Start with the outer diameter (OD) your application requires — for example, a bore or fitting that the tube must slide into or over. Then select a wall thickness based on the load or pressure the tube must handle. Thinner walls (0.3–0.5mm) are generally used for lightweight decorative or model-making applications, while thicker walls (1.5–3mm) are typically chosen for structural or fluid-carrying uses. The inner diameter (ID) is simply OD minus twice the wall thickness — for example, a 16mm OD tube with 2mm wall has an ID of 12mm (≈15/32").

Brass round tubes in the C26000 / CW508L family typically have a tensile strength of around 300–400 MPa (43,000–58,000 psi), depending on temper. Actual load capacity depends on wall thickness, OD, and the nature of the load (axial, bending, or pressure). For precise structural or pressure calculations, please contact us to confirm the alloy grade and temper of the specific size you need.

Brass has good natural corrosion resistance and generally performs well in mildly humid or indoor-outdoor environments. However, in highly saline, acidic, or chemically aggressive conditions, dezincification can occur over time. For marine or heavily corrosive environments, a protective lacquer coating or a higher-grade alloy (such as naval brass) is generally recommended.

These are plain (unthreaded) round tubes. They are compatible with standard compression fittings, push-fit connectors, and soldered joints sized to match the OD you select. For threaded connections, the tube would typically need to be fitted with an appropriate brass compression or flare fitting. Always verify fitting compatibility with the exact OD of your chosen variant before purchasing fittings separately.

For model making, architectural models, and hobby applications, thinner-walled options (0.3–0.5mm wall thickness) in smaller ODs (11–14mm) are generally the most popular. They are easy to cut with a tube cutter or fine-tooth saw and can be soldered or glued without difficulty. Larger ODs with thicker walls are better suited to structural or functional components in larger-scale models.

Yes. Each tube is 500mm (≈19.7") long and can be cut to any shorter length. A rotary pipe/tube cutter is recommended for clean, square cuts without deforming the bore — especially on thinner-walled variants. A hacksaw with a fine-tooth metal-cutting blade also works well. After cutting, lightly deburr the cut end with a round file or deburring tool for a clean finish.

The ID tolerance on drawn brass tubes is typically ±0.05–0.10mm depending on the wall thickness and OD. This is generally sufficient for light-duty bushing or sleeve applications in hobby robotics, small motors, and similar uses. For precision bearing fits requiring tighter tolerances, we recommend confirming the exact tolerance with us before ordering.

To convert mm to inches, divide by 25.4. Common conversions for this product range: 11mm ≈ 7/16", 12mm ≈ 15/32", 13mm ≈ 33/64", 14mm ≈ 35/64", 15mm ≈ 19/32", 16mm ≈ 5/8", 17mm ≈ 43/64", 18mm ≈ 45/64", 19mm ≈ 3/4", 20mm ≈ 25/32". Note that metric tube ODs do not directly correspond to US nominal pipe sizes (NPS) — always match by actual OD measurement, not nominal size.