Gas struts are used across industries to provide controlled movement, improve safety and reduce strain when lifting or closing lids, hatches, panels and doors. Choosing the right gas strut can be challenging without understanding load requirements, material options and fitting considerations.
Choosing the correct gas strut (also known as a gas spring) is essential for smooth, controlled movement, reliable support and long-term performance.
The right specification improves safety, reduces strain and ensures lids, hatches and access panels open and close exactly as intended.
This guide takes you through a simple step-by-step process to help you select the right gas strut. You will also find links to more detailed guides that cover size, type and operation.
At JET PRESS, we supply adjustable force and stainless steel gas struts for a wide range of applications and our technical team can advise on force calculations, measurements and installation.
Correct gas strut selection helps to:
Improve safety by preventing sudden drops
Reduce lifting effort for operators
Protect hinges and panels from impact
Deliver smooth and consistent operation
Extend the life of the equipment
The force rating of a gas strut must match the weight of the lid or panel it supports. Too little force and the panel will not stay open. Too much force and the panel may be difficult to close.
If you need help calculating the force or measuring an existing gas strut, contact our sales team.
Different applications require different gas strut designs.
Typical options include:
The extended length and stroke of the gas strut determine how far the panel opens and how much clearance is available.
You will need to consider:
Correct measurements ensure safe and reliable motion.
Gas struts perform best when installed rod-down in the closed position.
This keeps internal lubrication in place, which improves service life and delivers consistent operation.
Incorrect mounting can reduce performance or lead to premature wear.
The environment plays an important role in choosing the right gas strut.
If hygiene, washdown conditions or saltwater exposure are involved, stainless steel is strongly advised.
End fittings keep the gas strut aligned and support the correct range of movement. They also help avoid side loading, which can reduce the life of the strut.
Options include:
End fittings ensure the gas strut aligns correctly with the mounting points.
Options include:
Reduce your procurement costs without compromising on quality.
Ensure compatibility with your current applications.
Samples available to test for fit and functionality.
CAD files to support your design process.
