Steel tubing

[dilligaf13]

I'm in the process of buiding a hitch and need a foot or two of some 3X3X1/2 metal tubing for a reciever tube. The only place I've found it had a minimum order of $250 regardless of size . I'm in South Florida but will pay to get it shipped down here from a shop. I'm trying to avoid welding up 3x2 1/2 angle to make the tubing if possible. Thanks.

 

[m816 someday]

Try a local weld shop that does truck bodies and hitches, they should have what you need - that's the kind of place where I get my receiver tubing.

 

[Heath_h49008]

You might want to ask that supplier in different terms.... When I was hunting aluminum for a firearm project I got the same response, then I asked specifically for "Drops." Most suppliers cut their orders... they also have odd ends and such from cutting them called "drops" or "Drop cuttings"... often sold just over scrap price as well!

Once I asked that way, the minimum order was $25, and I got 3x what I thought I needed, as well as stuff for another project to make up the difference.

Try it.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

The best place in the World for any kind of material is Speedy Metals www.speedymetals.com

No mins. and If all you want is 1" of something they will sell it to you.

There shipping is super fast and always well packaged.

If there is something that you are ever looking for and don't see it on the website call them.

They have a lot more materials in stock than what there website list.

I've honestly sent hundreds of guys to Speedy Metals you can't go wrong with them.

Tom

 

[Kasper31]

Go to: www. Northern Equipment.com , or call 1-800-533-5545
they have kits made to order.

also try: McMaster-Carr: www. mcmaster.com, or call 1-330-995-5500
If they don't have it you don't need it.



You can't wear it out looking at it, use it, if it breaks you found your limit

 

[dilligaf13]

The best place in the World for any kind of material is Speedy Metals www.speedymetals.com

No mins. and If all you want is 1" of something they will sell it to you.

There shipping is super fast and always well packaged.

If there is something that you are ever looking for and don't see it on the website call them.

They have a lot more materials in stock than what there website list.

I've honestly sent hundreds of guys to Speedy Metals you can't go wrong with them.

Tom

I was looking at them last night, even kept the webpage up to call them in the a.m. Their website didn't show them having it but I figured I call and see if they some. Thanks.

 

[dilligaf13]

You might want to ask that supplier in different terms.... When I was hunting aluminum for a firearm project I got the same response, then I asked specifically for "Drops." Most suppliers cut their orders... they also have odd ends and such from cutting them called "drops" or "Drop cuttings"... often sold just over scrap price as well!

Once I asked that way, the minimum order was $25, and I got 3x what I thought I needed, as well as stuff for another project to make up the difference.

Try it.

I guess it's such an uncommon size that even the drop scrap piles I usually get my stuff out of at the local places didn't have it. The only place I found it was a 10' drop piece and they had no problem cutting it down and shipping just a foot. When they said it would be $250 plus shipping I laughed. He said their minimum order was $250, I said thanks anyway.

 

[Awesome Possum]

You might want to ask that supplier in different terms.... When I was hunting aluminum for a firearm project I got the same response, then I asked specifically for "Drops." Most suppliers cut their orders... they also have odd ends and such from cutting them called "drops" or "Drop cuttings"... often sold just over scrap price as well!

Once I asked that way, the minimum order was $25, and I got 3x what I thought I needed, as well as stuff for another project to make up the difference.

Try it.

Heath is right about this, but I'll give you the big secret I learned over the years: Don't go in the front door, but into the shop. Dress like you belong there (no ties or button down shirts!), and ask the first guy you meet about talking to them aboutgetting a small piece or two of drops. He'll get you with the right guy in the shop, and you may walk out of there with it for free if it's small enough, a lot cheaper anyways. Also try scrap yards as well. they'll often have NOS steel in stock as well.

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

I have had good luck with this company:

Metals Depot® - Buy Small Quantity Metal Online! Steel, Aluminum, Stainless, Brass

They have an easy to navigate website with online pricing and shipping costs.

Fast turnaround, and accepts small orders.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Might be just a bit of a hike but I'd wager lunch that McKinsey Steel & Supply of Florida, Inc. has what you need and will sell it by the foot. They have always been most accomodating to me.

 

[caliber1]

Had to re-do a hitch on a coach a few months ago, and Northern Tool had what I needed up here. Just a thought.

 

[4x4 Forever]

Welding / Fabrication shops are a good place for what you need, speaking steel. If you want drops on Aluminum try the suppliers, alot of them cut stock to their clents needs and throw the cutoffs in the scrap bins. I found some 1 1/2" thick by 12" dia Forged solid round cutoffs that I paid scrap prices for...

 

[scrapdaddy]

Make sure you get the right type of tubing for a hitch. One type has a weld seam on the inside of tube and your hicth will not fit in it. You have to the type made to " recieve " a hitch. Another words, more money.

 

[ODdave]

DOM, or Seamless would be the ticket. You will find that the welded/ seamed tube actualy is narrower in the middle than the corners.

 

[m816 someday]

is this what you are looking for it is from reese hitch

 

[quickfarms]

If you are using it to make a 2.5" square reciever than the actual dimensions will be about 2.56" inside and seamless or dom, that not that common.

so you need to keep looking at other places

 

[m16ty]

TSC has the tubes with the reinforcement ring already welded on and the hole for the pin drilled. I think I gave something like $25 for the last one I bought there.

Northern Tool has them from $12 to $44 depending on the length you need.

 

[goldneagle]

Most trailer dealers sell these as parts. I know Franklin Trailer in NJ sold all kinds of trailer receivers and parts as well as trailer lights , brakes, axles etc. There should be some trailer dealers in Florida.

 

[dilligaf13]

The problem with most standard trailer reciever tubes such as the reese is that they are made of 5/16 square tubing with a 3/8 reinforcement ring. I've combed through all the local iron works drop piles and most of them don't even remember ever ordering any 3X3X1/2. Speedy metal and McMaster-Carr don't carry that size and I'm waiting on a call back from Metals depot. I did notice the issue of the seam and seamless square tubing yesterday at a local shop. I have a feeling that since I'm having this much trouble finding any regular seamed 3X3X1/2 that finding seamless will be next to impossible. The search continues though. Thanks for all the help

 

[swbradley1]

You could call Trotwood Steel in Trotwood, Ohio on West Third St. Dan is the owner and if he has something you need I can get it and ship it to you in a USPS box (if it fits it ships).

Gimpy and I have both purchased steel from Dan.