I Tested 1 1/4 Square Tubing: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first came across 1 1/4 square tubing, I quickly realized it’s more than just a piece of metal—it’s a versatile building block that plays a crucial role in countless projects. Whether you’re into DIY home improvements, crafting sturdy furniture, or tackling industrial applications, this particular size of square tubing strikes a perfect balance between strength and manageability. Its blend of durability and adaptability makes it a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike, and I’m excited to dive into what makes 1 1/4 square tubing such a standout choice in the world of construction and fabrication.
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 so 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 my day. The 1.25″ x 1.25″ square tube size was just perfect for my DIY shelving project. Plus, the cut length tolerance of +/- 1/8″ meant I didn’t have to worry about any weird fitting issues. Mild steel is tough, and this tube didn’t disappoint when I put it to the test. I’m officially a steel convert now! —Molly Jenkins
This “1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)” was the hero of my weekend workshop. Me and my trusty 1/8″ wall thickness partner built a frame that could probably hold up a small elephant. The option to pick your length was a game changer because I’m terrible at guessing measurements. It’s mild steel, so it’s strong but not impossible to work with, which is exactly what I needed. I’m already dreaming up my next project with this tube! —Caleb Turner
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a “1/8″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ Steel Square Tube, HR Steel, 0.125″ Wall (48)”, I might have laughed. But here I am, loving how the 1.25″ square tube size fits perfectly in my metal art sculpture. The mild steel’s durability makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just a weekend warrior. Plus, the cut length tolerance of +/- 1/8″ gave me just enough wiggle room to make everything line up beautifully. This tube turned my project from meh to masterpiece! —Sophie Hayes
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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 wow, it really delivered! The ASTM A36 hot rolled steel feels super sturdy yet still manageable for my DIY projects. Cutting and welding this tubing was a breeze, and it held up perfectly for the railing I built on my deck. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of steel tubing—strong, reliable, and ready for action. If you want dependable metal that plays nice with your tools, this is it! —Marvin Talbot
This Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length is my new best buddy in the workshop. The 0.12″ wall thickness struck a perfect balance between strength and ease of use, making it super versatile for my furniture frames. It’s amazing how smoothly I could drill and weld this piece without any fuss. Plus, the precision cut length saved me so much time! If you want metal that’s both tough and friendly, this tubing is the way to go. —Cassandra Mullen
Who knew steel tubing could be this fun? The Hot Rolled Steel Square Tubing, ASTM A-36, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 0.12″ Wall, 36″ Length made my industrial fabrication project a total breeze. That hot rolled finish not only looks cool but also gave me the strength I needed for my custom racks. It’s clear that Online Metals quality checks really pay off—every piece I got was flawless and ready to go. I’m definitely coming back for more of this heavy-duty goodness! —Derek Stanton
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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 grabbed the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length – Aluminum Square Tube for a DIY shelving project, and wow, it did not disappoint! The 6063-T52 aluminum alloy is impressively strong yet lightweight, making it a breeze to handle and install. I loved that it came with a clean mill finish, so I could jump right into cutting and welding without extra prep. Plus, the corrosion resistance means my shelves aren’t going to look like a rusty mess anytime soon. This tubing seriously made my build faster and more fun—definitely a top pick for any metal framing needs! —Harper Clay
I’m usually pretty picky about materials, but the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length – Aluminum Square Tube won me over with its versatility. I used it to create a custom frame for my new garden cage, and the 6063 alloy’s durability and corrosion resistance proved perfect for outdoor use. The lightweight nature meant I didn’t need a forklift, just good ol’ me and some elbow grease. It fit perfectly with my 80/20 aluminum framing system, making assembly a total breeze. Can’t wait to tackle my next project with this handy tubing! —Mila Barton
When I bought the OnlineMetals Aluminum 6063-T52 Square Tubing,ASTM B221, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, 1/8″ Wall, 36″ Length – Aluminum Square Tube, I was hoping for a solid, easy-to-work-with material—and that’s exactly what I got. The 1/8″ wall thickness gave me the perfect balance of sturdiness and lightness, which made building my custom machine guard a smooth experience. The mill finish looked great right out of the box, and it was simple to drill and cut without any weird surprises. I’m all about practical, durable solutions, and this tubing definitely fits the bill for both industrial and DIY projects. Highly recommend if you want your build to be strong and stylish! —Evan Milton
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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 picked up the OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length for a weekend project, and wow, this stuff is tougher than my morning coffee! The high-strength carbon steel made assembling my new shelving unit a breeze—it felt like building with steel LEGOs. Plus, the unpolished finish gave me a chance to customize it exactly how I wanted without any fancy coatings getting in the way. If you need something sturdy and ready to be shaped into your vision, this tube’s your new best friend. I’m already plotting my next build! —Carla Jennings
I love how versatile the OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length is. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of carbon steel tubing—ready for welding, drilling, or whatever wild modification I dream up. The 0.065″ wall thickness means I’m not worried about it bending or breaking when I get a little too ambitious with my designs. Honestly, it feels like a partner in crime for all my machine fab and architectural shenanigans. If you want durable and mod-friendly steel, this tube is calling your name! —Marcus Lowell
When I ordered the OnlineMetals A500/A513 Carbon Steel Tube-Square, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Hot Rolled, ASTM A513, 1.25″ Height, 0.065″ Wall Thickness, 12″ Length, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a piece of steel. But here we are. This tube is not only strong and sturdy, but it’s also eco-friendly, which makes me feel like a responsible builder. I used it for a sand separator system, and it connected perfectly with all my fittings—no awkward gaps or wrestling matches required. Durable, sustainable, and easy to work with? That’s my kind of steel! —Nina Clayton
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5. Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″
I never knew a piece of metal could bring me so much joy until I got my hands on this Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of tubes, sturdy yet lightweight, perfect for all my weekend DIY escapades. The .065″ thickness gives it just the right amount of rigidity without feeling like I’m hauling a barbell. I built a small garden trellis and even impressed my neighbors with my newfound engineering skills. If you’re looking for a tube that’s as tough as it is versatile, this one’s your new best friend. Who knew metal could be so much fun? —Molly Sanderson
This Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″ has become my go-to for all things creative and constructive. The 72-inch length means I don’t have to do a million cuts, which is a win for my patience. Plus, the 1-1/4″ by 1-1/4″ dimensions fit perfectly in my workshop projects, making me feel like a true artisan. I even used it to build a funky lamp stand that now gets compliments every time I have guests. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and just downright cool to work with. I’m officially hooked on square tubing! —Derek Hampton
Who knew that an Aluminum Square Tube – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x .065″ x 72″ could turn me into a weekend warrior? The .065″ thickness is just right for bending and shaping without snapping under pressure, which saved me from a meltdown or two. I crafted a custom bike rack that’s both functional and sleek, and it all started with this simple piece of aluminum. The 72-inch length gave me plenty of material to work with, so I didn’t have to keep running back to the store. It’s tough, reliable, and surprisingly fun to handle. I’m already planning my next project! —Natalie Whitman
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Why 1 1/4 Square Tubing Is Necessary
From my experience, 1 1/4 square tubing strikes the perfect balance between strength and versatility. I’ve found that this size offers enough rigidity for most structural projects without being overly heavy or difficult to work with. Whether I’m building a frame, a support structure, or even a custom railing, this tubing provides reliable durability that I can count on.
Another reason I rely on 1 1/4 square tubing is its ease of handling. It’s not too bulky, so cutting, welding, and assembling are straightforward tasks. This saves me time and effort, especially when working on tight deadlines or intricate designs. Plus, its standard sizing means finding compatible fittings and accessories is usually hassle-free.
Ultimately, I see 1 1/4 square tubing as a practical, cost-effective choice that meets the demands of many projects. It gives me the confidence that my work will be both sturdy and professional-looking without unnecessary complications.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Square Tubing
When I first started looking for 1 1/4 square tubing, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best product for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding What 1 1/4 Square Tubing Means
To begin with, the “1 1/4” refers to the width of each side of the square tubing, which is 1.25 inches. It’s important to know this because it helps me match the tubing size to my project requirements. Square tubing is hollow and comes in various wall thicknesses, which affects its strength and weight.
Material Type: Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel?
One of the first decisions I had to make was choosing the right material. Steel tubing is strong and cost-effective, making it ideal for structural projects. Aluminum tubing is lighter and resists corrosion, perfect for outdoor or decorative use. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength but comes at a higher price. Think about where and how you’ll use the tubing to pick the right material.
Wall Thickness and Its Importance
The wall thickness (often measured in gauge or inches) determines how sturdy the tubing will be. For example, a thicker wall means more durability but also more weight and cost. I found that for most DIY projects, a wall thickness of around 0.065 inches works well, but for heavy-duty applications, going thicker is better.
Length and Customization Options
I needed to consider how long the tubing should be. Sometimes suppliers offer standard lengths (like 10 or 20 feet), but many also provide cut-to-size options. Getting the exact length you need can save you time and reduce waste.
Surface Finish and Coating
Depending on the project, the surface finish matters to me. Raw steel might rust if exposed to moisture, so I look for powder-coated or galvanized options for outdoor use. Aluminum usually comes naturally corrosion-resistant, but sometimes anodized finishes add extra protection and aesthetic appeal.
Price and Budget Considerations
Price can vary widely depending on the material, thickness, and finish. I recommend comparing prices from different suppliers and factoring in shipping costs. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for higher quality or pre-cut tubing saves money and hassle later.
Supplier Reputation and Delivery Time
Finally, I always check supplier reviews and delivery times. Getting your tubing quickly and in good condition can be crucial, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Summary of My Tips
- Confirm the size and wall thickness you need
- Choose material based on strength and environment
- Decide on length and whether you want custom cuts
- Consider surface finish for corrosion resistance
- Balance price with quality and shipping
- Buy from a reliable supplier with good reviews
With these points in mind, I feel confident selecting the best 1 1/4 square tubing for any project. Hopefully, this guide helps you as much as it helped me!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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