Selecting the correct gas strut is essential for ensuring smooth, safe, and effective motion control in a wide range of applications. Whether you’re working with vehicle compartments, machinery panels, marine equipment, or custom furniture projects, choosing the right strut will enhance functionality and extend the life of your equipment. With over 30 years of experience, Schutts Industrial provides expert guidance and high-quality products to meet your specific needs.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure you choose the right gas struts for your project.
1. Understand Your Application
Start by identifying how the gas strut will be used. Will it lift, lower, or hold a panel, hatch, or lid in place? Consider factors such as:
- The weight of the object to be supported
- The angle at which the strut will operate
- Environmental conditions (e.g., outdoor use, exposure to moisture or chemicals)
Understanding the application helps narrow down the size, force, and materials needed for your struts.
2. Measure Correctly
Accurate measurements are key. You’ll need to know:
- Extended length (from end to end when fully open)
- Compressed length (when the strut is closed)
- Stroke (the distance the rod travels between extended and compressed)
These dimensions help ensure a perfect fit. If you’re replacing an existing strut, it’s best to use its measurements as a guide.
3. Calculate the Required Force
The force rating, measured in Newtons (N), determines how much load the gas strut can support. Choosing too little force means the strut won’t lift the object, while too much force could damage components or make closing difficult.
Schutts Industrial offers an easy-to-use online gas strut calculator, allowing you to input your measurements and receive the correct force recommendation instantly.
4. Choose the Right Materials
Environmental exposure matters. For dry, indoor settings, standard steel struts may work well. But for marine, coastal, or industrial environments, stainless steel struts are better suited due to their corrosion resistance.
Schutts Industrial supplies both standard and stainless-steel struts, giving you options based on where and how they’ll be used.
5. Pick the Correct End Fittings
End fittings determine how the strut connects to your equipment. Options include ball sockets, clevis forks, eyelets, and brackets. Choosing the right fitting ensures stability and ease of movement.
Schutts carries a wide variety of end fittings to match all common configurations, and their team can assist in selecting the right one.
6. Consider Customisation Options
If you have unique size or performance requirements, customization may be the best option. Schutts can supply custom gas struts with extended shafts, special end fittings, or modified damping rates for smooth motion tailored to your exact use case.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gas strut is about balancing size, force, materials, and application needs. With the wide range of products and expert advice offered by Schutts Industrial, you can be confident in finding the perfect solution for your project. From basic replacements to specialised builds, Schutts ensures quality, reliability, and performance in every strut.