--- product_id: 7274757 title: "National Hardware Smooth Rod, 1/2\" x 36\", Steel, Zinc Plated" brand: "national hardware" price: "R1071" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "National Hardware" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/7274757-national-hardware-smooth-rod-1-2-x-36-steel-zinc store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Precise 1/2" x 36" dimensions Steel rod easily drilled & shaped Zinc plating for corrosion resistance National Hardware Smooth Rod, 1/2" x 36", Steel, Zinc Plated **Brand:** national hardware **Price:** R1071 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > ⚙️ Build Bold, Last Long — The Rod That Works as Hard as You Do! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** National Hardware Smooth Rod, 1/2" x 36", Steel, Zinc Plated by national hardware - **How much does it cost?** R1071 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/7274757-national-hardware-smooth-rod-1-2-x-36-steel-zinc) ## Best For - national hardware enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted national hardware brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Trusted Legacy Brand:** Backed by National Hardware’s century-long commitment to quality and innovation. - • **Ultimate DIY Flexibility:** Steel construction allows effortless drilling, cutting, heating, and shaping to customize your build. - • **Weatherproof Zinc Plating:** Advanced corrosion-resistant finish guarantees durability for both indoor and outdoor projects. - • **Versatile Multi-Project Use:** Ideal for home improvement, farm equipment, industrial builds, and custom fabrication needs. - • **Precision Engineered for Reliability:** Consistent 1/2" diameter x 36" length ensures perfect fit for axles, carts, and mechanical assemblies. ## Overview The National Hardware Smooth Rod is a premium 1/2" diameter by 36" long zinc-plated steel rod designed for high durability and corrosion resistance. Engineered for versatile use in axles, carts, and various DIY and industrial projects, it offers precise dimensions and easy workability for drilling, cutting, and shaping. Trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike, this rod combines century-old manufacturing excellence with modern protective finishes to ensure long-lasting performance indoors and out. ## Description Product Description Whether for home, farm, builder or industrial customers, National has all the right hardware in the sizes and finishes you need. With over a century of service National is committed to maintaining the highest level of product quality, innovation and manufacturing technology. Quality metal sheets and rod both threaded and smooth for all for your construction projects. Plated steel has increased resistance to corrosion thanks to its zinc-plated and galvanized finishes. Perforated tubes, slotted flats and angles, smooth rods and threaded rods are among the top popular plated steel products. Zinc plating offers corrosion resistance for all of your functional hardware needs. From the Manufacturer Whether for home, farm, builder or industrial customers, National has all the right hardware in the sizes and finishes you need. With over a century of service National is committed to maintaining the highest level of product quality, innovation and manufacturing technology. Quality metal sheets and rod both threaded and smooth for all for your construction projects. Plated steel has increased resistance to corrosion thanks to its zinc-plated and galvanized finishes. Perforated tubes, slotted flats and angles, smooth rods and threaded rods are among the top popular plated steel products. Zinc plating offers corrosion resistance for all of your functional hardware needs. Review: Quality Product - I used this to make a solid axle with wheels on a generator. A number of reviews have stated this shaft does not properly fit 1/2" ID bearings, collars, etc. I ordered this shaft, collars ( 1/2" ID) and push nuts (1/2" ID) and two 12" tall wheels w/ 1/2" ID bearings. This shaft fit them all just perfectly. I also received an empty box on the first order, the box had a small hole in it and nothing inside. desertcart was nice enough to credit me back and I reordered but this delayed my project for another week. desertcart shipping did not make any adjustments to the shipping container or packing, but somehow the second shipment made it just fine. It really makes me wonder just how much force these boxes take en route to cause the shaft inside to propel with enough force to bust out of the box. Whether or not this is an desertcart or post office issue, this could easily be avoided by just wrapping the ends of the shaft with a wad of scrap paper and a rubber band or the manufacturer could dip the ends in a hot plastic that cools quickly and provides a removable end cap/tip. Either would probably solve this shipping problem. Regardless, this is a quality product, well made, very hard, zinc coated, straight, and tough. Review: Very strong - Exactly as described ## Features - CONSTRUCTION VERSATILITY: Premium 1/2 in x 36 in smooth steel rod engineered for axles on wagons, carts, and diverse DIY construction projects with exceptional durability and reliable performance for interior and exterior applications. - ZINC PLATED PROTECTION: Advanced zinc plating finish provides superior corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance in harsh environments, making this steel rod ideal for outdoor projects and industrial applications requiring weather protection. - WORKABILITY FEATURES: Steel construction allows for easy drilling, cutting, heating, and shaping to meet your specific project requirements, offering maximum flexibility for custom fabrication and modification needs in construction applications. - DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS: Precisely manufactured 1/2 inch diameter x 36 inch length smooth rod provides consistent dimensions for reliable fit and function in mechanical assemblies, axle systems, and structural framework applications. - MULTI-PURPOSE APPLICATIONS: Designed for home improvement, farm equipment, industrial construction, and builder projects requiring durable steel rods with smooth finish for axles, structural support, and mechanical components. - QUALITY: National Hardware brand ensures over a century of manufacturing excellence with color-coded labeling system for easy identification, backed by proven innovation and superior product standards. - Manufactured from steel - Designed for axels on wagons, carts, etc. , and other do-it yourself projects - Can be drilled, heated, shaped, etc. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B002CTUBM4 | | Best Sellers Rank | #29,706 in Industrial & Scientific ( See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific ) #73 in Fully Threaded Rods & Studs | | Brand | National Hardware | | Brand Name | National Hardware | | Color | Zinc plated | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,657 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00038613179806 | | Included Components | Hardware;Door, Gate & Window Hardware;screen-door-hardware | | Item Diameter | 0.5 inches | | Item Dimensions | 36 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | | Item Form | Rod | | Item Highlight | Cut to Length for Axles, Wagons, Carts and Shop Projects; Corrosion-Resistant Finish, Indoors or Out | | Item Shape | Round | | Item Thickness | 0.5 inches | | Item Type Name | Stanley National Hardware N179-804 4005BC Smooth Rod Zinc plated, 1/2" x 36" | | Item Weight | 2 pounds | | Item dimensions L x W x H | 36 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | | Manufacturer | National Hardware | | Material | Steel | | Model Number | N179-804 | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Part Number | N179804 | | Shape | Round | | UPC | 038613179806 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** National Hardware - **Color:** Zinc plated - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 36 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches - **Material:** Steel - **Shape:** Round ## Images ![National Hardware Smooth Rod, 1/2" x 36", Steel, Zinc Plated - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fcv-BU1fL.jpg) ![National Hardware Smooth Rod, 1/2" x 36", Steel, Zinc Plated - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71N6-5ioLfL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color, Size** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: I want to build a push-along riding toy for a toddler. Can this rod be cut in half to use for both the front and back axle?** A: Yes, I cut it with a hacksaw. **Q: What's the best way to connect two of these together?** A: It appears to be a steel rod. If it isn’t possible or practical to weld it, I’d purchase a steel rod coupler and place each halfway in. You can then drill a small hole on each side and tap it in order to thread a screw in. **Q: Is this good for diy barbell** A: This is only a 1/4 inch bar. Best use is for axle for wheels on a wagon , cart ect. **Q: How much are there in the box?** A: Only 1 ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality Product *by W***R on July 25, 2023* I used this to make a solid axle with wheels on a generator. A number of reviews have stated this shaft does not properly fit 1/2" ID bearings, collars, etc. I ordered this shaft, collars ( 1/2" ID) and push nuts (1/2" ID) and two 12" tall wheels w/ 1/2" ID bearings. This shaft fit them all just perfectly. I also received an empty box on the first order, the box had a small hole in it and nothing inside. Amazon was nice enough to credit me back and I reordered but this delayed my project for another week. Amazon shipping did not make any adjustments to the shipping container or packing, but somehow the second shipment made it just fine. It really makes me wonder just how much force these boxes take en route to cause the shaft inside to propel with enough force to bust out of the box. Whether or not this is an Amazon or post office issue, this could easily be avoided by just wrapping the ends of the shaft with a wad of scrap paper and a rubber band or the manufacturer could dip the ends in a hot plastic that cools quickly and provides a removable end cap/tip. Either would probably solve this shipping problem. Regardless, this is a quality product, well made, very hard, zinc coated, straight, and tough. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very strong *by D***F on April 29, 2026* Exactly as described ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good strong axle rods *by J***Y on March 2, 2026* Good product. Straight and strong. Took way to long to get to my house. Could have bought it locally the day I ordered it. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/7274757-national-hardware-smooth-rod-1-2-x-36-steel-zinc](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/7274757-national-hardware-smooth-rod-1-2-x-36-steel-zinc) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-09-06*