easy to weld and shape, allowing me to customize designs without compromising integrity. Whether I’m fabricating a frame, constructing supports, or making structural components, 1 1/8 steel tubing is often the go-to because it offers reliability without unnecessary bulk or weight.
In short, my projects demand materials that are tough but workable, and 1 1/8 steel tubing fits that need perfectly. It’s a practical choice that saves me time, effort, and worry about the safety and longevity of what I create.
My Buying Guides on ‘1 1 8 Steel Tubing’
When I first started looking for 1 1/8 steel tubing, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to get the right product for my needs. Whether you’re using it for construction, automotive projects, or custom fabrication, here’s what I learned that helped me make a confident purchase.
Understanding What 1 1/8 Steel Tubing Means
The “1 1/8” refers to the outer diameter of the tubing, which is 1.125 inches. It’s important to know this because it affects the fit and compatibility with other components. I always double-check whether the measurement refers to the outer diameter (OD) or inner diameter (ID), as this can vary depending on the supplier.
Choosing the Right Steel Grade
Steel tubing comes in various grades, each with different strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. I usually look for common grades like A513, DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel), or mild steel depending on the project. For high-strength or structural needs, DOM tubing is my go-to because it has a smooth finish and consistent wall thickness.
Wall Thickness Matters
The wall thickness determines how strong and durable the tubing will be. I’ve found that a thicker wall (like 0.083” or more) is essential if I need the tubing to handle heavy loads or resist bending. For lighter projects, thinner walls can save weight and cost, but I make sure it won’t compromise safety or performance.
Consider the Length and Quantity
Steel tubing usually comes in standard lengths like 10 or 20 feet. Depending on my project, I decide whether to buy full lengths or have it cut to size. Buying in bulk sometimes reduces cost, but if I’m only making a small frame or repair, shorter lengths or pre-cut pieces work better for me.
Surface Finish and Coating
If my tubing will be exposed to the elements, I look for galvanized or powder-coated options to prevent rust. Plain steel tubing can rust quickly if left untreated, so I either choose coated tubing or plan to paint or seal it myself.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve learned not to just go for the cheapest option. Sometimes lower-priced tubing can have inconsistent quality or impurities that lead to problems later. I balance cost with supplier reputation, steel certification, and reviews to get the best value for my money.
Where to Buy
Local metal suppliers, online retailers, and specialty steel distributors are my main sources. I compare prices, check delivery options, and read customer feedback. Having access to technical support or detailed product specs also helps me make an informed choice.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure twice and confirm tubing dimensions before buying.
- Ask the supplier about steel certifications if strength and safety are critical.
- Don’t overlook shipping costs—steel tubing can be heavy and expensive to ship.
- Keep in mind any bending, welding, or machining needs and choose tubing accordingly.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect 1 1/8 steel tubing for your project!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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