How to Install Schutts Industrial Heavy Duty Gas Struts Safely

Installing Schutts Industrial components properly is essential for ensuring smooth operation and safety. Heavy-duty lifting mechanisms, such as gas struts, require careful handling during installation to avoid damage, reduce wear, and protect users. Following a structured process helps achieve reliable performance and prolongs the life of your equipment. Proper installation also ensures that lids or hatches operate quietly and efficiently, while minimizing the risk of accidents. Additionally, well-installed struts reduce the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.

1. Select the Correct Gas Struts

Before starting, make sure you have the right heavy duty gas struts for your application. Consider load capacity, extended and compressed lengths, and the mounting style. Schutts Industrial offers a wide variety of gas struts suitable for automotive hatches, industrial machinery, and other applications. Choosing the correct strut ensures smooth lifting, controlled lowering, and prevents unnecessary stress on equipment components. Always verify specifications against your project requirements for maximum performance.

2. Gather Necessary Tools

Having the proper tools ready makes installation safer and more efficient. Commonly needed tools include:

• Drill and suitable drill bits
• Wrenches or socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Measuring tape
• Safety gloves and protective eyewear

Using the correct tools ensures you can handle the heavy duty gas struts safely, reduces the risk of errors, and avoids damage to the struts or mounting surfaces.

3. Measure and Mark Mounting Points

Accurate measurements are critical. Place the lid or hatch in its intended open position and measure from the pivot points to the locations where the gas struts will attach. Mark these positions clearly. Proper alignment ensures the struts operate efficiently, provide consistent force, and reduce unnecessary wear.

4. Install Mounting Brackets

Drill holes at the marked points and secure the mounting brackets. Make sure the brackets are level and properly aligned. Misalignment can cause uneven pressure on the struts, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan. Schutts Industrial recommends careful bracket positioning to maximize durability and ensure smooth operation.

5. Attach the Gas Struts

Attach the heavy duty gas struts to the brackets in the correct orientation—typically the piston end to the base and the rod end to the lid. Proper orientation ensures smooth compression and extension for controlled movement. Check that the struts sit firmly in their brackets before proceeding.

6. Test the Installation

After attaching the struts, slowly open and close the lid or hatch. Movements should be smooth and consistent. If the motion feels uneven, check alignment and re-tighten brackets as needed. Testing confirms that the installation meets both safety and performance standards.

7. Fine-Tune if Needed

Some Schutts Industrial struts feature adjustable valves to control lift pressure. Adjusting these valves allows you to fine-tune the struts for your specific application. Make small adjustments and test repeatedly to achieve optimal performance.

Conclusion

Proper installation of heavy duty gas struts is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. By selecting the correct strut, measuring accurately, securing brackets, attaching struts correctly, and testing thoroughly, you ensure reliable operation. Investing time in proper installation protects both your equipment and the people using it, making your Schutts Industrial components perform at their best for years to come.