Description
x5/16 Inch 6061-T6 Aluminum Round Bar, 7–12mm Solid Rod
This collection covers 5/16 inch 6061 aluminum round bar and its matching metric sizes from 7mm to 12mm: straight, solid rod heat treated to the T6 temper. It is the small-shaft range — used wherever a mechanism needs a compact axle, threaded stud, fitting body, or linkage that is stronger than a pin but smaller than a half-inch shaft.
Every length is true solid 6061 aluminum rod — not wire, not tube — cut to straight lengths and ready for turning, threading, drilling, and fabrication. Pick the diameter that matches your drawing and order stock lengths or custom-cut aluminum bar stock from RapidKeen.
Diameters7mm–12mm solid round, plus 5/16 inch fractional size
Alloy & Temper6061-T6, solution heat treated and artificially aged
FormStraight solid round rod, not hollow tube or pipe
LengthStraight stock lengths or cut to your custom length
The next standard fractional sizes have dedicated pages: 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch 6061-T6 aluminum round bar.
Why This Range Sits in Every Shop's Bin
Between 7mm and 12mm, a 6061 rod becomes a working mechanical shaft. The 5/16 inch 6061 aluminum round bar and its metric equivalents carry torque and shear loads in small drives, leave enough material for external threads, cross-holes, and rolled or turned flats, and still run fast on Swiss-type lathes, CNC turning centers, and bench machines. In the T6 temper the rod stays rigid under side load, resists the corrosion that attacks uncoated steel in damp or outdoor equipment, and anodizes cleanly when the part is visible. It is the default range for light automation, appliance, fitting, and linkage work.
Common Applications
Small shafts & axlesThreaded studsFitting blanksLinkages & control rodsCouplers & adaptersHinge & clevis pinsGuide rodsStandoff columnsMachine locating pinsLight automation parts
What These Rods Are Used For
- Small drive shafts, idler axles, and roller pins in compact machines
- Threaded studs, bolt blanks, and double-ended connector studs
- Pneumatic and light hydraulic fitting bodies and connector sleeves
- Control rods, linkages, push-pull rods, and actuation arms
- Mini couplings, adapter sleeves, and shaft joiners
- Hinge pins, clevis pins, and pivot rods for doors, hatches, and panels
- Guide rods and support posts in automation, printers, and small conveyors
Material Behavior at This Size
6061-T6 machines with light, continuous chips and takes external threads, cross-drilled holes, and milled flats without built-up edge. It welds by MIG or TIG with 6061 or 4043 filler, keeping in mind that welding locally lowers T6 strength near the weld zone. Its corrosion resistance makes this 7–12mm aluminum bar stock suitable for outdoor mechanisms, marine-adjacent gear, and food-adjacent equipment where bare steel would rust, and it finishes by brushing, polishing, powder coating, or clear and colored anodizing with even results.
Ordering & Cut Length
Choose any diameter from 7mm to 12mm, or the 5/16 inch fractional size, then enter the straight length you need. This 6061 aluminum round bar ships as single pieces for repairs and prototypes, or in production quantities for recurring shaft and fitting parts. Ordering one longer length and parting it in-house is the economical route for batches of short studs, pins, or spacers.
Quick Questions
5/16 inch or 3/8 inch? Stay at 5/16 inch (7–12mm) for compact linkages and light studs; move up to 3/8 inch when the shaft carries real torque or needs larger threads and cross-holes.
Which metric size is most popular? 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm are the reordered metric sizes for guide rods and small shafts; 5/16 inch leads the fractional orders.
Can it be threaded and cross-drilled? Yes. 6061-T6 in this range turns, taps, and cross-drills cleanly on standard equipment.
Is it solid or tube? Solid straight round rod throughout, never hollow.
Shipping & Lead Time
In-stock, standard 5/16 inch 6061-T6 aluminum round bar and 7–12mm rod are prepared and shipped within 1–5 business days.
Custom-cut or processed orders require extra time based on processing complexity; the exact lead time depends on the size and quantity ordered.
After shipment, delivery to US addresses typically takes 7–15 days, and a tracking number is provided as soon as the order leaves our warehouse.
For small shafts, studs, and fitting bodies in compact mechanisms, the 5/16 inch 6061 aluminum round bar collection across 7–12mm delivers rigid 6061-T6 solid rod — cut to length and ready to machine.
Shipping & Return
xReturns Policy
You may return items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
Shipping
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.