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GAS SPRING SUPPLY · DISTRIBUTORS · EQUIPMENT BUILDERS · OEMsales@horizongasspring.com
Horizon Gas Spring original logoHORIZONGAS SPRING
TECHNICAL BUYING GUIDE

Read the part. Measure the fit.

A practical guide to gas spring dimensions, force markings, connections and working principles. Keep the complete assembly in view when comparing a replacement.

01 / MEASURE THE ASSEMBLY

Use the same reference points.

Gas spring extended and compressed mounting lengths and strokeL1 · fully extendedL2 · fully compressedStroke S = L1 - L2Measure between the same mounting references, with both end fittings included.Schematic. Remaining rod/neck and end-fitting geometry depend on the actual assembly.
Extended length / L1

The fully extended assembly measured between the specified mounting references.

Compressed length / L2

The fully compressed assembly measured between those same references.

Stroke / S

The change in length: L1 minus L2. Do not confuse stroke with the total visible rod length.

End fittings

For eyelets or ball sockets, include the specified mounting centers. Threaded bare ends use the drawing datum.

Support the lid or equipment independently before inspecting a fitted gas spring. Do not force a pressurized gas spring closed by improvised means to obtain a measurement.

02 / FORCE & UNITS

Keep the number and its unit together.

A marking such as 300 N describes force. It does not mean the gas spring can safely support a 30 kg lid in every installation.

The required force depends on the panel weight, center of gravity, mounting geometry, opening position and number of supports. For a replacement, record the original force marking and the complete part reference.

For locking gas springs, extension force and locking load are different specifications.

ConvertRelationship
Length1 in = 25.4 mm
Force1 lbf ≈ 4.44822 N
Example300 N ≈ 67.4 lbf

Conversions do not establish a product force rating or an approved mounting arrangement.

03 / THE MOUNTING INTERFACE

Identify both ends separately.

Ball socket & stud

Ball socket & stud

Record ball diameter, socket thread, stud thread and retaining arrangement.

Eyelet connection

Eyelet connection

Record bore diameter, width, thread and mounting-center position.

Clevis connection

Clevis connection

Record pin diameter, inside width, thread and center length.

04 / A LOOK INSIDE

Understand the component you are matching.

Simplified gas spring cross section with pressure tube, piston rod, seal, gas and oilPressure tubePiston / flow pathSeal & guidePiston rodLubricating / cushioning oilPressurized nitrogenConventional compression-gas-spring principleSimplified section: internal details vary by design. Not a product-specific assembly drawing.Gas springs are pressurized components. Do not open, puncture or heat them.

Compression gas spring

Pressurized nitrogen provides outward force. The rod moves through a sealing and guide assembly; the piston and flow path influence motion. Oil supports lubrication and, in suitable designs, end-position cushioning.

Locking and traction designs

A lockable gas spring adds a controlled valve function. A traction gas spring pulls toward retraction. These functions cannot be identified from a similar-looking outer tube alone.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Have a part number, dimensions or a parts list?

Send the reference and quantity for each item. We will match the requirement and prepare a quotation for your order.