Gas Struts

A gas strut, also known as a gas spring strut or gas spring, is a mechanical device that provides controlled motion, damping, and load support using compressed gas. They are used across industries in machinery, vehicles, and equipment for lifting, lowering, and counterbalancing applications.

How Does A Gas Strut Work?

A gas spring or gas strut contains a sealed cylinder filled with compressed nitrogen gas. Inside, a piston rod moves through a guide and seal system. As the piston moves, gas is compressed or decompressed, creating a controlled resistance or force.

All gas struts operate based on these key principles:

• Compression generates lifting or support force.
• The seal system prevents gas leakage and maintains consistent performance.
• Oil damping is often added for controlled speed or smooth motion.

Applications range from boot struts in vehicles to heavy duty gas struts used in industrial equipment.

Types Of Gas Strut

There are multiple types of gas spring strut configurations to suit different applications.

Standard Gas Strut (Compression Gas Strut)

The most common type, providing extension force when compressed. Widely used in automotive hatches, machine guards, and access panels.

Lockable Gas Strut

These can be locked in position at any point in their stroke. Common in adjustable seating, hospital beds, and equipment where variable positioning is required.

Tension Gas Strut (Gas Traction Spring)

Instead of pushing outward, tension or traction springs pull components together. Used in counterbalance systems, folding mechanisms, and specialist applications.

Adjustable/Variable Force Gas Strut

Force can be altered during installation or service, allowing precise load control. Suitable for prototyping or applications where weight varies.

Stainless Steel Gas Strut

Stainless steel gas struts are corrosion-resistant and suitable for marine, medical, and outdoor environments such as mining. Stainless gas struts are often specified where hygiene, durability, and weather resistance are critical.

Dampened (Slow-Release) Gas Strut

These integrate damping oil for controlled motion, preventing slamming or sudden closure. Used in lids, hatches, and covers requiring safe, gradual operation.

Swivel Eye/Special Mount Gas Strut

Designed with alternative end fittings such as swivel eyes, clevises, or ball joints to suit specific installation geometries.

Custom/Heavy-Duty Gas Struts

Heavy-duty gas struts are built for high loads, long service life, and large equipment. They are found in industrial enclosures, mining equipment, and commercial vehicles.

Gas Strut Sizes

Gas struts are available in a range of sizes, strokes, and force ratings in Australia. Standard measurements include:

• Stroke length: Typically from 50 mm to over 700 mm.
• Force rating: From 50 N (light duty) up to 2500 N (heavy duty).
• Rod diameter: Usually 6–14 mm.
• Cylinder diameter: Typically 15–40 mm.

Correct specification depends on application requirements, load weight, mounting orientation, and expected service life.

Industrial Applications Of Gas Struts

Automotive

Gas lift struts are standard in vehicles for boot lids, bonnets, and hatchback doors, ensuring controlled opening and closing without sudden movement. Heavy-duty struts are also specified in commercial vehicles, buses, and construction equipment, where larger panels or hatches must be securely supported.

Industrial Machinery

In manufacturing and production facilities, gas spring struts are critical for safety and convenience. They are fitted in machine guards, maintenance covers, and access hatches, where operators require consistent and controlled force to handle heavy panels. Adjustable and lockable gas struts are often chosen to hold covers in a fixed position during servicing, minimizing risks in high-use industrial environments.

Furniture

Gas springs, like self-tapping screws, are widely fitted in chairs, recliners, and adjustable desks. In office chairs and recliners, gas lift mechanisms enable smooth height adjustment and controlled reclining. Adjustable desks and workstation systems also rely on struts for safe, balanced lifting of heavier surfaces, ensuring stability during repositioning.

Medical And Laboratory

Lockable and dampened gas struts are used in hospital beds, diagnostic equipment, and laboratory enclosures, where precise control is essential, allowing staff to safely adjust equipment with minimal effort. Their smooth, dampened operation also reduces sudden jolts, protecting sensitive instruments and improving user safety.

Marine And Outdoor Equipment

Stainless steel gas struts are specified for use in yacht and boat hatches, outdoor enclosures, and heavy equipment exposed to weather or corrosive conditions. These struts provide reliable lifting and positioning while withstanding saltwater, humidity, and other harsh environmental factors.

RS Australia: Your Trusted Supplier Of Gas Struts And Screws

RS Australia is a manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of gas struts. We provide an extensive selection of products covering light, medium, and heavy-duty applications from door seals, to hexagon nut drivers and soldering stations. We source and stock leading brands such as RS PRO and Camloc Gas Springs.

Browse and buy gas struts on the RS Australia website today. For detailed information on product specifications, availability, and shipping, please refer to our delivery page.