Installing gas struts can be a complicated task. After all, you need to know in advance what you need to have and how to proceed. Not to mention calculating and putting together the right gas strut. And the worst part is, no application is the same, which means each application requires a different installation guide. Gasspringsshop is your partner when it comes to all matters related to gas struts. We will give you all the information regarding the installation of gas struts. This so that you can order the right gas strut without worry and get started without any obstacles. Read further to find out more.
Gas struts: how do they work?
It makes installing gas struts a lot easier when you know in advance what gas struts are and how they work. That is why we at Gasspringsshop will first familiarize you with the technical side of gas struts. Gas struts, also known as gas shocks or gas springs, are reliable compact objects consisting of a cylinder with a piston. The cylinder contains compressed nitrogen, which results in a resilient operation. The more gas in the cylinder, the higher the carrying force (in Newtons). Furthermore, the valve (in the piston) ensures that the movement – caused by the resilient effect – remains damped. Thanks to this process, gas struts can support different applications in a variety of ways, such as lifting, lowering and positioning. In the image below you can see a demonstration of a gas strut.
We can already hear you thinking: “yes, that’s exactly the object I had in mind for my application“. Good! Then we will now tell you how to buy your own (custom) gas struts and how to install them!
Let’s get into preparations: calculating and configuring (step 1)
Before you order, you must first calculate the desired dimensions of your gas strut and find out how much weight the gas strut must be able to carry. After all, no application is the same. For example, an awning window is something completely different from a cabinet door or a toy box lid. Gasspringsshop has found a way to make the calculation and ordering process a lot easier for you. That is why we consider these actions as step 1 in the step-by-step plan.
The first thing you need to do is measure the dimensions of your application. Make sure that these measurements are extremely accurate, as they form the basis for your struts. Do you have the dimensions of your application? Good job, you can now enter these measurements into our calculator tool (or use our configurator tool when you already have a desired gas strut in mind). Don’t forget to fill in the extra requested details such as the desired number of gas struts, the type of gas strut (steel or stainless steel) and the opening angle! Now press ‘Calculate’ and accept the terms of use.
You will now see a 3D-design of your application with the gas strut(s). It also shows you which gas struts fit your application, which you also order directly online! Finally you will also see some inch points, make sure you write these inch points down or remember them, as you will need these later on in the installation process. Oh, and one last thing: Do not forget to order the displayed mounting parts with your gas strut(s), since these objects are crucial for the installation process. Is it still unclear? In this video we will demonstrate our calculator tools.
Installing gas struts: step 2 and 3
Did you order your gas struts and mounting parts? Then you can finally begin installing your gas struts. Start by marking some screw points on the inch points. You wrote down these inch points while calculating your gas struts, remember? Have you not written the inch points down or do you not remember them? Then you can simply re-enter the dimensions of your application in the calculator tool, it’s completely free! Of course, make sure you mark the screw points on the exact measurements given by the calculator tool.
Before screwing the mounting parts onto your application, make sure that your struts are set to their extended state. Now screw the mounting parts onto the applied markings. For optimal results, we recommend using stainless-steel self-tapping screws to attach each mounting part. After screwing the mounting parts on your application, the only thing left to do is snapping the gas strut itself into place. You can execute this duty by snapping the extended strut onto the mounting parts. We recommend doing this with at least two persons so that one person can keep the application lid in position while the other person installs the gas strut. Finally, make sure you mount the gas strut with the narrow rod end lower than the gas-filled piston. Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a fully functional gas strut!
Did we go a little too fast or do you want to save an explanation for later? Then download the image below in which we have included a short installation guide:
Looking for a replacement for your old gas strut?
We can also imagine that you already have gas struts and that they may need to be replaced. Logical, because a gas strut does not last a lifetime. Of course you want your new gas spring to be identical to your current gas spring. That is why Gasspringsshop also has a super handy tool for this, our replacement search function. For a number of renowned brands, such as AL-KO, Bansbach, Airax Rayflex, Stabilus Lift-O-Mat, Lesjöfors and Suspa Liftline, we offer replacement gas pressure dampers. All you need to know to use this tool is the article number of your current gas spring! As soon as you enter the article number of your gas strut in our replacement search function, you will see an overview with the suitable / similar gas springs. Useful! And yes, this tool is also completely free!
Are you having a hard time finding the part number of your Stabilus-O-Mat gas spring? We have a video in which we tell you how to find your part number! Handy!
Now it’s your turn to install gas struts!
Does the above story sound easy? Great, because installing gas struts is not difficult at all! Certainly not when you use our step-by-step plan above! Are you still not quite sure how to purchase or install your gas struts? Or are you in doubt about our calculator, configurator or replacement tool? Then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you find the right gas strut and mounting parts for every application! If you have any other questions, you can either take a look at our FAQ where a lot of questions are already answered or you can send an email to [email protected].
