Tips for Telescoping Tube

Our customers often ask us for tips and advice related to the telescoping of tube or pipe products. Telescoping is required when the ability to adjust tubing or piping to account for an unknown or constantly changing width is essential. Examples include adjustable table legs, shower curtains, railing, metal supports, and telescopic camera tripods. Here is some advice you should keep in mind when attempting to telescope tube and pipe:

Tips for Square Tubing

• Square Tubing is the most commonly used shape when telescoping (.100″ or 14GA with .083″ wall). Be sure to confirm the dimensions of both the inner and outer tubing before starting your project.
• Always measure the wall thickness of both the inner and outer square tubing to ensure proper clearance. Too much clearance may cause instability, while too little clearance can result in binding or difficulty sliding. Precision is key to getting the best performance from your telescoping tubing.
• If the telescopic square tubing is sticking or not sliding as easily as you’d like, applying a light lubricant can make a big difference. Choose a lubricant designed for metal-on-metal contact and apply it sparingly to avoid excessive buildup. This can help improve movement while minimizing wear and tear on the telescoping tubing surfaces.

How to Make Telescopic Square Tubing

1. Choose the right square tubing sizes for your project. The inner tube should slide easily into the outer tube, so ensure their dimensions allow for proper clearance without being too loose or too tight.
2. Measure and mark the tubing sections according to your project’s requirements. Use a high-quality metal cutting tool like a saw or cutting wheel to create clean cuts without deforming the edges.
3. Inspect all edges for burrs or sharp metal fragments. Use a deburring tool, file, or sandpaper to smooth out the edges of both the inner and outer tubing sections for a clean finish.
4. Insert the inner tube into the outer tube to test the fit. The tubing should slide smoothly without excessive resistance or wobbling. If the fit is too tight, consider sanding down the edges slightly or checking for any irregularities in the tubing.
5. Apply a light coating of metal-compatible lubricant to the contact surfaces of the telescopic tubes. Avoid over-applying, as excess lubricant can attract dust or debris over time.
6. Once any modifications are complete, assemble your telescoping square tubing system and test its functionality. Extend and retract the telescoping tubing multiple times to confirm that it slides smoothly. Make any final adjustments to the telescopic tube as needed.

Tips for Round Steel Tubing

• To obtain the approximate inside diameter of a telescopic tube (if it is not provided), subtract the wall thickness from the outside diameter twice. For example, if the outside diameter is 8″, and the wall thickness is 1″, the inner diameter will be 6″.
• Remember, all tubes have an inside weld seam that needs to be accounted for. This weld will interfere with the telescoping. The only exception would be DOM (Drawn over Mandrel) Tube, as the inside flash weld has been removed. When using DOM Steel Tubing, you should allow at least .010″ between the OD (outer diameter) and ID (inner diameter) you intend to telescope. However, this alone will not guarantee that your tubes will telescope.
• Tubing has OD (outside diameter) and ID (inside diameter) tolerances; these tolerances tend to run larger on ODs (outer diameters) and smaller on IDs (inside diameters). Even if you allow .010″, your tube still may not telescope. We recommend purchasing metals for telescoping in-store, where our staff can help you ensure your tubes will telescope as intended.

The Bottom Line When It Comes to Tubing

It is not possible to guarantee that your tubes will telescope. It is recommended that you confirm in person at a local store (when possible) that your tubes will telescope. When choosing the tubes you want to telescope, be liberal in your size selection. Keep in mind that you may have to do some machining, such as sanding down one of the tube’s outside diameters.

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