Steel Angle Basics – How to Buy Steel Angle

Do you know how to buy steel angle? Although not the most complicated form to purchase, there are definitely some factors to help ensure you get the proper materials.

Usually, when looking for steel angles, customers will ask for “angle iron”, which we refer to as Hot Rolled (HR) Steel Angle. Within this category, there are two main types:  bar size and L shapes.

The bar size describes smaller angles, 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 1/8″ up to 2-1/2″. The L shapes are larger, and are commonly stocked from 3″ x 2″ x 3/16″ all the way up to 8″ x 8″ x 1″. The most common grade for the HR Angle is A36, however it can also be available in ASTM A709 Gr 36, A529 Gr 50, A572 Gr 50, and weathering steel grade ASTM A588.

At Continental Steel  & Tube, We have both equal and unequal angles. For example the equal angle would have the same length on each leg, L6″ x 6″ x 1/2″ thickness, while an unequal angle has a different length on each leg. An example of an unequal angle would be as follows “L7 x 4 x 5/8″. Typical lengths for an angle would be 20′ or 40′, but we can also custom cut the angles to the sizes you need.

We also carry stainless grades of equal angle in grades 304/304L and 316/316L. Commonly stocked sizes in stainless are from 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 1/8″ up to 4″ x 4″ x 3/8”. Stock lengths are 20′ but we can cut material to size.

Although we get many requests for steel angle, if you need aluminum angle we can help you as well. We carry 6063-T52 Grade in both equal and unequal angle sizes. In equal angles as small as 3/8″ up to 2″ in. and in unequal angle they range from as small as 3/8″ x 3/4″ x 3/32″ to as large as 2-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ x 1/8″ thick. Stock lengths in aluminum are 16 foot but These can also be cut to the size needed.

If you need any kind of steel angle we want to be your supplier. Feel free to ask us any questions and we will do our best to accommodate.