What is an Angle Iron?

An angle iron is a flat metal rod that has been folded to a 90-degree angle along its length, resulting in an L-shaped piece. Usually the two sides of the angle are of equal length. Heavier angle iron is often a structural element in buildings, bridges, and so on, while lighter angle iron is used for a variety of supports. An adjustable bed frame, for example, is made of angle iron. Iron and steel are the most common materials used to make angle iron, especially when it will be used in a structural framework. In these cases, the angle iron is often called angle steel or steel angle iron. Aluminum is used when weight or rust are important considerations. Brass angle iron is sometimes used in projects, especially when the angle iron will be visible in the finished work and aesthetic appeal is important. Sometimes angle iron is sold with a powder finish that resembles paint.