Should You Choose Steel Square or Round Bars?

Choosing the right materials for a construction, fabrication, or manufacturing project is a hard task since there’s so many options that can be applied to multiple places. Here at Rescued Metals, we’re proud to offer our premium steel square bars and steel round bars, but knowing which to pick can be a pain.

In this month’s blog, we’re discussing the differences between steel square and round bars, while also giving insight into which to pick for certain projects.

All About Steel Square Bars

A steel square bar is a solid, straight piece of steel with a square cross-section. This means all four sides are equal length and the corners form right angles. These bars are commonly manufactured from carbon or alloy steel and are used mainly in construction, fabrication, and manufacturing because of their strength and versatility.

More specifications of steel square bars are:

• Offered in hot rolled (rougher finish with rounded edges) or cold drawn (smooth finish and sharper corners) options
• High strength to weight ratio and is suitable for load-bearing use
• Weldability for fabrication needs
• Straight edges allow for precision cutting

All About Steel Round Bars

Steel round bars are cylindrical metal bars with a circular cross-section. They’re widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various engineering applications. Like their square counterparts, they’re also known for their versatility, strength, and durability. Not only are they used for structural support, but also precision machining.

More specifications of steel round bars are:

• Strong, durable, and impact-resistant, with high tensile strength
• The material composition is available in grades like mild, stainless, and alloy steel
• Depending on the situation, dimensional accuracy can be applied perfectly
• Can have a hot rolled, cold drown, or turn and polished surface finish

Which one Should You Choose?

This seemingly difficult choice between steel square and round bars will depend a lot on your project’s needs. Square bars offer excellent stability for frames, gates, and railings, where clean lines and rigid support are important. Round bars, on the other hand, are ideal for shafts, axles, and parts requiring rotation or precision machining.

When in doubt, consider the application:

• Square bars are better for structural rigidity
• Round bars are better for dynamic or machined components

Still Unsure? Let Us Help!

If you’re stuck between steel square or round bars, our team at Rescued Metals is happy to help. Contact us today to get the right material for your next project.