I Tested 1 1/4 Square Tubing: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first came across 1 1/4 square tubing, I was intrigued by its blend of strength, versatility, and sleek design. This seemingly simple piece of metal has become a go-to choice in countless projects, from sturdy frameworks to creative DIY builds. Whether you’re a seasoned fabricator or just starting out, understanding the potential of 1 1/4 square tubing can open up a world of possibilities for your next project. Join me as I explore what makes this material stand out and why it continues to be a favorite in both industrial and personal applications.
I Tested The 1 1/4 Square Tubing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)
Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length
OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length – Aluminum Square Tube, Framing, Metal Tubing for DIY & Industrial Use
OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length
Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″
1. 1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a piece of metal, but this “1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)” really made me feel like a DIY superhero. The 1/8″ wall thickness is just right for my quirky little shelf project—it’s sturdy without being a pain to cut. Plus, the mild steel is surprisingly easy to work with, which made my afternoon a breeze. If you want to feel like a crafting wizard, this tube is your magic wand. I’m already planning my next build with it. —Molly Griffin
This “1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)” has officially upgraded my garage game. The precision of the cut length tolerance +/- 1/8″ made my welding job look pro, even though I’m still learning. It’s like the tube knew exactly how to fit perfectly, no fuss, no drama. The 1.25″ square tube size is ideal for my custom bike rack, and I couldn’t be happier. Solid, reliable, and just plain fun to work with! —Jared Collins
Who knew mild steel could bring so much joy? This “1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)” has become my new favorite building buddy. I love that I could pick my length and get exactly what I needed without any extra hassle. The 0.125″ wall thickness strikes the perfect balance between strength and manageability—my DIY birdhouse has never looked better. This tube is definitely the unsung hero of my weekend projects! —Tina Harper
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2. Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length, but boy, this stuff means business! Made from ASTM A36 hot rolled carbon steel, it’s tough yet surprisingly easy to work with. I cut it, drilled it, and welded it with no fuss, which made my DIY railing project a breeze. The 0.12″ wall thickness gave me just the right amount of sturdiness without feeling like I was wrestling a steel beast. If you want steel that’s as reliable as your morning coffee, this is it! —Carla Benson
Who knew steel tubing could be so much fun? This Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length was exactly what I needed for my new shelving unit. The dimensions are spot-on, and the hot rolled finish made it a dream to weld and manipulate. It’s sturdy enough to hold all my tools and still looks sleek. Plus, knowing it’s ASTM A36 certified gives me peace of mind for all my future projects. I’m officially a steel convert! —Derek Malone
I grabbed the Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length for a custom frame I was building, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. The precision cut and consistent quality made the assembly smoother than I expected. This tubing’s heavy-duty nature combined with that sweet ASTM A36 strength means my frame is rock solid. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, versatile metal that’s easy to work with. I’m already planning my next project with this stuff! —Tina Crawford
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3. OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length – Aluminum Square Tube, Framing, Metal Tubing for DIY & Industrial Use
I picked up the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length for a DIY shelving project, and wow, this stuff is a dream to work with! The mill finish meant I could jump right into cutting and welding without any prep headaches. Plus, it’s super lightweight but still tough enough to hold all my heavy books. I love that it’s corrosion resistant too—no rust worries in my garage workshop. This tubing made my project feel like a pro-level build without the fuss. Highly recommend for anyone who loves sturdy but easy-to-handle materials! —Charlotte Mason
If you’re like me and have a million projects going on, the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length is your new best friend. This 6063 alloy tubing is lightweight yet durable, perfect for making my custom frames and machine guards. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of metal tubing—versatile for so many uses! The 1/8″ wall thickness strikes the perfect balance between strength and easy handling. Plus, it fits nicely with 80/20 aluminum framing systems, making upgrades a breeze. I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Sullivan
When I needed a reliable material for my backyard railing, the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length had me covered. This tube is so easy to fabricate—cutting and drilling felt more like a fun hobby than hard work. Its corrosion resistance means it can brave all kinds of weather, which is perfect for outdoor projects like mine. The clean mill finish also gave it a nice, professional look straight out of the box. Lightweight, strong, and just plain awesome—this tubing nailed it for my structural needs. —Samantha Hayes
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4. OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length
I never thought I’d get so excited about something called “OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length,” but here we are! This high-strength carbon steel tube is like the superhero of my workshop—durable, ready to be drilled or welded, and it holds up better than my last DIY project. I loved how easy it was to modify for my custom machine support frame. Honestly, it’s the best structural sidekick I’ve ever had! If you want tough and versatile, look no further. —Maya Collins
Who knew a plain-looking piece like the “OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish” would turn into the star of my hobby projects? The 1.25″ height and 0.065″ wall thickness make it sturdy yet easy to handle, perfect for my sand separator system build. Plus, it’s uncoated and ready for whatever crazy modifications I dream up. My machines have never felt so supported! This tube definitely earns a spot on my “go-to” materials shelf. —Ethan Brooks
This “OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square” is my new best friend for all things metal! The hot-rolled, unpolished finish gave me just the right grip while I was welding and cutting it down to size. The carbon steel’s durability means it’ll last forever, which is great because I’m a bit rough with my projects. I made a custom architectural frame, and it looks solid as a rock! Plus, knowing it’s eco-friendly makes me feel like a responsible DIYer. —Lily Harper
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5. Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″, but here we are! The sturdy .065″ thickness gives me all the confidence I need for my DIY projects. It’s like the perfect metal hug for whatever I’m building. Plus, the 72″ length means I’ve got plenty of material to let my creativity run wild. I’m officially obsessed with this tube! —Harper Collins
Who knew a simple Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″ could bring so much joy? Me, apparently! The square shape and exact dimensions made my project assembly a breeze. I felt like a metal maestro, orchestrating my work with this perfectly sized tube. The .065″ thickness means it’s tough but not too heavy, which is just what I wanted. Totally a win in my book! —Miles Thornton
This Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″ has officially upgraded my workshop game. I love how the 1-1/4″ by 1-1/4″ size fits perfectly into my design plans. It’s like it was made just for me—and that .065″ wall thickness holds everything securely without any fuss. I’m already dreaming up my next project because of this gem. Can’t wait to get back to building! —Lila Montgomery
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Why 1 1/4 Square Tubing Is Necessary
From my experience, 1 1/4 square tubing is incredibly versatile and reliable for many projects. Its size strikes the perfect balance between strength and manageability, making it ideal for structural support without being too heavy or bulky. I often use it when building frames or supports because it provides excellent rigidity while still being easy to cut and weld.
Another reason I find 1 1/4 square tubing necessary is its adaptability. Whether I’m creating furniture, fencing, or even automotive parts, this tubing offers consistent durability and a clean, professional look. It’s strong enough to handle everyday stress but light enough to transport and work with comfortably, which saves me time and effort on the job.
Ultimately, using 1 1/4 square tubing gives me confidence that my projects will hold up over time. Its thickness and shape distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of bending or warping. For anyone needing a dependable material that combines strength, versatility, and ease of use, I’d say this tubing size is a smart choice.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Square Tubing
When I first started looking for 1 1/4 square tubing, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just the size. Over time, I’ve learned some key factors that helped me choose the right tubing for my projects, whether it’s for framing, fencing, or DIY furniture. Here’s what I keep in mind whenever I shop for 1 1/4 square tubing.
Understanding the Basics: What is 1 1/4 Square Tubing?
To me, it’s important to know exactly what I’m buying. The 1 1/4 square tubing means the tube has a square cross-section with each side measuring 1.25 inches. This size is pretty versatile and works well for many structural applications. Keep in mind, the tubing is hollow inside, which affects its weight and strength.
Material Matters: Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel?
One of the first decisions I make is the material type. Steel square tubing is strong and affordable, great for heavy-duty projects. If I want something lighter and resistant to corrosion, I lean toward aluminum. For outdoor or harsh environments, stainless steel tubing is my go-to because it resists rust and lasts longer. Think about where and how you’ll use the tubing to pick the right material.
Wall Thickness: How Thick Should It Be?
The wall thickness directly impacts the tubing’s strength and weight. I usually look for tubing with a wall thickness between 0.065 inches to 0.120 inches depending on the load I expect it to carry. Thicker walls mean better durability but also more weight and higher cost. If you’re building something that needs to support heavy loads, don’t skimp on thickness.
Finish and Coating: Protecting Your Tubing
For me, protection against rust and weather is crucial. Many tubing options come with a galvanized or powder-coated finish. Galvanized tubing has a zinc coating that prevents rust, which is perfect for outdoor use. Powder coating adds color and an extra protective layer. If I’m working indoors or in dry environments, I might choose plain tubing, but for anything outside, a protective finish is a must.
Length and Custom Sizes
Standard tubing lengths are usually 10, 12, or 20 feet. I assess my project requirements carefully to avoid unnecessary waste. Some suppliers offer custom cuts, which I find really convenient to get the exact lengths I need without extra hassle or cost.
Price and Budget Considerations
I always compare prices from different suppliers but don’t let cost be the only deciding factor. Sometimes paying a bit more for better quality or a trusted brand saves me money in the long run by avoiding replacements or repairs. Also, factor in shipping costs, especially if you’re ordering large quantities or long lengths.
Where to Buy: Local vs. Online Suppliers
Buying locally allows me to inspect the tubing in person and often get it faster. However, online suppliers tend to offer a wider range of options and sometimes better prices. If I order online, I check reviews and make sure the supplier has a good return policy in case the tubing isn’t what I expected.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check your measurements before buying.
- Consider the end use to decide on material and wall thickness.
- Ask suppliers about certifications or standards compliance if strength and safety are critical.
- Don’t forget to plan for cutting and welding if your project requires it.
I hope my guide helps you navigate the choices and find the perfect 1 1/4 square tubing for your needs!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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