5 1/2" Rods | McMaster-Carr

The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is made into everything from pipe fittings to containers to airplane parts. It balances strength and corrosion resistance, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

Don't see the size you need? Check out our Made-to-Order 6061 Aluminum Rods.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Aluminum. Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum Rods.

Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		1/2 ft. Long	1 ft. Long	2 ft. Long	3 ft. Long	6 ft. Long



5 1/2"	-0.034" to 0.034"	Extruded	T6511	ASTM B221	8974K4	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000	000000000

Short Rods and Discs

Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		1/4" Long	1/2" Long	1" Long	1 1/2" Long	2" Long	3" Long



5 1/2"	-0.034" to 0.034"	Extruded	T6511	ASTM B221	1610T49	000000	000000	000000	000000	000000	000000

Made-to-Order A2 Tool Steel Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

Made of A2 steel, they are more wear resistant than O1 rods and discs. They also keep a sharper cutting edge. When heat treated for added wear resistance, they don’t require baths or quenching and can be air-hardened. A2 tool steel is widely used for punches, blades, and hammers. These rods are decarb-free, which means any surface flaws created during the manufacturing process have been removed. This makes them more machinable and leads to better results from heat treating or finishing. With an oversized diameter, these rods and discs let you finish to your exact requirements.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Choose a Length	Fabrication	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Mechanical Finish	Specs. Met		Per Inch
5 1/2"	0.020" to 0.093"	13" to 90"	Hot Rolled	Annealed	55,000	Rockwell B95 (Medium)	Rockwell C64	Turned	ASTM A681	6172N38	000000

Made-to-Order 1045 Carbon Steel Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

Stronger than low-carbon steel with equally good machinability, 1045 carbon steel is widely used for bolts, studs, and shafts.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Choose a Length	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Specs. Met		Per Inch
5 1/2"	-0.006" to 0"	13" to 90"	Cold Worked	77,000	Rockwell B90 (Medium)	ASTM A108	7330N45	000000

Extra-High-Strength 7075 Aluminum Rods

Among the strongest aluminum alloys, 7075 boasts a yield strength that rivals carbon steel rebar. Originally made for aircraft frames, it's now turned into gears, machine keys, and other high-stress parts. It's a good substitute for 2024 aluminum when forming and welding aren't top concerns.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Short Rods and Discs

Image of Product. Front orientation. Aluminum. Extra-High-Strength 7075 Aluminum Rods.

Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		1/4" Long	1/2" Long	1" Long	3" Long



5 1/2"	-0.020" to 0.020"	Cold Drawn	T651	ASTM B211	9035K52	000000	000000	000000	0000000

Made-to-Order S7 Tool Steel Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

Often made into chisels, rivets, and punches, S7 tool steel can handle repeated impact without fracturing. It is an air-hardening material. These rods are decarb-free for a uniform surface that will consistently accept heat treating. An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Choose a Length	Fabrication	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Mechanical Finish	Specs. Met		Per Inch
5 1/2"	0.062" to 0.109"	13" to 90"	Hot Rolled	Annealed	50,000	Rockwell B90 (Medium)	Rockwell C55	Turned	ASTM A681	5224N38	000000

Multipurpose 932 Bearing Bronze Rods

Balancing strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability, 932 is everything you want in a bearing bronze. It's most commonly made into thrust bearings and bushings. Also known as SAE 660.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia. Tolerance	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		3" Long	6 1/2" Long	13" Long



5 1/2"	0.010" to 0.032"	M07	ASTM B505	8914K128	0000000	0000000	000000000

Ultra-Low-Friction UHMW Polyethylene Rods

Offering a low-friction surface that prevents sticking and binding, these rods and discs are often machined into bushings and bearings. UHMW is impact and wear resistant to handle the scuffs, scrapes, and strikes that other plastic can’t.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Ultra-Low-Friction UHMW Polyethylene Rods.

	Fabrication	Min. Temp., ° F	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Food Industry Std.	Choose a Length, ft.		Per Ft.
White



	5 1/2"	Extruded	-40	180	4,350 to 5,800	16.8	UL 94 HB	FDA Standard	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	8701K65	000000

Made-to-Order D2 Tool Steel Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

The addition of nickel gives D2 tool steel better wear resistance than A2. This air-hardening material is often used for cutting blades, stamps, and forming dies. These rods and discs are decarb-free for a uniform surface that will consistently accept heat treating. An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Choose a Length	Fabrication	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Mechanical Finish	Specs. Met		Per Inch
5 1/2"	0.010" to 0.093"	13" to 90"	Hot Rolled	Annealed	50,000	Rockwell B95 (Medium)	Rockwell C62	Ground	ASTM A681	5329N38	000000

Multipurpose Low-Carbon Steel Rods

Also known as mild steel, low-carbon steel is easy to machine, form, and weld. It's widely fabricated into low-strength fasteners, pins, and axles. You can surface harden this material for added wear resistance.

If you don't see the size you're looking for, check out our Made-to-Order Low-Carbon Steel Rods.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Cold Worked—Cold-worked products have a finished look and quality. The cold-working process gives the steel consistent strength, hardness, and dimensions throughout.

Hot Rolled—Hot-rolled products are great for forming and fabricating. The steel undergoes less stress in the finishing process and has a little more give, so you can more easily bend and form it. It does however have a rougher surface finish than cold-worked steel.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met		1 ft. Long	2 ft. Long	3 ft. Long	6 ft. Long
5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	54,000	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A108	8920K551	0000000	0000000	0000000	—
5 1/2"	0" to 0.079"	Hot Rolled	32,000	Rockwell B65 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A576	6783N23	000000	000000	000000	000000000

Short Rods and Discs

Cold Worked—Cold-worked products have a finished look and quality. The cold-working process gives the steel consistent strength, hardness, and dimensions throughout.

	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
1/4" Long



	5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	54,000	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A108	1	7786T245	000000


	1/2" Long



			5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	Not Rated	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A108	1	7786T241	00000


			3/4" Long



					5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	54,000	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A108	1	7786T246	00000


					1" Long



							5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	Not Rated	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A108	1	7786T242	00000


							1 1/2" Long



									5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	54,000	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A108	1	7786T247	00000


									2" Long



											5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	54,000	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A108	1	7786T248	00000


											3" Long



													5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	Not Rated	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A108	1	7786T243	00000


													6" Long



															5 1/2"	-0.005" to 0"	Cold Worked	Not Rated	Rockwell B70 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A108	1	7786T244	000000

Multipurpose 4140 Alloy Steel Rods

Also known as chrome-moly steel, this versatile alloy steel is used for a wide range of parts, such as gears, axles, shafts, collets, and die holders. It resists fracturing from repeated stress. For added wear resistance, the surface can be hardened with heat treating.

If you don't see the size you're looking for, check out our Made-to-Order 4140 Alloy Steel Rods.

Note: Rods may be made from either 4140 or 4142 alloy steel. They are interchangeable in most applications.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Hot Rolled—Hot-rolled steel rods have lower yield strength than cold-worked rods, so they’re easier to shape. They have a rougher surface finish than cold-worked rods, so they are good for applications where you need additional processing.

								1 ft. Long
Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met		Each
5 1/2"	0" to 0.078"	Hot Rolled	Annealed	60,000	Rockwell C10 (Medium)	Not Rated	ASTM A322	8927K758	0000000

High-Strength 2024 Aluminum Rods

Balance high strength and workability. Initially designed for aircraft frames, 2024 aluminum is turned into parts that need to be especially strong, such as couplings for servomotor shafts. It’s one of the most widely used high-strength alloys, made into fasteners, gears, and everything in between. It’s also easier to form and weld than 7075 aluminum, among the strongest aluminum alloys out there.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Aluminum. High-Strength 2024 Aluminum Rods.

Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		1/2 ft. Long	1 ft. Long	2 ft. Long	3 ft. Long



5 1/2"	-0.020" to 0.020"	Cold Drawn	T351	ASTM B211, SAE AMS4120, SAE AMS-QQ-A-225/6	86985K62	0000000	0000000	0000000	000000000

Short Rods and Discs

Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met		1/2" Long	3/4" Long	1" Long	3" Long



5 1/2"	-0.020" to 0.020"	Cold Drawn	T351	ASTM B211, SAE AMS4120, SAE AMS-QQ-A-225/6	9034K74	000000	000000	000000	0000000

Clear Machinable Cast Acrylic Rods

Widely used to make sight windows and light fixture lenses, these cast acrylic rods and discs maintain clarity over time. The material is scratch resistant and stands up to outdoor use better than polycarbonate. It maintains clarity over time and won't weaken from exposure to UV, though the pigment in colored acrylic will fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Comparable to Lucite and Plexiglas® acrylic, cast acrylic is easier to machine than extruded acrylic.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Clear Machinable Cast Acrylic Rods.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Food Industry Std.	Choose a Length, ft.	Color		Per Ft.
5 1/2"	-0.045" to 0.045"	0 to 150	10,000 to 11,250	0.3 to 0.4	UL 94 HB	FDA Standard	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	Clear	8528K56	0000000

Hardened Multipurpose 4140 Alloy Steel Rods

These rods and discs keep their strength in temperatures up to 800° F. They're hardened for increased abrasion and impact resistance. Plus, they’re stress relieved, so there’s less chance of warping during machining. Also known as chrome-moly steel, 4140 alloy steel is used for a wide range of parts, such as gears, axles, shafts, collets, and die holders. It resists fracturing from repeated stress.

Note: Rods may be made from either 4140 or 4142 alloy steel. They are interchangeable in most applications.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

							1 ft. Long
Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Heat Treatment	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Specs. Met		Each
5 1/2"	-0.009" to 0.009"	Cold Worked	Hardened, Stress Relieved	75,000	Rockwell C32 (Hard)	ASTM A193 Grade B7, ASTM A434 Class BC	8648N64	0000000

Chemical-Resistant CPVC Rods

Offering the same resistance to acids and alkalies as PVC, these CPVC rods stand up to higher temperatures. Use them to make parts for use in chemical-processing applications. CPVC is easy to thermoform and it’s an excellent electrical insulator.

	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Min. Temp., ° F	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Choose a Length, ft.		Per Ft.
Gray



	5 1/2"	0" to 0.165"	Extruded	32	200	7,090 to 7,750	1 to 2	UL 94 V-0	1, 2, 3, 4	87135K89	0000000

Highly Wear-Resistant Machinable Cast Nylon Rods

An MDS additive provides exceptional wear resistance as well as a self-lubricating surface. Made of cast nylon 6, they’re easier to machine than other MDS-filled nylon rods and discs, plus they are better electrical insulators. Use them to fabricate gears, sprockets, wear strips, and other high-friction parts. This material is comparable to Nylatron and Nycast.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Highly Wear-Resistant Machinable Cast Nylon Rods.

	Fabrication	Min. Temp.	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Choose a Length, ft.		Per Ft.
Black



	5 1/2"	Cast	Not Rated	230	10,000	1.4	1, 2	2889K183	0000000

Wear-Resistant Nylon Rods

Often machined into bearings, gears, cams, and valve seats, these wear-resistant nylon 6/6 rods and discs have a slippery surface that reduces friction.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Wear-Resistant Nylon Rods.

	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Min. Temp.	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Food Industry Std.	Choose a Length, ft.		Per Ft.
Black



	5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.25"	Extruded	Not Rated	185	11,200 to 12,300	0.6 to 1.4	UL 94 V-2	—	1, 2, 3, 4	8541K89	0000000


	Off-White



			5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.25"	Extruded	Not Rated	185	11,200 to 12,300	0.6 to 1.4	UL 94 V-2	FDA Standard	1, 2, 3, 4	8538K74	000000

Made-to-Order Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is made into everything from pipe fittings to containers to airplane parts. It balances strength and corrosion resistance, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Temper Designation	Specs. Met	Choose a Length		Per Inch
5 1/2"	-0.034" to 0.034"	Extruded	T6511	ASTM B221	13" to 90"	4012N51	000000

Borosilicate Glass Rods and Discs

Also called Pyrex and Schott glass, this glass resists clouding and pitting and is highly chemical and heat resistant. With a low rate of thermal expansion, it stays dimensionally stable during changes in temperature.

Also Available: Other disc sizes. Please select 8477K98 and specify the diameter and length.

Discs

					Temp.
	Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Edge Fabrication	Mil. Spec.	Min.	Max., ° F	Color		1/8" Long	3/16" Long	1/4" Long	3/8" Long	1/2" Long	5/8" Long	3/4" Long
Annealed



		5 1/2"	-0.015" to 0.015"	Ground	MIL-G-47033	Not Rated	445	Clear	8477K69	000000	000000	000000	000000	000000	0000000	0000000

Impact-Resistant Ultra-Machinable Ductile Iron Rods

With a high amount of ferrite, these cast iron rods are easier to machine without cracking than other impact-resistant ductile cast iron rods. Use them to create bushings, gears, pulleys, and pistons. These rods are also known as 65-45-12 ductile iron rods. All conduct electricity. They will become magnetic if exposed to a magnetic field. They’re often used to replace low and medium carbon steel rods.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met		1/2 ft. Long	1 ft. Long	2 ft. Long
5 1/2"	0.107" to 0.217"	Cast	55,000	Rockwell C20 (Hard)	Rockwell C60	ASTM A536	89105K423	0000000	0000000	0000000

Extra-High-Strength Ductile Iron Rods

Containing more pearlite and less ferrite, these cast iron rods are stronger and harder than standard ductile cast iron. They are resilient and able to withstand repeated stress without breaking. These rods also absorb vibration, so their finished parts run quieter than those made from steel. Use them to create bushings, gears, and pistons. To increase their wear resistance, you can harden these rods through heat treating.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

							6 ft. Long
Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met		Each
5 1/2"	0.117" to 0.227"	Cast	70,000	Rockwell C20 (Hard)	Rockwell C55	ASTM A536	9505N102	000000000

Machinable Cast Nylon Rods

Because these cast nylon 6 rods and discs are easier to machine than standard nylon 6/6, they’re often made into pulleys, screws, bushings, and bearings. They’re also better electrical insulators. They have a wear-resistant, slippery surface that reduces friction. This material is comparable to Nylatron and Nycast.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Machinable Cast Nylon Rods.

	Dia. Tolerance	Lg., ft.	Fabrication	Min. Temp., ° F	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Food Industry Std.		Each
Off-White



	5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.250"	1	Cast	-20	200	10,000	1.5	UL 94 HB	FDA Standard	85035K52	0000000

Ultra-Machinable Acetal Rods

Made of naturally slippery acetal copolymer, these rods and discs are an economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin. They offer similar wear resistance and are equally resistant to expanding when exposed to heat and moisture. They can be machined to close tolerances and are often used to make precision gears, bushing, bearings, and rollers.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Ultra-Machinable Acetal Rods.

	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Min. Temp., ° F	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Flammability Rating	Food Industry Std.	Lg., ft.		Per Ft.
Black



	5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.250"	Extruded	-20	180	9,135 to 9,700	1 to 1.5	UL 94 HB	FDA Standard	1	8497K596	0000000


	White



			5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.250"	Extruded	-20	180	9,135 to 9,700	1 to 1.5	UL 94 HB	FDA Standard	1	8497K594	000000

Ultra-Machinable Delrin® Acetal Rods

Because these naturally slippery, wear-resistant rods and discs resist expanding when exposed to heat and moisture, they can be easily machined to close tolerances. They are a good choice for parts that require precision, such as gears, bushings, and bearings. Delrin® acetal resin is also known as acetal homopolymer; it is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.

Long Rods

Image of Product. Front orientation. Plastic. Ultra-Machinable Delrin® Acetal Rods.

	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Min. Temp., ° F	Max. Temp., ° F	Tensile Strength, psi	Impact Strength, ft·lbf/in	Food Industry Std.	Lg., ft.		Per Ft.
Black



	5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.250"	Extruded	-20	180	10,000 to 11,000	1 to 1.5	—	1	8576K861	0000000


	White



			5 1/2"	0.000" to 0.250"	Extruded	-20	180	10,000 to 11,000	1 to 1.5	FDA Standard, NSF Standard	1	8572K741	000000

Ultra-Machinable Gray Iron Rods

Gray cast iron machines faster with less wear on cutting tools than most types of steel. It also absorbs vibration, so finished parts run quieter than those made of steel. An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements. It's often used for gears, pulleys, rollers, and bushings.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Long Rods

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Fabrication	Yield Strength	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Specs. Met		1 ft. Long	3 ft. Long
5 1/2"	0.1" to 0.21"	Cast	Not Rated	Rockwell C20 (Hard)	Rockwell C50	ASTM A247	8909K85	0000000	0000000

Made-to-Order O1 Tool Steel Rods

When an off-the-shelf size won't do, we'll get you the exact dimensions you need.

Often used for dies, punches, and gauges, O1 tool steel is an oil-hardening material that resists wear and abrasion. These rods are decarb-free for a uniform surface that will consistently accept heat treating. An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements.

Certificates with a traceable lot number are available for these products. Download certificates from ORDER HISTORY after your order ships.

Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	Choose a Length	Fabrication	Yield Strength, psi	Hardness	Max. Hardness After Heat Treatment	Mechanical Finish		Per Inch
5 1/2"	0.010" to 0.093"	13" to 90"	Hot Rolled	50,000	Rockwell B95 (Medium)	Rockwell C62	Turned	5359N37	000000