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Gas Struts
Gas struts are hydro pneumatic rams filled with nitrogen gas and oil to create smooth, controlled movements with damping effects. Most commonly used to lift car boots, storage beds, lids, hatches, and doors, Metrol stock a comprehensive range of struts available for next-day dispatch, as well as in-house expert guidance.
Already have the part number or force rating? Jump straight to the products.
Need help figuring out which strut fits? Follow our simple guide.
How to choose the right gas strut replacement
Step 1: Identify the force (N)
The Newton rating refers to the amount of force within a strut. The heavier your application is, the greater the force required for the gas strut to assist in the movement of the application.
The force marking on your current gas strut will be the number before the ‘N’. For example, if your strut says ‘NS-FF-10-450-550N’, then the force is 550N.
If the marking on your strut has faded, please provide us with the approximate weight of the component your strut needs to support. With this information, we can provide a variable force gas strut within the appropriate force range. This means that when you receive your strut, you can degas it slowly until you achieve the force needed.
Step 2: Measure the rod and body diameter of the gas strut
Use vernier calipers or a tape measure across the rod.
Use vernier calipers or a tape measure across the body.
Step 3: Measure the stroke of the gas strut
Use a tape measure. This is the length of the rod, not including the threads.
Step 4: Measure extended length
Measure the extended length of your gas strut. This is the full length of the strut, not including the threads.
Measure the centre-to-centre length of the gas strut. This is the length with the end fittings attached, from one centre of one end fitting to the centre of the other.
Step 4: Choose end fittings
Ball joint end fittings effectively minimise the effects of side loading, ensuring optimum lifespan of the strut. They create a durable connection between the strut and the application.
Materials Explained
Our stock gas struts are manufactured from either standard steel or high grade stainless steel 316. If you require corrosion resistance, our 316 range is the ideal choice, with the ability to withstand repeated sterilisation and exposure to salt water.
For a step further, our Pro-Line gas struts utilise the technology within our NitroSpring range, providing you with the most robust gas struts, even in challenging environments. Not just contamination resistant, they can withstand corrosion, vibration effects, and debris.
Adjustable vs Fixed Force
Adjustable force gas struts should be used when you are unsure of the exact force required. The strut will arrive charged to the maximum force within the force range that you selected upon ordering. You can then use the side release valve to degas the strut in short bursts until the desired force is achieved.
Advantages of variable gas struts are that they make prototyping easier, allowing you to have varied forces across multiple struts on one application and providing you with a fully functioning strut, even if you do not know the exact pressure needed.
However, this option is only suitable if you know the approximate force or weight of the application, and you must be careful not to release too much pressure.
A fixed force gas strut should be chosen when you know the exact force you require your strut to be charged to. The strut will be delivered to you charged to your desired pressure and ready to install. This makes installation quicker, especially for big orders, as you do not have to spend time degassing each one.
Applications of gas struts
Gas struts can be used to for lifting, counterbalancing, damping, tensioning (traction struts), clamping, anti-vibration and as a fail-safe method.
- Heavy duty gas struts can be used to lift heavy doors, lids and ramps in the transport industry, taking the load off of the operator and enhancing safety.
- Stainless steel 316 struts can be used for many applications within the marine industry as they will not corrode when subjected to salt-water conditions.
- Heavy trailer doors – prevents damage to the application by damping the last part of the movement. if your ramp is lifting unevenly, it is time to recharge or replace your strut/struts. Our struts also enhance personnel safety by assisting in the lifting of these doors.
- Upward lifting doors in industrial machinery.
- Space saving furniture applications such as beds.
- Cabinets within the motorhome industry – reduces the effects of vibrations, therefore preventing damage to the strut and components.
- Food processing equipment – stainless steel 316 struts can be sterilised and made using food-grade oil, adhering to food safety regulations.
- Medical – stainless steel 316 struts can be regularly sterilised, keeping the application hygienic and safe.
Do I need to replace my gas struts in pairs?
It is always recommended to replace your gas struts in pairs to ensure both struts are charged to the same force and operating as they should be.
Can my struts be charged to a higher force than I need?
Yes, however, this will provide a stronger lifting force.
What is the difference between a fixed and variable force gas strut?
A fixed force gas strut is used when the force required is known, the strut will be charged to this force and sent out to you. When only an approximate force or weight is known, a variable force gas strut can be charged to the highest force within a set range. When you receive the strut, you can degas it little by little until the desired force is achieved.
UK Shipping Timelines
For in stock gas struts, 1-2 day delivery is available, meaning you will get the goods within 48 hours of them shipping.
For urgent orders, please contact us so we can check availability.
In stock gas strut orders received after 1pm will be shipped the following working day.
Express delivery guarantees you will receive your struts before 12:00pm the next day, as long as you are ordering in stock struts.
Please click here for more information.
Return Policy
An exchange or refund can be made within 14 days of delivery. Please click here to see the refund criteria.
Gas Strut Warranty
All gas struts come with a 2 year warranty, apart from our traction struts, which have a 1 year warranty. Please click here to see the warranty conditions.
Need technical advice? Contact our experts.
Volume orders? Speak to our sales team.