Gas Strut End Fittings

Gas strut end fittings are the essential hardware components used to attach a gas spring to a mounting point on a lid, door, or hatch. They connect to the threaded ends of the gas spring's cylinder and piston rod, providing a secure and functional link.

Gas springs themselves are pneumatic devices that use compressed gas to provide a controlled lifting force or damping motion. Therefore, choosing the correct type of end fitting is crucial as it determines exactly how and where the gas spring can be mounted to perform its function.

Key Uses of Gas Strut End Fittings

The type of end fitting chosen directly impacts the overall safety, performance, and longevity of the gas strut assembly in several key ways:

• Secure Connection: To create a strong, reliable link between the strut and the mounting point, safely transferring force and preventing unexpected detachment.
• Performance and Longevity: To allow the strut to move smoothly and prevent side-loading stress on the piston rod, which reduces wear and extends the strut's service life.
• Easy Installation and Maintenance: To provide a standard method for easy installation, and to allow for the simple removal and replacement of gas struts during maintenance.

Types of Gas Strut End Fittings

Gas strut end fittings are available in a wide variety of styles to accommodate different mounting requirements and allow for specific types of movement.

Gas Strut Mounting Brackets

These brackets are the essential hardware used to securely attach gas struts to fixed or moving surfaces. They are available in a variety of shapes—including straight, right-angled, and triangular—to provide versatile attachment options in both fixed and adjustable designs.

They are commonly used for industrial equipment, automotive applications like bonnets and tailgates, and other heavy-duty environments.

Gas Strut Ball Ends & Ball Joints

A ball joint is a type of ball-and-socket connector that allows for significant angular movement and rotation of the gas strut. This multi-directional flexibility makes it ideal for automotive and marine applications, custom machinery, and any heavy-duty equipment where mounting points may not be perfectly aligned.

Ball Socket End Fittings

The ball socket is the female component of a ball joint, designed to securely house the male ball end (stud) from a mounting bracket. This fitting, often attached to the gas strut itself, allows for smooth, multi-angle movement, making it a popular choice for industrial machinery, furniture, and marine and automotive projects.

Clevis Fittings/Connectors

A clevis fitting is a U-shaped connector that attaches to a mounting point using a pin or bolt, creating a strong, single-axis pivot for the gas strut. This type of secure and often quick-release connection is widely used for industrial machinery, custom equipment, and various automotive applications.

How to Choose the Right Gas Strut End Fitting

Selecting the correct end fitting ensures the safety, reliability, and proper function of the entire assembly. To make the best choice, consider these key factors.

• Load Capacity: The end fitting must be rated to handle the force exerted by the gas spring. Using an underrated fitting is a common mistake that can lead to mechanical failure and safety hazards.
• Material and Environment: To prevent corrosion, choose a material compatible with the operating environment. While zinc-plated steel is fine for indoor use, stainless steel or other marine-grade materials are essential for outdoor, high-humidity, or coastal applications.
• Size and Thread Specifications: An incorrect thread is a common compatibility error. The fitting's thread size (e.g., M6, M8) and pitch must exactly match the thread on the gas strut's piston rod and cylinder. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for both parts to ensure a perfect fit.
• Required Movement and Mounting: Choosing the wrong movement type can cause stress and premature wear. Select a fitting that provides the necessary motion for your application: a simple eyelet or clevis for a single-axis pivot, or a ball and socket joint for multi-axis rotation and to compensate for any misalignment.

Industry Applications of Gas Strut Fittings

Gas strut end fittings are used wherever a gas spring is needed to assist in lifting, holding open, or safely closing a hinged component. They are found across a wide range of industries in Australia, from large-scale manufacturing to custom fabrication.

• Automotive and Transportation: In the automotive industry, end fittings are essential for connecting the gas struts that support vehicle bonnets, tailgates, and boot lids. They are also used on doors and storage compartments in buses, caravans, and other vehicles.
• Industrial Machinery and Equipment: Used on heavy-duty industrial equipment to attach the gas springs that assist with lifting and holding open large access panels, machine guards, and control box covers.
• Marine and Offshore: In marine environments, corrosion-resistant stainless steel end fittings are used to connect gas struts to boat hatches, engine covers, and on-board storage lids, ensuring reliable operation in saltwater conditions.
• Custom Cabinetry and Furniture: End fittings enable the use of gas springs in custom projects, including bespoke furniture, cabinetry, tool chests, and architectural features.

Your Trusted Gas Strut Ends Supplier & Manufacturer in Australia

Find the right gas strut end fittings for your application at RS Australia. As a leading supplier of mechanical hardware, we stock a comprehensive range of end fittings from trusted manufacturers such as Camloc Gas Springs and our own RS PRO range. Explore our full online catalogue to find the perfect end fittings, gas struts, and industrial catches to securely mount your assembly.

Placing an order for your hardware needs with RS is a simple and secure process. Simply select the components you require, add them to your online basket, and follow the prompts to finalise your purchase through our secure checkout system. We have multiple payment options available to suit your business or individual needs. For all details on shipping, delivery options, and our service coverage in Australia, please visit our dedicated Delivery Information page.