How to Know What Gas Struts Do I Need?

Are you struggling to find the perfect gas struts for your project? Look no further! In this article, we will present two easy tips to help you determine the ideal gas struts that meet your specific needs.

I. Style Selection

Identifying Whether You Need Soft Close or Lift Support Gas Strut

To determine the gas strut style we need, we should understand the needs of our project. In a previous article titled “Damper Or Gas Strut: Which One Do You Need?“, we explored the distinctions between Soft Close Gas Springs and Lift Support Gas Springs.
Soft close hinges are designed to slow down the closing speed of a lid, while lift support gas struts automatically elevate and keep the lid open until manually closed. Thus, Understanding the specific function your project demands will enable you to choose the appropriate style.

In most cases, items like toy boxes or chests often benefit from soft close gas struts to prevent slamming and reduce the risk of injury to children’s fingers. For rod lockers, tailgates, toolboxes, or boat hatches, lift support offers enhanced convenience as it consistently holds the door, freeing both of your hands for easy access.

II. Determine Specifications

1. Know Your Project Dimension

The first method to find ideal gas struts for your project is to know the dimensions of the application, such as the lid weight and cover height. Then, with these data, we can figure out the size of gas struts that we need.

(1) What Extended Length is Required?

In general, the extended length of the gas struts should be around 60% to 70% of the lid height. For instance, if the lid height or side length is 20 inches, the calculation would be Extended Length = 20 * 60% inches, resulting in 12 inches.

(2) What Force is Required?

Regarding force, we should know the lid weight first. In this process, we need to use a scale, whether it’s a bathroom scale or any other type. Position your lid at various distances from the fulcrum and weigh it using a broom handle or a similar item. Then, employing two gas struts allows you to evenly distribute the force by dividing it in half for each strut.

(3) What Stroke is Required?

When considering the stroke, measure the required distance the gas struts need to move. As you’re likely aware, the stroke is the disparity between the extended length and the compressed length. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the stroke stays within the operational capacity of the gas struts.

Completing these three calculations enables the determination of the precise specifications for the gas struts you need.

2. Quicker Methor to Find the Gas Struts You Need

(1) Simplify the Process by Measuring Old Struts

If you know the lid weight and still keep the old gas struts, streamline the process by taking measurements. Record the gas struts’ specifications, noting both the stroke and extended length, as a more straightforward alternative to complex traditional calculations.

(2) Search Part Number

If you can find the part number for your existing gas struts, just google it to know its’ specifications, including ‘Force’, ‘Extended Length, and ‘Stroke’. Let’s take Stabilus Lift-O-Mat 8851SQ as an example, by searching the part number online, you can retrieve its original specifications: Stroke (3.15 inches), Extended Length (9.25 inches), and Force (22 lbs). Utilize this information to match with new gas struts. For instance, Apexstone 10″ 100N gas struts closely match these specifications, so you can confidently replace the old struts with the new ones.

III. Conclusion

By following these tips, you should now have a clear understanding of how to identify the gas struts that best suit your project. Shop now and find the ideal gas strut replacement! In cases where ideal replacements are not readily available, consider opting for Apexstone custom gas strut services to ensure a perfect fit for your specific requirements.