Choosing the right tubing is essential for a safe, properly engineered roll cage. The following selections focus on common diameters, wall thicknesses, and materials used in motorsport fabrication. This guide compares DOM, mild steel, and carbon steel options, highlighting strengths, typical use cases, and ease of fabrication. Whether you’re building a new roll cage or upgrading an existing chassis, these tubes represent reliable choices for American enthusiasts and professional builders alike.
| Product | Material | OD / Wall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedway Motors Round 1020 DOM Steel Roll Cage Tubing | 1020 DOM | 1-3/4″ OD x .095″ | Pre-cut lengths; common in chassis fabrication |
| Speedway Motors Mild Steel Roll Cage Tubing | HREW Mild Steel | 1-3/4″ OD x .109″ | Pre-bent and pre-notched; street stock kits |
| Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8″ X .12″ | DOM Steel | 1-5/8″ OD x .120″ | Pre-cut lengths (3, 7, 10 ft) |
| A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing | A513 Carbon Steel | 2″ OD x 0.12″ wall | Drawn Over Mandrel; 12″ length; strong and rigid |
| Gisafai 2 Pcs 7/8″ OD Tubing | Cold Rolled Steel | 7/8″ OD x 0.12″ wall | Two-pack; versatile for smaller segments |
Note: Values reflect typical configurations used in roll cage fabrication. Always verify the exact specifications for your project, including fitment with vehicle geometry and welding standards.
Speedway Motors Round 1020 DOM Steel Tubing
This tubing uses 1020 DOM steel for uniform wall thickness and reliable strength. With a 1-3/4″ outside diameter and .095″ wall, it is well-suited for main cage members and door bars. Pre-cut lengths are available to fit standard chassis projects, simplifying fabrication and reducing on-site measurement errors. The DOM process adds concentricity and smooth interior surfaces, aiding weld quality and tube bending reliability in roll cage construction.
Speedway Motors Mild Steel Roll Cage Tubing
Designed with 1-3/4″ OD and .109″ wall thickness, this tubing uses HREW 1020 mild steel. It is a practical choice for kits and builds that prioritize availability and straightforward welding. Pre-notched sections save time during assembly, making it attractive for weekend warriors and professionals alike who need dependable fitment without extensive customization.
Round DOM Roll Cage Tubing, 1-5/8″ X .12″
This DOM tubing provides a compact alternative with 1-5/8″ outside diameter and .120″ wall, suitable for lighter cage sections or structural updates. It is sold in pre-cut lengths of 3, 7, or 10 feet, which helps control waste and tailor lengths to specific cage designs while maintaining consistent weld profiles and bending characteristics.
A513 Cold Roll Carbon Steel Round Tubing
A513 steel offers high rigidity with a slightly reduced machinability and weldability profile. With 2″ OD and 0.12″ wall, this tubing is a strong choice for higher-load cage members or components requiring a larger cross-section. The 12″ length option can support short segments or be joined with other tubes to achieve larger assemblies, though it may require more fabrication steps for longer cages.
Gisafai 2 Pcs 7/8″ OD Tubing
Two-pack 7/8″ OD cold rolled steel tubes provide a smaller-diameter option for lighter cage segments, braces, or accessory applications. The 0.12″ wall thickness matches common roll cage design practices, and the tubing’s cold-rolled finish contributes to dimensional stability and good surface finish for welding and coating processes.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Material selection is the core of any roll cage tubing decision. DOM steel offers consistent wall thickness and excellent weldability, making it a popular choice for high-strength cages. Mild steel is readily available, easier to weld, and often more cost-effective, but it may require additional corrosion protection in harsh environments. Carbon steel options like A513 provide high rigidity for heavy-duty applications but can demand more precise fabrication due to its strength characteristics. Tube diameter and wall thickness influence passenger space, weight, and overall stiffness; common cage members use 1-5/8″ to 1-3/4″ diameters with walls ranging from 0.095″ to 0.134″.
Pre-cut lengths and pre-notched features save time during fabrication, particularly for DIY builders or shops with tight schedules. Consider whether you need ready-to-fit segments or full-length tubes you will cut and bend on-site. Availability of different lengths helps minimize waste and simplifies jig setup. Always verify compatibility with your chassis design, including door bars, A-pillars, roof hoops, and pedal box clearances. Welding procedure and post-weld heat treatment should align with your local regulations and project requirements.
Corrosion resistance matters in street-legal builds, though many racers apply coatings or plating after fabrication. When selecting tubing, assess your preferred working environment, whether indoor, outdoor, or track usage, and plan for protective finishes accordingly. For mixed-use builds, a balance of strength, ease of fabrication, and cost often points to DOM or mild steel tubes with appropriate protective coatings.
In summary, choosing the best tubing for a roll cage depends on strength needs, fabrication skills, and project scope. The five options highlighted here cover a range of typical needs—from DOM-based high-strength cages to readily available mild steel solutions and versatile carbon steel tubing. Always confirm fitment with your frame design, welding capabilities, and safety standards before finalizing any purchase.