Metals Depot: Customer Service

[SkunkWerX]

I have used Metals Depot (on line) to make a few steel purchases.

My current order just arrived, and one of the pieces, square tube, was supposed to be 2.5" x 2.5" x 1/4" , but instead, I got 3/16" thickness.

Since I am using it as a receiver-sleeve, it must have a 2" ID. the 3/16" won't work, too much play.
I called Metals Depot and explained what happened.
They realize to ship back the wrong piece would cost a chunk-o-change, so, they told me to use it for whatever else I wanted, and they would ship out the proper piece ASAP.

I just wanted to share this experience with anyone out there who might consider using Metals Depot, they really impressed me with their no-nonsense approach.

I can use the other correct pieces I received with my order, to get a little more accomplished on the Gauge wheels, and hopefully have the new piece by week's end, to finish up.

Good customer service should always be recognized!

 

[bx24]

Kudos to Metals Depot .... It seems rare nowadays

 

[Skyco]

I've had a little trouble buying receiver type stock, have to check it out real well, some of the 2" inside square tubing has a seam inside that interferes with receiver hitch inserts...and some of the 2" outside stuff has very square corners instead of rounded over like they need to be so they won't go in even a proper unseamed 2" inner...

I'm glad you got good customer service form them and I realize you may not have any practical choice besides Metals Depot but DANG- they charge close to double what my local supplier does and he cuts to length....add shipping and they are more than double! But I do use their site a lot as a reference to get an idea of what something will cost me...

 

[bjr]

Skyco, good catch on the seam. If I were to need square or rectangle to slid a piece inside of I would go with PTO tubing (no seam sticking out. It may not be the correct wall thickness though. bjr

 

[SkunkWerX]

Skyco, good catch on the seam. If I were to need square or rectangle to slid a piece inside of I would go with PTO tubing (no seam sticking out. It may not be the correct wall thickness though. bjr

You could buy an actual 2 inch receiver, but on a short peice a few minutes with an in-line die grinder does the trick. I've never had to remove the seam entirely, just knock it down a little.

I wouldn't ever use it for an actual towing receiver, but for a quick way to sleeve two pieces of tubing together, over the past 20 years or so, it's worked fine for me.

This is just for a simple set of Gauge Wheels, not to tow a 10,000gvw trailer.

 

[bx24]

I have always broken down and bought the pre-made receiver's from places like Tractor Supply. I believe the 6" version is in the $12 range and the 12" version is around $20 .....

These prices seem a little bit salty but your options are limited if you don't want the seem.

I would welcome any suggestions on where to buy longer lengths at better prices.

 

[SkunkWerX]

I have always broken down and bought the pre-made receiver's from places like Tractor Supply. I believe the 6" version is in the $12 range and the 12" version is around $20 .....

These prices seem a little bit salty but your options are limited if you don't want the seem.

I would welcome any suggestions on where to buy longer lengths at better prices.

Me too, would be nice to have a supplier of 2" receiver material that could be purchase by-the-foot. My TSC is pretty far away, or yes, I would also grab a couple 9" pre-made receiver tubes for $10 or so, and call it a day.

 

[Skyco]

I have searched hi and lo on the 'net for actual receiver tube material and only found ONE place that even acknowledged its existance. This is for the 2" inside stuff without the interfering seam weld flash. As many like me have found out the typical generic square tube is NOT the same..BTW the place that had the actual receiver tube stuff noted it was a .238 wall 2.5x2.5 tube and NOT the .250 wall that is a common size.
As for grinding the seam down on generic tubing...yeah it CAN be done for a few inches but it is not practical to reach WAY up in there to do it...
I've built some interesting things with that receiver tube...ever see a 10 ft long hitch extension? One needs that to launch our sailboat since the trailer has to go about 6-7 ft deep because of the keel

 

[mopacman]

I bought a 4 ft long reciver tube from TSC and I just cut off what I need..........Larry

 

[SkunkWerX]

I bought a 4 ft long reciver tube from TSC and I just cut off what I need..........Larry

How much $$ was the 4 foot piece?

I got my 2" ID square tube today. Got home and cut it to size, and used the die grinder as I described. Took about 3 minutes per 6" section.
A problem might arise if you want a 12" section, because you may not have the reach to get all the way inside to grind the seam off of a longer piece.

Anyway, if it was for trailer towing, it's commercial receiver all the way.