Grade 1018 carbon steel rods are made with a significant amount of iron for added strength and durability. They have a low carbon content and are easy to weld, form, and machine. These general purpose carbon steel rods are often manufactured into mounting plates, fixtures, and fasteners.

Grade 1215 carbon steel rods contain sulfur and phosphorous for easy shaping and forming with machine tools. They can be machined to tight tolerances with a smooth, bright finish and are often used for automatic screw machining and manufacturing into bushings, couplings, inserts, pins, and studs. Grade 1215 carbon steel, also called screw machine stock, is not recommended for case hardening or welding.

Grade 12L14 carbon steel rods contain lead, making them easy to machine and form to close tolerances. This low-friction metal is often used for applications requiring bending, crimping, or riveting. Additional uses include couplings, bushings, or automatic screw machines.

Grade 1045 carbon steel rods are strong and easy to shape and form with machine tools. They are often manufactured into gears, axles, sockets, shafts, bolts, and wear and support plates.

Grade 1144 carbon steel rods are stress-relieved to reduce warping and distortion during machining. They contain manganese and sulphur to make them easier to form and shape with machine tools. Their surface finish makes them ideal for manufacturing into gears, nuts, bolts, bushings, screws, and spindles. Grade 1144 carbon steel is also called stressproof steel.