Steel Tubing Glossary of Terms

Totten Tubes is America’s most diverse and specialized steel tube supplier. From our multiple locations across the North American West Coast, we deliver true one-stop-shop experiences for orders of rectangular, square, or round steel tube, including specialty steel tubing sizes such as jumbo HSS. In addition to our vast range and inventory of steel tube products, we are your top source for steel tubing knowledge and resources.

While shopping for your best steel tubing solution, you may encounter terms or abbreviations you do not recognize. Understanding steel tube sizes, steel tubing grades, OD, DOM, inside diameter (ID), and more is essential to selecting the best product for your unique application.

Peruse this glossary to learn frequently used steel tube terms, and contact us with further questions. Call 800-882-3748 to speak to a representative directly.

Abbreviations Used in the Steel Industry

AISI	American Iron & Steel Institute
ANSI	American National Standards Institute—formerly ASA
API	American Petroleum Institute
ASTM	American Society for Testing Materials
Bevel	The angle formed between the prepared edge of the steel pipe and a plane perpendicular to the surface. Standard line pipe bevel is 30 degrees
BDLS	Bundles…practice of packaging pipe. Pieces per bundle vary with size.
BW Pipe	Butt weld pipe
CFT	Per hundred feet
CREW	Cold rolled electric welded
CRAK	Cold rolled aluminum killed
CWT	Per hundred weight
Die stamping	Permanent marking placed on pipe as required in some specifications.
DOM	Drawn over mandrel
DRL	Double random length (35’ minimum average)
ERW	Electric resistance weld—method of producing pipe and tube
FOB	Free on board
FR	Flash removed
FR TEL	Flash removed—telescoping
FRT	Freight
Galv	Galvanizing—coating pipe with a protective coating of zinc
Grade A or Grade B	Designations used to indicate minimum yield and tensile strengths of steel in seamless and welded pipe.
HREW	Hot rolled electric welded
ID	Inside diameter—the OD measurement less double the wall thickness is the 1.0 measurement of a steel tube or pipe.
MTCR	Molded tubular cap rail
OD	Outside diameter
PE	Plain ends
R/L	Random length. Varying lengths of steel tube or pipe.
R Pipe	Railing pipe
RK	RedKote™
SAW	Submerged arc weld—a method of producing very large OD steel tube or pipe
DSAW	Double submerged arc weld—DSAW pipe is available in API 5L grade A and B and API 5LX
SMLS	Seamless—a pipe without a seam or weld in the circumference
STRUC	Hot rolled structural steel tubing
SRL	Single random lengths—usually 16’ to 22’. Minimum average of 17’6”.
Stencil	Identification painted on pipe. Specification, size, wall, grade, test pressure, method of manufacture, and mill identification are usually indicated.
STD	Standard—same as schedule 40 (1/8” to 10” pipe)
TBE	Thread both ends
TOE	Thread one end
Yield Strength	The tensile stress required to produce a total elongation of 0.5% of the gauge length as determined by an extensometer. Expressed in PSI.
XHY	Extra heavy, also known as extra strong—pipe with walls heavier than standard weight. Same as schedule 80 in sizes 1/8” to 8” diameter.
XXHY	Double extra heavy (double extra strong)
A847	Weathering steel

Choose Totten Tubes for the Best Steel Tubing Products & Knowledge

Totten Tubes is your go-to distributor of high-quality steel tubing to meet the demands of any order. From navigating our extensive stock list to sourcing hard-to-find steel tube sizes or dimensions, our knowledgeable staff is at your disposal from initial quotes through final delivery. We offer a variety of custom steel tube laser cutting and other steel tube fabrication services to ensure your steel tubing matches every specification and exceeds all expectations. To ensure fast turnarounds and timely deliveries, we’ve established multiple locations:

• Los Angeles, California
• Northern California
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Vancouver, Washington
• San Diego, California

Ready to learn more about how Totten Tubes can support your manufacturing, assembling, or other building work?
Contact us or request a quote today. Our friendly experts will help you navigate unfamiliar terminology to find the best steel tubing for your planned use. Get started today!