Gas Spring Lift Supports — Steel Cylinder Shocks & Struts for Industrial and Furniture Applications

These gas springs (also called gas struts, gas lift supports, or gas shocks) are sealed, self-contained pneumatic cylinders that provide controlled lifting, lowering, and counterbalancing force for a wide range of industrial and furniture applications. Each gas spring consists of a steel cylinder body filled with pressurized nitrogen gas and a small amount of lubricating oil, with a chrome-plated piston rod that extends and retracts through a precision rod seal at the cylinder end. The gas pressure inside the cylinder (typically 50-150 bar depending on the force rating) acts on the piston area to create an extension force, and the oil provides end-of-stroke damping that prevents the rod from slamming into the cylinder end cap at full extension. Gas springs are available in multiple force ratings — measured in Newtons — and the correct rating for an application is calculated as the weight of the lid, hatch, or panel divided by the number of springs, multiplied by the leverage factor of the mounting position relative to the hinge pivot.

Selecting and installing a gas spring requires three critical measurements: the extended length (center-to-center of the ball socket mounting points when fully extended), the compressed length (same measurement when fully compressed), and the stroke length (extended minus compressed). The mounting ball studs must be positioned so that the gas spring rod faces downward when the application is in the closed position — this orientation ensures the rod seal remains wetted with the internal oil, preventing the seal from drying out and causing premature gas leakage. The ball sockets at each end are snap-fit onto 10mm ball studs — always use the correct ball stud size, as undersized studs will allow the socket to pop off under load, and oversized studs will crack the plastic socket during installation. Common applications include: forklift engine hood supports (replacing worn-out hood prop rods), machinery safety guard lifting, access panel counterbalancing, furniture cabinet door lifts, and automotive hatchback and trunk lid supports. Common failure modes: gas spring no longer extends when released (internal gas charge has leaked past the piston seal — replace the spring, as these are sealed units and not serviceable), gas spring extends too slowly or with noticeable hesitation (oil has migrated past the piston and the rod seal is running dry), and visible oil film on the chrome rod (rod seal failure — replace immediately before the rod scores the cylinder bore).

These gas springs are a universal product suitable for industrial machinery, material handling equipment, furniture manufacturing, and automotive applications. Specify the required force (N), extended length, and stroke length when ordering. For industrial application consultation, contact our sales team with your specifications.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Compressed Gas Spring (Nitrogen-Filled)
• Cylinder Material: Steel with Corrosion-Resistant Coating
• Rod: Chrome-Plated Steel, Precision Ground
• End Fittings: 10mm Ball Socket (Snap-Fit)
• Mounting Orientation: Rod Down (Seal Lubrication)
• Application: Industrial, Furniture, Automotive, Material Handling

Common Applications

Each gas spring is pressure-tested and shipped with protective rod coating. Ships within 1-2 business days. 12-month warranty. Browse our Forklift Spring catalog.