How to quickly install soft close gas springs in 10 min?

What is a soft close gas spring? 

The definition of a soft-close gas spring is a compact device integrating a gas spring and a damper in one unit, which can be called Damped Gas Spring or soft close hinge. Soft-close hinges are commonly used in toy boxes, gates, and door panels. For example, our kids store their toys in a toy box with a hefty lid. It is a disaster if the heavy lid slams down and smashes their fingers. So, with these soft close gas springs, the box lid can be closed at a slow speed so it won’t slam shut, and our kids have enough time to move away their little fingers during the entire procedure.

Preparation Before Purchasing

Before ordering a new pair of gas struts, you ought to check the weight and size of the current lid on the toy chest, box, RV, vehicle, cupboard, trunk, or container to confirm whether the soft close hydraulic damper is suitable for your project.

1. What Chest Sizes are Suitable for 14.2″ Soft Close Hinges?

A single Apexstone soft close gas strut is suitable for a lid of fewer than 16.5 LBS, and a pair of gas struts are well fit for a 33 LBS lid accordingly. Besides, the SIDE LENGTH should be less than 30 Inches. It is suggested to install a pair of hydraulic dampers to ensure the best performance and prevent twisting caused by uneven loading.

2. How to weigh a chest lid?

You would better unscrew the top lid from the hinges and use an accurate scale to determine the weight. If the weight does not match (like 10% heavier than 33 LBS), you can try to install your soft close hinges more vertically than horizontally, it will continue to perform well after multiple attempts. However, Do Not attempt to use the regular gas spring replacement, they function as lift supports, not dampers, and thus do not facilitate a soft close for the lid. Utilizing an unsuitable gas strut device for this application poses a safety risk.

3. What should I do if the cover is overweight?

In practice, Apexstone 14.2″ slow down hinges will still work well in a lid larger than 33 lbs by installing vertically than horizontally as shown in the picture above, but perform best for 22 lbs. If your lid significantly exceeds 33 pounds, it is recommended to install additional soft-close gas struts in the middle for superior damping effects, or the very heavy lid will shorten the lifespan of the slow close strut.

Do three jobs after receiving the toy box hinges

When you receive the gas shocks, check them and the accessories first. A pair of Apexstone Soft Close gas springs contain 2 pieces of struts, a copy of mounting instructions, 2 pieces of adjustable brackets, 2 circle brackets, and 10 screws. You only need to prepare a small cross screwdriver and drill. Then check the Stroke Length (the difference between rod length when fully compressed and fully extended), the Compressed Length, and the Force. Please note that it’s HIGH PRESSURE inside the gas springs, so DO NOT open it, DO NOT approach the high temperature, DO NOT scratch, dent, chip, bend, or paint the Rod, and DO NOT puncture or incinerate it.

Mounting guide

Now let’s install the Apexstone gas spring when all the preparation is finished.

First, open the top panel or door of the woodworking project you want to the desired open angle.

Second, determine the Mounting Points. Prepare a pen and determine the Bottom Mounting Point (mark as point A), it should be 9 inches towards the upper edge of the box, and the distance to the inner side of it is 2.75 Inches. Then, extend the strut to its longest length and determine the Top Mounting Point (mark as point B). It should be approximately 4 inches towards the hinge of the lid/door (do this bracket last so you can line up the closing with the side of the toy box), as the distance to the side depends on the thickness of your box/cupboard edge.

Third, install the brackets with screws to the place we marked just now. Screw the circle bracket to the bottom mounting point(A) and screw the adjustable rectangle bracket to the top mounting point(B). Then prepare the Soft Close Gas Spring with the Rod UP (Rod down for normal lift support gas struts) for optimum lubrication to work best. Now you can press the end fitting connector onto the stud with your hand only, do not use a hammer or vice grips since that will damage our struts.

Last, when all has been finished, try to close your toy box lid or other woodworking project door to check the performance. You can try to move the mounting point and find where it will work best for better performance. Generally speaking, the distance of the bottom mounting point to the inner side should be shorter to best perform. The heavier weight the lid is, the shorter distance is recommended. Meanwhile, the struts do not need to be perfectly vertical. In all, we needed to install them more vertically than horizontally.

I trust you found this information valuable. Explore additional applications for lid support gas struts, such as in Gun Safes, by referring to this link for an easy solution to fix SentrySafe strut failures.

With a decade of experience as a support rod supplier, we are committed to delivering top-quality products, outstanding service, and the most competitive prices. Visit Apexstone Gas Springs Shop to discover a wide range of specifications and models. For any inquiries or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience. Elevate your gas struts experience with us!