Gas spring calculator
work out the force and the measurements you need
Find the right gas spring for your application, quickly and simply. Our calculator works out the force in newtons, the length and the mounting position of the gas spring — also called a gas strut, a damper or a gas piston — from the details of your installation, and takes you straight to the product in our catalogue.
How does the calculator work?
-
Choose your application
Pick the kind of opening you need — a lid, a door, a lift-up bed base — and look through the examples of common applications.
-
Enter the details
Give the measurements of the lid, its weight, the position of the pivot, the force and the material.
-
Calculate your solution
The tool reads the figures and shows you the gas spring to use, with the exact force and measurements, and a direct link to the product.
Step 1: Select Application Type
Click the image that best matches your use case:
Trailer/Caja
Angular
Vertical
Horizontal
Step 2: Specify Details
Complete the measurements and characteristics of your application:
Hatch Specifications
Gas Spring Details
For heavy-duty applications, using 2 springs improves load distribution.
Need a hand? Get in touch with our team and we will advise you on the right solution.
Trailer/Box
Trailer/Box: For trailer lids, toolboxes, chests, etc. The lid opens outward.
- Trailer lids
- Livestock transport gate
- Chests
- Storage boxes
Angled
Angled: For slanted hatches, solar roofs, access hatches, etc. The lid opens at an angle.
- Solar panel roofs
- Access hatches
- Slanted doors
- Engine covers
Vertical
Vertical: For cabinet doors, wardrobe doors, etc. The lid opens fully vertical.
- Cabinet doors
- Raising camper roofs
- Wall cabinets
- Display cases
Horizontal
Horizontal: For folding beds, fold-down tables, etc. The lid opens horizontally.
- Folding beds
- Fold-down tables
- Lift-up storage beds
- Murphy beds
Processing...
Results
Recommended Products
A solution for every application
Gas springs are used in any mechanism that has to open, hold or close a lid smoothly. These are the most common applications:
-
Ottoman bed struts
Replace the worn pistons of a lift-up bed base for a smooth, safe opening.
-
Doors, lids and hatches
Furniture, chests, tool boxes, floor and ceiling hatches.
-
Bike racks and vehicles
Tailgates, bonnets, roof boxes and trailers.
-
Industrial applications
Machinery, electrical cabinets, equipment covers.
-
Marine and caravans
Stainless steel gas springs that stand up to salt and weather.
See stainless steel gas springs -
Drawer slides and runners
Finish your furniture project with our telescopic drawer slides.
See drawer slides
Choosing a gas spring: frequently asked questions
How do you measure a gas spring?
Three things are measured: the total extended length, from the centre of one end fitting to the centre of the other; the stroke, which is how far the rod travels; and the diameter of the cylinder. The force in newtons is usually stamped on the body of the spring.
What force do I need?
It depends on the weight of the lid, where the pivot is and where the spring is anchored. As a guide, the total force needed is roughly half the weight of the lid, in kilos multiplied by ten, times the distance from the pivot to the centre of gravity, divided by the distance from the pivot to the anchor point. The calculator does this for you.
How many gas springs should I fit?
Normally two, one on each side, so the lid rises straight instead of twisting. If you use two, each one needs half the total force you calculated.
Can I replace my spring with one of a different force?
Yes, as long as you keep the same length and stroke. A stronger spring opens the lid more forcefully; a weaker one means you have to help it up. If the lid will not stay open, you need more force.
What is the difference between a gas spring, a damper and a gas piston?
In practice, none: they are different names for the same component. On bed bases they are often called hydraulics, although they work on pressurised nitrogen.
Need a hand? If your application is not on the list, or the result leaves you unsure, get in touch with our team and we will advise you on the right solution.
Contact us