Measuring Up For Gas Struts

matthewriches

matthewriches

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 Jan 2016
Messages
1,541
Location
Southwold & Ipswich
www.matthewriches.co.uk
Idiot alert!

I've decided that I would like to add some gas struts to my lazarette locker lid. It is about 5ftx 3ft hinged hatch (hinge running down the long edge).

I cannot see any old holes where fixings once existed so I need to ascertain which length, stroke, type, style, etc of strut I require.

How do I measure to end up with the correct length and stroke as well as considering lifting weight?

Any help would be good as would like to get these in ASAP to avoid anymore hatch dropping accidents!


Thanks,
Matt
 
Very few manufacturers use stainless and not worth the extra money IMO. You'll get 5 - 10 years out of a standard set if you look after them. Stainless do look nice though!
 
Hi,
Ok mine is 1.65m wide by 1.2 m deep (hatch) The strut is fixed on the hinge edge obviously 200mm out from the lid/hatch/boot and its anchor is 480mm from the hinge line out on the base. Ram fully open it measures 490mm.

Cheers, Col.

One each side of course.
 

Attachments

  • 20180525_224933_resized.jpg
    20180525_224933_resized.jpg
    230.7 KB · Views: 3
Last edited:
You also have to factor in the strength or opening force of the new struts and the leverage anything beyond the mounting has on it.
 
Lovely, thanks for your help. Going to pick some up locally today if I get a chance.


Colin K said:
Hi,
Ok mine is 1.65m wide by 1.2 m deep (hatch) The strut is fixed on the hinge edge obviously 200mm out from the lid/hatch/boot and its anchor is 480mm from the hinge line out on the base. Ram fully open it measures 490mm.

Cheers, Col.

One each side of course.
Click to expand...
 
I used SGS for 2 replacement struts for a hatch. I had no idea about which power or length I needed so spoke to their sales team who were useless, so was transferred to the technical division.
After some detailed info I gave them I ordered 2 stainless struts which they sent t
 
I way on the same track. I bought several ones, tried each and returned the ones that I did not use. It is really difficult to guess or calculate which strength you will need. Calculating the length is not rocket science. It should keep your hatch at 90 degrees when the strut is fully open and it should be fully in when the hatch is closed. You can make a visual guess about the length. Once you decide on the length, buy 3 different strengths and try which suits the best for your hatch. Do better buy from your local store rather than internet.
 
I fitted one on my digger to lift the rear cover- I had to adjust the strength simply by using an allen key to release a bit of gas to weaken the operation.If you have to do this only release a tiny bit and retry because you cant re-gas them
 
Eren said:
I way on the same track. I bought several ones, tried each and returned the ones that I did not use. It is really difficult to guess or calculate which strength you will need. Calculating the length is not rocket science. It should keep your hatch at 90 degrees when the strut is fully open and it should be fully in when the hatch is closed. You can make a visual guess about the length. Once you decide on the length, buy 3 different strengths and try which suits the best for your hatch. Do better buy from your local store rather than internet.
Click to expand...

Or just buy adjustable ones that you can reduce the pressure on.
 
All done! That was a nice easy modification. Still unsure as to why they were not fitted as I was under the impression they were standard fitment to my Fairline.

Anyway, I got hold of 2x 550mm struts with 8mm eyes on each end. They are rated for a 20kg lift. And 4x stainless brackets.

Bolted 2 brackets to the locker outer frame and used nutserts on the fibreglass inner frame of the lid. This made for a really secure fit.

I set it so the lid opens just past 90 degrees (vertical) so I had the maximum aperture as there are some rather large 'really useful boxes' inside that are difficult to get in and out otherwise.

For less than £60 all in, it has transformed loading and unloading the locker.

Going to replace the aft cabin struts next.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top