Gas Springs

Gas springs are components that you can ill-afford to overlook where the lifting or movement of various weights are concerned. Often simple in their design, these components - also called gas struts - are precision-engineered for maximum performance. And, at RS, we have a wide range of gas pressure springs for you to choose from.

Need stainless steel gas springs? Could a carbon steel option be more suitable for your intended use? Our online gas spring shop contains various options - no matter the material, force, stroke, or shaft size. You can also be sure that we only supply components from the best manufacturers. So, why not browse our product range and find what you need with RS?

What are gas springs?

As the name suggests, gas springs are mechanical components that are powered by compressed nitrogen gas. In some cases, oil-based lubricant may also be present. Either way, you commonly find these components used in lifting applications - especially where sizeable forces are involved.

The spring element, however, is not a coiled piece of metal in the conventional sense. Instead, a precision rod is attached to a piston - and this is housed in a metal cylinder.

Gas springs are often found in door systems and structures. But they are versatile components - with other uses including vehicle compartments (e.g., the tailgate) and adjustable furniture. And thanks to the use of compressed gas, gas springs offer controlled movement when supporting or opposing forces.

How does a gas spring work?

The movement generated by gas springs is driven by the rod and piston design within its tubular casing. By applying force to the part of the rod that sticks out of the casing, it exerts pressure on the piston head. In turn, this compresses the gas contained inside and drives the movement.

Once that force is no longer applied, the gas decompresses. At the same time, the piston returns to its starting position.

The volume of the gas inside the component is always constant because it is sealed by its very design. The design, however, also enables gas to pass through (or around) the piston. This creates two separate pockets with different surface areas.

As the piston rod moves inside the cylinder, the volume of the gas reduces. But the pressure will now act over a larger area on the internal face of the piston. This will generate the 'output' force, which will be equal to the area taken up by the piston multiplied by the internal pressure.

Need help finding the right gas springs?

Different uses can require different amounts of force so it's important that you choose the right gas spring. The filters on this page allow you to base your search on attributes such as stroke length, shaft size, material, and total force. But there are also two main types of which you should be aware:

Compression gas springs

This can sometimes be referred to as a 'standard' gas spring. This is because it provides reliable movement in lifting and counterweight situations. Typically, the force exerted is much greater in comparison to an adjustable locking spring. And the action of the rod and piston is typically two-way - one to compress the gas within the cylinder and two to release that pressure.

Adjustable locking gas springs

The adjustable locking gas pressure spring is useful when you might need more flexibility in your chosen application. With these components, the rod can be locked in different positions upon the release of pressure. One example of this is the Camloc 005520-06 six-position gas spring. This is suitable for uses in which a variable release of pressure is beneficial - such as adjustable seating.

On top of this, you'll need to have a firm idea of the weight and dimensions involved. What parts need moving? How will the center of gravity be affected? And what force is required to move the moving parts? You can always contact our team if you need help - or check out our expert hub.

Find and order your gas springs online

RS is the leading gas springs distributor in the USA and wider North America with manufacturers such as our own brand RS Pro, Greenlee, and Camloc. It means you can depend on all our products to be of the very highest quality. In addition, you'll also be able to find exactly what you need for the job at hand. It even includes critical accessories such as stainless-steel gas spring brackets and short clevis.

Order online today.