pre oil lifters?

that's what I did my hole life,owned my own shop for 30 yrs.problem is knowing what metal your dealing with.stupid people get lucky everyday and get away with welding stuff together and it works.I have enough knowledge not to try it.grainger shows they have the 5/16 stock in 3' sections for sale,I'll check it out today.how long is the tool you buy from summit or jegs?