OT: Looking for square tubing source (fencing)

Tutmos · 09-29-2005, 02:31 PM

As the subject says, I'm looking for a source of large diameter square tubing. I'm actually open to other options as well. I'm installing a wrought iron fence and a couple sections are going to be temporary, a driveway gate and a couple other posts that will be moved once the area is finished being developed. My intention is to cement in the post hole some slightly larger square tubing so that the actual posts can just slip fit inside of them and later be pulled back out and bury the sleeve. The problem is I'm guessing they don't make square tubing in the ID sizes I'm looking for, but I could always go larger and use some metal shims that can also be removed. The square tubes are 6" x 6" and 3" x 3" OD. Any help would be appreciated.

Kevin

Frogbone · 09-29-2005, 02:42 PM

check Discount Steel on Washington Ave they got lots of different stuff there.

happy · 09-29-2005, 03:23 PM

probably easier and cheaper to just use round pipe. put you post in, and fill with sand. my Dad's 30 foot flag pole is inside a 10 inch pvc pipe, and held in place with sand. if you do use telescoping sq tube, I bet it will be a pain to take out.

Lake_shore_aquatics · 09-29-2005, 03:30 PM

How thick are the walls of the tube ? A 6" round tube will be 6 inside. Sq tube
take off the wall thickness x 2.. pm me you can give me a call if you want.

Tutmos · 09-29-2005, 10:51 PM

I'll measure it tonight. I thought it was 6" outside length. The fence posts are square to begin with in case there was any confusion. I'm a little leary of using sand in a round PVC tube because there is going to be a significant amount of weight pulling to the side. The 6" square tubes are 9' tall, 6' above ground and each will support a gate that weighs 160lbs. and hangs out 7 feet, 14 foot wide gate with two swinging panels 7' each, total weight 320ish lbs.

Tutmos · 09-30-2005, 02:51 PM

Measured the tubes, the outside measure is surprisingly 5 7/8" for the 6" tube and 2 7/8" for the 3". If I can actually find something 3" and 6" ID that would work or close to it. I realize this is square tubing and I'm saying diameter but I'm just not sure what the convention is for inside outside sizes.

Lake_shore_aquatics · 09-30-2005, 03:03 PM

If you can go round tube. A 6" and 3" is the inside diameter. But its round. Square tube
you would have to go 3.5" x 3/16" wall. Would give you a 3.14" inside. To cover the 5.875" might be hard. 7" x 1/4" wall tube would be 6.5" inside. 7" x 1/2" would give you 6"
Go over to Garelick steel they might have some odd ball drops. 1900 north 2nd street Mpls

ReefSitter · 09-30-2005, 03:07 PM

here is a link to standard square tube sizes to give you an idea.

http://www.ryersontull.com/stocklist...tTable&ID=1132

the second street steel yards would be a good idea for the quantity you are looking for.

Lake_shore_aquatics · 09-30-2005, 03:14 PM

no no no this one

http://www.wcsteel.com/html/default.cfm

ReefSitter · 09-30-2005, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lake_shore_aquatics

no no no this one

http://www.wcsteel.com/html/default.cfm

so what's the difference besides your's is harder to read? LOL

Lake_shore_aquatics · 09-30-2005, 03:22 PM

Yeah our site stinks....... But I would give a discount to a TCMAS member.......

ReefSitter · 09-30-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lake_shore_aquatics

Yeah our site stinks....... But I would give a discount to a TCMAS member.......

excellent! pm being sent for a quote

tico mike · 09-30-2005, 11:44 PM

Let me know if you want to try round pvc. I can hook you up for free. I guarantee it will work. If you can bring down a sample or trust my measuring skills, I can find something that will be snug. The sand will work if you bury the pvc pipe in a snug hole and use pure sand that can be washed with water to compact it in the pipe. When you're ready to remove it, blow it out with a compressor. That's how we clean out water main valve boxes in the street that become filled with sand.

tico mike · 09-30-2005, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tico mike

Let me know if you want to try round pvc. I can hook you up for free. I guarantee it will work. If you can bring down a sample or trust my measuring skills, I can find something that will be snug. The sand will work if you bury the pvc pipe in a snug hole and use pure sand that can be washed with water to compact it in the pipe. When you're ready to remove it, blow it out with a compressor. That's how we clean out water main valve boxes in the street that become filled with sand.

I should mention that not all 6" pipe are actually 6" inside diamter. SDR 35 is, but SDR 26 is less and has the same 0.D. I BELIEVE, but not positive that 8" SDR 26 is about 7 1/2 inches inside, and SDR 35 is 8" inside. Sdr 26 is basically a SCH 40 thickness at an SDR 35 O.D. Kind of how SCH 80 is same O.D. as Sche 40, yet thicker.