Fridge top load door - OUCH &$%£$%%^

Thanks for that reply and for the photographs. I too guessed that about 20kg/200 Newton would do for my lid, but have the additional problem that the locker cavity is not closed-sided, so I have to make up and fix a suitably strong mounting under the locker 'lip' - which is itself curved to form the drainage channel - whilst also bearing in mind your point about not putting any lateral force on the spring.
 
johnphilip said:
Both our fridge door and chart table lid have a brilliant simple strut comprising a stainless coil spring about 10 mm diam and 150mm long. One end fixed to lid the other to the side wall. As you lift the lid the spring snaps straight and holds the lid until you nudge it sideways and it bends double letting the lid drop. Surprised I cannot find on Google.
Click to expand...
+1 ours too, on our last boat at least... simple and effective.
 
Tricia said:
We have top loading ice box, and we just used a simple hook and eye arrangement to keep the lid up when rummaging around for stuff. Easy peasy and not expensive.
Click to expand...
Likewise. I thought about gas struts, springs and such tomfoolery. Then went for a small padeye (hidden just over the lip of the top galley shelf); 1 foot of 8-plait pre-stretched polyester 6mm; 1 plastic hook. Total cost about £6.

I am also fearful of the springs. Just about OK in harbour. Horrid if you're bouncing around.
 
johnphilip said:
Google fails me!

Both our fridge door and chart table lid have a brilliant simple strut comprising a stainless coil spring about 10 mm diam and 150mm long. One end fixed to lid the other to the side wall. As you lift the lid the spring snaps straight and holds the lid until you nudge it sideways and it bends double letting the lid drop. Surprised I cannot find on Google.
Click to expand...
Hi johnphilips, i have just bought 2x 280mm long by 25mm diameter by 3mm thick stainless steel springs and 1 x 65mm by 10mm by 2mm thick stainless steel spring ( all extension springs ) from redroseengineering on ebay. They have a large selection of different sizes and materials. You might be able to find what you need from them. By the way the springs are sent post free. I wanted the springs for a home made sliding outboard bracket. I emailed them and asked if they could put a wight on one spring and see how much it stretched. They very obligingly did that and sent me photos of the spring with a 10 kilo weight on it. I have no connection with the company, just a really grateful and happy customer. They might have something that might do what you want. Best regards Oz.
 
If you have the spring arrangement give it a good clean with a brush once in awhile, you'll be surprised how much muck gets in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top