Planning Your Custom Lift Support System
Installing gas struts on a custom project—like a heavy wooden toy box, an industrial machinery panel, or a truck toolbox—requires careful geometric planning. If you guess the mounting points, the lid might not open far enough, or the struts might lack the leverage to hold it up.
Step 1: Calculate the Required Force
Before installation, you must calculate the required Newton (N) force. Use a bathroom scale and a stick to prop the lid open at your desired angle. Place the scale halfway between the hinge and the front edge. Take the weight in kilograms, multiply by 10, and that is your total required Newton force (divide by 2 if you are using two struts).
Step 2: The 20% Mounting Rule
A general engineering rule of thumb for mounting geometry is the 20% rule.
| Mounting Point | Location Rule |
|---|---|
| Upper Bracket (on Lid) | Mount approximately 20% to 25% of the total lid length away from the hinge pivot point. |
| Lower Bracket (on Box) | Mount straight down from the upper bracket when the lid is closed, plus a slight offset towards the hinge to ensure the strut fully compresses. |
Step 3: Cylinder Up or Down?
This is the most common installation error globally. Always mount gas struts with the thick cylinder pointing UP (towards the sky) and the thin rod pointing DOWN (towards the ground) when the lid is closed. This orientation ensures the internal oil sits at the bottom, lubricating the rod seal and providing essential hydraulic damping (soft-stop) right before the lid reaches full extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use just one gas strut in the middle of a lid?
While possible on very small, rigid lids, Yueli strongly recommends using two struts (one on each side) to prevent the lid from twisting, warping, and eventually breaking the hinges over time.
Do I need to lubricate the shiny piston rod?
No! Never apply grease, WD-40, or oil to the piston rod. Gas springs are self-lubricating internally. External grease will attract dust and grit, which will act like sandpaper and destroy the internal high-pressure seals, causing premature failure.
The Yueli Quality Difference
500h Salt-Spray Tested
QPQ & Electrophoresis surface treatment for extreme anti-corrosion.
50,000-Cycle Fatigue
Multi-lip NBR sealing ensuring a 5-10 year lifespan without leaking.
ISO/TS 16949 Certified
Manufactured in our Guangzhou facility under strict automotive QC standards.
Need a Replacement or Custom Gas Spring?
Whether you need an exact OEM replacement or a custom stroke and force configuration, Yueli Springs is the source factory you can trust.
For the fastest quote, please send us:
- OEM Part Number (if known)
- Extended & Compressed Length
- Force (Newtons)
- End Fittings (Ball socket, clevis, eyelet)
- Estimated Quantity