Common Mistakes When Buying Steel Sections (Angles, Flats)

Six mistakes buyers make when ordering MS angles, flats and channels in Indore, and how to avoid each one at the Siyaganj counter.

Bundles of MS rods and angles with painted ends at the counter

Published 9 Feb 2025Updated 11 Oct 20262 min readHM Ibrahim & Co, Siyaganj, Indore, since 1939

Quick answer: Check the section size and thickness against the drawing, buy by weight and check the weight, and ask for straight lengths. Do not swap a section for a cheaper one without your engineer's approval.

Buying MS angles, flats, channels, and other sections in Indore, Siyaganj, or Loha Mandi can go wrong if you don't specify size, quantity, and quality clearly. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them, so you get the right material at the counter.

1. Not Specifying Size and Thickness Precisely

Angles and flats come in many sizes. "Angle" could mean 25 x 25 mm or 75 x 75 mm; thickness can be 3 mm or 6 mm. If you don't specify, you may get the wrong size or a size the supplier assumes.

Fix: Always specify exact size and thickness, e.g. "MS angle 50 x 50 mm, 5 mm thick, 6 m length." Same for MS Flats and MS Channels.

Steel rods stacked in an open yard before loading

2. Ordering by "pieces" Without Length

Sections are sold by weight (per kg) or by length (per metre). "10 pieces" is unclear if length is 6 m or 12 m.

Fix: Specify length (6 m or 12 m) and number of pieces, or total metres. For MS Angles, state size, thickness, length, and quantity.

3. Ignoring Straightness and Surface

Bent or twisted angles and flats cause rework on site. Surface scale or rust may be acceptable for some uses but not for visible or precision work.

Fix: Check a sample when possible. For critical work, mention "straight and clean" or ask for a better grade. Inspect on delivery.

Bundled steel sections laid out on the ground for counting

4. Not Accounting for Wastage

Cutting and fitting always produce some waste. Ordering exact length with no extra leads to shortage.

Fix: Add 5–10% for wastage (or more for complex fabrication). Discuss it with your fabricator or engineer, and tell us at the counter.

5. Choosing Black MS for Outdoor Without Protection

Black MS angles and flats rust when exposed to rain and humidity. Using them outdoors without paint or galvanising shortens life.

Fix: For outdoor use in Indore, consider galvanised sections or plan for painting. MS Channels and angles are available in black; ask for galvanised if needed.

6. Not Getting a Written Quote

Rates change. Verbal "approximate" prices can differ from final bill.

Fix: Get a written quote with size, thickness, length, quantity, and rate (per kg or per piece). Keep it for comparison and payment.

Where to Buy in Indore

We stock MS Angles, MS Flats, MS Round Bars, Bright Bars, and MS Channels. See Structural Items for the full range. Request a quote with clear specifications for current rates.