Steel Lengths

About Steel Lengths

Steel lengths are precision-engineered metal stock materials supplied in straight bars or rods, essential for machining, fabrication, and engineering applications. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of steel lengths including high carbon bright silver steel and precision keysteel in both metric and imperial sizes. These materials are supplied precision ground to exacting tolerances, making them ideal for manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, and custom components where dimensional accuracy is critical.

Available from trusted brands including Emil and Sirius, the steel lengths at MyToolShed.co.uk cater to professional engineers, toolmakers, and precision machinists who require reliable, high-quality materials. Whether you need bright silver steel for heat treatment applications or precision keysteel for shaft work and keyways, these versatile materials provide the foundation for countless engineering projects across manufacturing and maintenance sectors.

Applications

Steel lengths are used across numerous trades and industries:

• Engineering and machining: Manufacturing custom tools, punches, dies, and precision components
• Toolmaking: Creating jigs, fixtures, and specialist cutting tools
• Maintenance and repair: Fabricating replacement shafts, pins, and mechanical parts
• Model engineering: Building precision models and steam engine components
• General fabrication: Custom brackets, supports, and structural elements
• Agricultural machinery repair: Manufacturing replacement parts for farm equipment
• Automotive restoration: Producing obsolete components and custom modifications

Choosing The Right Steel Lengths

When selecting steel lengths for your project, consider these key factors:

• Material grade: High carbon bright silver steel offers excellent hardenability for tooling applications, whilst keysteel provides good machinability and strength for shafts and mechanical components
• Measurement system: Choose between metric and imperial sizes depending on your project specifications and existing equipment tolerances
• Diameter and dimensions: Ensure the stock size provides adequate material for your finished component with appropriate machining allowances
• Surface finish: Precision ground steel offers superior dimensional accuracy and surface quality compared to standard hot-rolled stock
• Quantity requirements: Consider purchasing assorted packs for workshop stock or specific sizes for production runs
• Heat treatment needs: High carbon steel is ideal if subsequent hardening and tempering is required for wear resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between silver steel and keysteel?

Silver steel (also called drill rod) is high carbon steel supplied in a bright, precision-ground finish, ideal for applications requiring heat treatment and hardening. Keysteel is medium carbon steel typically used for shafts, keys, and components where good machinability and moderate strength are needed without heat treatment.

Can steel lengths be cut to size?

Yes, steel lengths can be cut using appropriate metalworking tools including hacksaws, bandsaws, or abrasive cut-off saws. For precision work, machine cutting on a lathe or milling machine ensures accurate dimensions and square ends.

Do I need special equipment to work with steel lengths?

Basic metalworking tools such as a bench vice, hacksaw, files, and drill are sufficient for simple projects. More complex machining requires lathes, milling machines, or grinding equipment. MyToolShed stocks the professional tools needed for precision steel fabrication work.