Gas Struts

[Ashley Burton]

Currently building some storage cabinets for my van, But I can't find any clear & simple information on what I require to do the job!

The Doors are 350mm x 500mm & weigh under 1KG each

Going by what I have found I believe a 50nm gas strut would do the job? But I'm also questioning if I should have single or double gas struts on each door?

Finally any tips when installing them?

Many Thanks

 

[hotponyshoes]

There is a really good calculator on one of the suppliers sites if I can remember it..
I would go for double as it makes it a lot nicer to use and stops the door twisting.
You can also get adjustable ones (you let some gas out once fitted) good for prototypes but if this is a one-off just do the maths first.
Install upside down so the oil in the cylinder lubricated the ram.

 

[R-D-R]

there is a good calculator on one of the sites i cant find it though. SGS-engineering are good i've used them take a look at their site. If you email them they will calculate if for you. I needed one for a large roof box sent them the weight, dimensions and they got it bang on.

 

[mr haynes]

maybe?

https://www.ace-ace.com/com/calcula...05-03-2019&utm_content=banner&utm_term=banner

 

[Paul.]

Metrol Springs on Moulton Park are who I use trade counter is temporarily closed though, nice little design tool they have so you can order online.
https://www.metrol.com/metrol-gas-struts-design-service

 

[Parm]

There is a really good calculator on one of the suppliers sites if I can remember it..
I would go for double as it makes it a lot nicer to use and stops the door twisting.
You can also get adjustable ones (you let some gas out once fitted) good for prototypes but if this is a one-off just do the maths first.
Install upside down so the oil in the cylinder lubricated the ram.

Would you be good enough to share any info you have please? Ashley has reminded me of a similar project t I’ve got in mind

 

[500e]

We have found SGS quick & helpful

 

[Parm]

Would you be good enough to share any info you have please? Ashley has reminded me of a similar project t I’ve got in mind

Hold on, just read your post again.

How do you drain oil from a gas strut?

Aren’t gas struts sealed?

 

[500e]

Don't know about draining oil or gas but SGS have put more pressure in struts for us (
did the maths wrong) but not let them down so would be interested as well

 

[hotponyshoes]

You dont drain any of the oil, they come over pressurised with gas and then you let some out a bit at a time until you get the operation of them perfect.
You can then read the gas pressure if you have the kit or you can send them back and they will read it and supply further sealed (cheaper) ones at the same pressure.

 

[Ton-up]

Another vote for SGS gas struts from me!

 

[hotponyshoes]

I have a load of info at the unit if you need anything specific.
Adjusting:
https://strutsdirect.metrol.com/sto...as-struts/variable-force-gas-struts/sd01.html

Wont let me link, go to that page and click on the Safety Information pdf

 

[stuvy]

You dont drain any of the oil, they come over pressurised with gas and then you let some out a bit at a time until you get the operation of them perfect.
You can then read the gas pressure if you have the kit or you can send them back and they will read it and supply further sealed (cheaper) ones at the same pressure.

exactly this

really easy just do it but at time

 

[hotponyshoes]

https://www.gasspringsshop.co.uk/ga...vradRdXlJazcdqI9Y8YbhndMt5ZkGDkxoCQGAQAvD_BwE

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/how-to-calculate-the-force-required-for-a-gas-strut/

I cant find the one we use (might be pc software rather than online?)

Use the SGS one to get the numbers then pop those numbers into the one in the first link if needed.

 

[hotponyshoes]

If it's for something like a big heavy ramp on a horse box we would do the maths on it as struts that size start getting expensive.
If you are 10% out you will not really notice it on something that weighs that much.

For something like locker doors on the side of a lorry or pickup truck we work out where they look good fitted, normally about 1/4 of the way up the frame and 1/3 of the way down the door. See what the nearest stock length is and adjust the position to suit what's available from stock.
Then order a pair of the adjustable ones, fit and adjust until it feels good. If you send them both back they will take the pressures from both and supply sealed ones based on that.
So if you dont adjust both perfectly they will work this out when you send them back, so if one was 50psi and knew was 60psi when returned the new ones would be sent out at 55psi each. (I have made those numbers up)

If it's a one-off project and you dont need many or need them all at different ratings you could just buy the adjustable ones and use them.
Tip: fit and adjust the ones to the heaviest door first. Then if you accidently let too much gas out you can still use those struts on a lighter door.
I'm not convinced the adjustable ones dont leak and loose pressure eventually but never used them long term myself but some of the ones I have used for test fits and then dragged back out of the cupboard a year or so later dont seem to have as much force as when I put them away. Never written anything down so not sure.
They are not that much more expensive if you only need a few though. You could fit, adjust, remove and measure the force of them then refit and use and then order the sealed ones later if you did have problems.

Another tip,
For higher up doors like gullwing doors or tailgate on a pickup truck go 10% lighter that you think you need. Consider what it's like to close the door one-handed with a box of crap under one arm. If its something brand new you have made remember in a years time the hinges and catches will all be a bit stiffer unless you are good at oiling stuff up regularly!

For lower down stuff like under belly lockers on a lorry consider what you are using the locker for. If it's got a generator in there and you might be using the door to pull yourself back up after spending an hour on your knees trying to get it started maybe go up 25% on the struts for that.

 

[LandRoverTom]

Another vote for SGS Engineering from me. Though not used them for gos struts (yet, that's another one on the 'to do list') but used them for other bits and they've always been helpfull to deal with and quick to deliver