Gas springs, also known as gas struts or gas shocks, are crucial components in various applications, from automotive lifts to furniture hinges. Knowing how to accurately measure these components is essential for replacement, repair, and design purposes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary measurements and methods. Incorrect measurements can lead to malfunctions and safety hazards, so precision is paramount.
What Measurements Are Needed for Gas Springs?
Before you begin measuring, gather the necessary tools: a flexible tape measure, a ruler, and potentially calipers for precise measurements. The key measurements you'll need to record are:
- Extended Length: This is the total length of the gas spring when fully extended. Measure from the center of the eyelet (the mounting point) at one end to the center of the eyelet at the other end.
- Compressed Length: This is the total length of the gas spring when fully compressed. Again, measure from center of eyelet to center of eyelet.
- Stroke Length: This is the difference between the extended length and the compressed length. It represents the distance the gas spring travels during its operation. This is often the most crucial measurement.
- Body Diameter: Measure the diameter of the gas spring's cylindrical body.
- Eyelet Diameter (Inner and Outer): Measure both the inner and outer diameters of the eyelets at both ends. This is critical for ensuring proper mounting.
- Eyelet Type: Note the type of eyelet. Common types include clevis pins, ball studs, and threaded studs. Sketching the eyelet configuration is helpful.
- Mounting Angle: If the gas spring is not mounted at a 90-degree angle, note the mounting angle. This influences the force exerted.
How to Accurately Measure Gas Spring Lengths
Accurately measuring the extended and compressed lengths requires careful procedure:
- Safety First: Handle gas springs with care. Sudden release of pressure can cause injury. Always ensure the gas spring is properly secured during measurement.
- Extended Length Measurement: Fully extend the gas spring and carefully measure from the center of one eyelet to the center of the other, ensuring the tape measure is straight.
- Compressed Length Measurement: Carefully compress the gas spring until it's fully compressed and measure again from center eyelet to center eyelet. This might require some force, depending on the spring's strength; use caution.
- Stroke Length Calculation: Subtract the compressed length from the extended length to obtain the stroke length.
What is the Force of a Gas Spring?
Understanding the force of a gas spring is just as important as its physical dimensions. The force, often measured in Newtons (N), refers to the amount of push the spring exerts. This information is usually found on the gas spring itself or in its accompanying documentation. It’s crucial for correct selection and installation to ensure proper functionality and safety. If this information is not immediately available, you will need to contact the manufacturer or supplier.
How Do I Identify the Right Replacement Gas Spring?
Using the measurements you've taken, you can now easily find a suitable replacement gas spring. Always try to use the manufacturer’s part number if possible. However, if unavailable, your measurements will ensure a perfect fit and proper functionality.
What if I can't easily measure all these parameters?
If some parameters are difficult to measure accurately, it's recommended to take detailed photographs of the gas spring, including close-ups of the eyelets and mounting points. These images, along with the measurements you can obtain, can be extremely helpful when contacting a supplier for assistance in finding a replacement.
By carefully following these steps and taking detailed notes, you can ensure accurate measurements of your gas springs, leading to successful replacements or repairs. Remember that safety should always be your top priority when working with these pressurized components.
