An anodized coating forms a bond to the inside, outside, and ends of these tubes to improve wear and corrosion resistance.

The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is fabricated into everything from pipe fittings and containers to automotive and aerospace parts. It is strong and corrosion resistant, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

More corrosion resistant and easier to form than multipurpose 6061 aluminum, 6063 is primarily used for exterior railings, decorative trim, and door frames.

Sized to fit into the next larger size, use these tubes to create telescoping railings and frames.

3003 aluminum stands up to outdoor use, as well as exposure to chemicals. It offers a good combination of strength, formability, and weldability. It's often used for storage tanks, heat exchangers, and general sheet metal work.

Known for being one of the easiest types of aluminum to weld, 5052 is also recognized for its ability to resist salt water. It's widely used for the bodies of boats, buses, trucks, and trailers, as well as for chemical drums.

Typically used with standard-wall aluminum unthreaded pipe fittings.

Build a compressed air system in half the time it would take to build a copper or steel system.

Typically used with high-pressure aluminum threaded pipe fittings.

Similar to turnbuckles, these rods have right-hand threads on one end and left-hand threads on the other so you can make a linkage that adjusts for tension.