All About Gas Springs

Gas springs (also known as gas struts or gas props) are incredibly versatile springs that consist of a piston-cylinder device containing compressed gas. The near-constant force from the gas springs helps support heavy objects that would otherwise be difficult to move. They are commonly used and seen in everyday life; examples include car trunks or office chairs. In industrial manufacturing, larger gas springs that can exert tremendous amounts of force can be found. They're also used in medical, aerospace, automotive, furniture, and agricultural applications.

TCH is an authorized distributor of Stabilus gas springs. We carry their complete lines of LIFT-O-MAT®, BLOC-O-LIFT®, and STAB-O-SHOC® along with a variety of mounting hardware.
To learn more about Stabilus and TCH products:

In typical mechanical springs, the force increases as you compress the coil while the force remains almost constant in gas springs. Because there are various gas springs and dampers, the mechanisms might differ slightly, but there are shared key components.

Like a bike pump, a rod is attached to a tight-fitting piston that can slide back and forth within a cylinder. When it's pushed down, the gas gets compressed but doesn't flow out. The gas is contained within the cylinder and passes around or through the piston from one end to the other (pneumatic). Compressing the gas in the cylinder stores energy, which then gets released when the piston slides back.

There is no push or pull force as dampers only control speed and provide smooth movement. They can be compression, extension, or both. STAB-O-SHOC® dampers from Stabilus are maintenance-free, specific to your requirements, and will work without defects for years.

TCH can help you select the right gas spring, contact us or use the live chat to learn more!

There are endless possible uses for gas springs, all of which need different requirements. When deciding on a gas spring, consider the following:

1. Locking vs. Non-Locking
   Some uses will require the gas spring to hold its position, like an office chair, while others do not, such as doors. Both non-locking (LIFT-O-MAT®) and locking (BLOC-O-LIFT®) are available at TCH.
   
   
2. Force
   Whether it's for everyday or industrial use, the amount of force required is a massive range. It's recommended to choose more force than necessary and adjust down if needed.
   
   
3. Seal
   Leakage can occur if the sealing quality isn't good, which will eventually lead to failure.
   
   
4. Lifetime
   Gas springs are prone to wear due to being regularly used. While they lose a little force over time, a high-quality gas spring will have a longer life and better performance.
   
   
5. Environment
   Some applications may require specific features, such as being able to withstand extreme temperatures. Choose accordingly to where and how it will be used.
   
   
6. End Fittings
   Gas springs cannot be mounted rigidly and would need a fitting to be mounted properly. With the most popular being eyelets, there are many options, including ball sockets or brackets. Typically made of plastic or metal, the mounting of gas springs should be in mind when deciding.

7. Mounting
  There are various types of mounting methods, at TCH we offer:

For those needing certain specifications, customized gas springs are available on request.
Click here for more information (minimum quantities may be required).