Installing a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet: how to attach it correctly

Gas lifts are shock-absorbing mechanisms designed for horizontal opening doors. The mechanism refers to brackets. The main essence of the gas lift is depreciation when opening and closing doors and holding them.

The mechanism helps you open and close cabinets effortlessly, and open the doors completely to see what is inside the cabinet.

The gas lift is completely sealed. Nitrogen is pumped during manufacture, so if it breaks during operation it cannot be repaired.

The list of advantages of an elevator can be compiled from the following properties:

• self-regulation of smooth running;
• reliable fixation when open;
• frictional and automatic opening;
• fastening to any furniture material;
• The door opens even without a handle.

Gas elevator design

The design of a furniture damper is no different from the devices in a car for lifting the rear door of the body. The diagram below shows all the components of a gas lift design.

Nitrogen is used as a bypass medium. To extend the rod, a small force is required, and then under the pressure of the compressed gas it will completely come out of the outer cavity. Lightly pressing the door with your hand will push the barrel inside.

At the bottom of the body there is a loop with two longitudinal holes. The rod has a disk with three mounting holes. The hinge should be attached to the cabinet frame post and the disk should be attached to the back of the front panel.

Types of shock absorbers

Start of work on installing gas lifts: marking

It’s nice to know what pitfalls there are in installing such devices. Therefore, at the same time, a model for marking was purchased. When I arrived at the workshop, the furniture makers laughed, thinking that I had not even thought about it, but when they saw the template in my hands, the joy in my eyes diminished.

The work began with markings. Of course, it would be possible to do without such a plate, but in this case the measurements would take a lot of time, and it is not a fact that they would be correct. And so I spent about 5 minutes marking. I even laughed a little at how their facial expressions changed. However, two years of working in a furniture store were not in vain for me.

Existing types of gas elevators

The design of gas lifts also varies depending on the application. In terms of direction of action it is:

1. Direct action. In such systems, the initial position of the rod should be stretched along its entire length. The direct action system is widely used in furniture production.
2. Reverse action. Here the initial position of the rod is recessed and extends during operation.

There are 3 front opening positions - 90°, 70°, 110° relative to the side of the cabinet.
Depending on the pressure level in the cylinder, devices can be:

1. High pressure. These lifters consist of a rod and a cylinder filled with nitrogen. When the rod enters the cylinder, its volume decreases and the pressure inside it increases.
2. Low pressure. This design consists of a pair of hollow cylinders filled with compressed nitrogen. During compression, the volume of gas increases and the pressure inside the spring increases.

Note! The service life of the low-pressure mechanism is practically unlimited, and its adjustment and maintenance can be carried out independently.

Gas elevators come in different sizes.
According to the design of the mechanism, furniture gas lifts are:

1. Frictional (step-by-step). This is the easiest option when the door is open. In order for the sash to open and lock to the required level, it is necessary to pull it slightly. A similar force must be applied to close the door, after which the mechanism will lower the door.
2. Machine. These are more modern and efficient technological mechanisms that make the furniture very convenient to use. To open the door, you need to press it lightly. After the set time has elapsed, the door will close automatically.

The gas lift locks are as follows:

1. Standard (elastic band). The system is blocked at a certain point in the direction of movement of the piston.
   

   Note! This mechanism takes into account the probability of voluntary movement.

2. Dual. They are elastic when pressed and rigid when pulled.
3. Combined. Such locks can firmly fix the device in both directions. In this case, spontaneous displacement of the spring is excluded.

Kinds

After all, thanks to the reliability of the mechanisms for kitchen cabinets, the furniture will last a long time, and storing kitchen utensils in cabinets will become orderly and ergonomic. The kitchen area will become neat and convenient for cooking.

Furniture hinges are important components for any kitchen furniture that has opening doors. Their range for different needs is quite diverse. Particularly popular in the manufacture of most modern kitchens are systems with comfortable and durable door closers.

A door closer is a compact device specially installed on cabinet doors to allow them to close slowly and smoothly. Gradual and soft closing prevents the formation of paint chips and cracks, which increases the life of the door and the kitchen cabinet as a whole.

Closers must hold kitchen cabinet doors closed. However, they do not guarantee the possibility of a sharp slam of the door if it is closed carelessly. If there is a glass shelf in the cabinet or there are fragile dishes, damage cannot be avoided.

Closers used on door hinges are not suitable for roll-out shelves, drawers and other elements. In such designs, special types of closers are used that have visually invisible special guides. Retractable closers are more expensive than hinged closers, but their price is justified by their reliability and ease of use.

To organize optimal storage in hard-to-reach corner kitchen cabinets, rotating mechanisms are installed, which, when the door is opened, pull out the shelves and bottoms of the storage systems, and when closed, return the entire structure back.

Lifting mechanisms are also useful devices in the production of kitchen furniture. Conventional kitchen drawers are opened by swinging the doors open or tilting them down parallel to the floor, which is not always convenient in limited kitchen space.

Modern kitchen sets today use convenient doors that open upward. Such cabinets require lifting mechanisms with closers that smoothly open to the desired height. Opening the doors and removing objects from the shelves of such cabinets becomes a more convenient process; it is not at all necessary to attach the handles; lifting is carried out by lightly pressing the surface of the door with your hand.

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Application

Initially, gas lift became an extremely useful solution in the automotive industry. Its installation was carried out on logs and hoods. The driver himself does not hold the structure, since in its place this function is performed by the elevator. Elevators lifted and supported some weight, preventing sudden falls, damage, etc.

But today these elements have gone much further. Main Applications:

• furniture industry;
• construction;
• production of doors, frames and showcases;
• medical industry;
• production of office equipment;
• weapon;
• aerospace structures;
• robotics;
• technology and much more.

Lifts can have different sizes, differ in design and structure, which allows you to choose the optimal mechanism for each specific case.

Calculation of gas lift load relative to the size and weight of the facade

Before installing a mechanical device on a kitchen cabinet, the following operating parameters must be accurately calculated and correlated:

1. Gas lift dimensions. Detected when the rod is fully extended. The range of standard sizes includes the following options: 164 mm, 247 mm, 355 mm. This allows you to choose a system for almost any size of furniture.
2. Facade dimensions. It is important to measure the height of the cabinet. Typically the standard height for top opening kitchen cabinets is 360mm. For this option, a gas lift with a length of 355 mm is used.
3. Weight of the cabinet door with all accessories and decorations. The parameter is needed to calculate gas lift power.
4. The pressure in the cylinder, which determines the degree of compression of the spring. This indicator is measured in Newtons (N) and is written on the mechanism body and in the technical data sheet for it. Manufacturers produce mechanisms with the following pressure range: 50N, 60N, 80N, 100N, 120N, 140N, 160N, 200 N. To calculate the required pressure, multiply the weight of the door by 10 N. For example, the weight of the door is 6 kg; so 6 × 10 = 60 N - this should be the gas lift power for a facade weighing 6 kg. You should not choose a powerful system for a light facade, otherwise the door will close too abruptly.

If you choose the wrong gas lift for your kitchen façade, its service life will be reduced by approximately half.

Selection of shock absorbers for furniture

Manufacturers offer options with several markings. On the body you can see such designations as gtv 50n, gtv 60n, gtv 80n and gtv 100n and others. The marking indicates the force with which the device acts on the load.

The table will help you determine the gas lift required for the cabinet facade:

The design forces of the shock absorbers are determined from the condition of installing two gas lifts.

Expert opinion

Alexander Didenko

Furniture assembler at Mabaks

Do not attempt to install 1 lift. This will subsequently lead to a skew of the door, loosening of the mounting sockets and subsequent failure of the elevator.

How to properly install a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet?

At the beginning of work, you need to select a tool and make markings, purchase gas lifts and components. Gas lifts differ in different parameters and spring compression force. The device must match the dimensions of the furniture. Usually the dimensions of furniture are standard and for this there are three main options for the dimensions of gas elevators. It is necessary to know the maximum extension of the rod and the length of the folded mechanism.

Compressive force is needed when calculating the design for doors of different weights, taking into account all the cladding and fittings. The amount of compression of the spring is normalized and indicated in the technical data sheet of the mechanism, measured in newtons and can be 60, 80, 100 and up to 140 N. The gas lift is calculated based on the weight of the door on the base. One kilogram brings a mass of 10 newtons of compressive force.

There are many ways to fix it. Flat platforms are often used, which are attached to the sides of the cabinet using self-tapping screws. Screw supports are used for wooden furniture.

What tools will be needed during installation?

You need a set of tools - one is not enough. If you want to install it yourself, you will need:

1. Measuring tape, ruler or tape measure.
2. Hammer and pliers.
3. Drill (preferably electric).
4. A screwdriver or screwdriver (preferably the latter).

Step 1. Marking before installation

Before installing the device, markings are carried out in the cabinet niche and the necessary calculations for installation. In addition, marking the centers of the attachment points is carried out on both sides of the niche and on the door.

Step 2. Installation work

Installation of a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet is carried out as follows:

1. First, the bases are attached to the sides of the cabinet at the points marked above.

2. Plates and clamps with springs are installed. The bracket is screwed on and the gas lift head hooks directly onto it.

3. The center of the fastening must coincide with the marked one; the base is fixed in different versions with 3 or 4 screws or self-tapping screws. The head of the structure is fixed in the holes.

Important! If the plate is bent, the lift will not work.

4. The furniture is attached to the door in the same way. The hinge angle should be 8 degrees.

Gas lift installation diagram

Main selection criteria

To choose the right gas elevator, you will need to determine:

• type of system;
• technical specifications;
• manufacturer.

Types of gas lifts. Their advantages and disadvantages

To assemble furniture we use:

• direct action lift;
• reverse action lift.

A direct-acting gas elevator operates on compression. This is the most popular version of the lifting system, as it is simple to manufacture, lower cost and easy to install.

Direct acting gas lifts

Reverse-action furniture lifts, on the contrary, work to extend the rod. Fittings are more complex to manufacture, as high precision is required during production, which primarily affects the cost of the equipment.

Reverse action furniture lifts

Gas elevators can also vary in how they open. There are models:

• with a step-by-step design, that is, manual opening. The cabinet door or other folding element in this situation is equipped with a handle that facilitates the process of controlling the lifting mechanism;
• with automatic design. In this case, the lift is equipped with an electric drive that drives the lifting mechanism.

Electric furniture lift

Automatic fittings are installed on cabinets located in a place inaccessible to standard opening (for example, high) or where manual control is difficult (for example, due to the heavy weight of the bed). It should be noted that the cost of such accessories is significantly higher.

Determination of technical parameters

In order for a pneumatic gas elevator to serve for a long time, you will need to determine:

• compression force;
• equipment dimensions.

When calculating independently, the compression force of the spring is determined taking into account:

• weight of the folding structure (facade, bed, rising part of the chair, etc.);
• the distance determined from the center of the axis of operation of the equipment to the middle of the lever (center of gravity);
• height between the center of the system axis and the equipment mounting location;
• number of installed lifting mechanisms.

Data and calculation method for gas lift for furniture

In order not to make complex calculations, you can use the recommendations of experts:

• It has been proven that when choosing cabinet lifts, a 1 kg load will require a lifting force of 10 Newtons. Manufacturers produce lifts of different strengths. The most popular devices for kitchen cabinets are 60 N - 140 N, and for sofas, beds, chairs - 1000 N;
• When choosing lifts for other pieces of furniture, the device classes are taken into account.

If the lift class is selected incorrectly, this does not mean that the mechanism will not work. However, the service life of furniture fittings will be significantly reduced.

The next step is to determine the dimensions of the furniture lift. The length of the gas lift depends on the size of the cabinet door or other lifting device.

Popular manufacturers

When choosing furniture fittings, you also need to pay attention to the manufacturer, since the reliability and service life of the equipment depends on the manufacturing company. Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:

Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:

Installation

Equipment installation begins with securing the mounting base to the side of the cabinet at the marking point. The two most commonly used methods are a spring clamp and a plate. The bracket is usually screwed into the sidewall material at a marked point and the lift head simply slides into the bracket.

If the base of the stand looks like a plate with a hole, attach it with 3 or 4 screws to the side wall so that the center of the hole coincides with the marked point. The head of the elevator pin is inserted into this hole and secured. In this case, it is important that the base plate is not deformed: if it is bent, the lift will not work.

Exactly the same steps for installing the mounting base of the device are performed on the inner surface of the door. Here it is important to ensure the hinge angle, which should be approximately 8 degrees.

Installation of gas lifts themselves into seats

Once all the brackets were in place, I installed gas lifts on them. It's very easy to do. We replace the seat with the ball holder and press while holding the bracket. A slight click is heard indicating that the elevator has stopped. The main task is not to confuse the situation. There is a piston inside the cabinet and a rod on the door.

We commission elevators and continue to work

Advantages and disadvantages

The main purpose of gas lifts is the correct, free, silent and easy opening of the upper drawers of the hood, in which the door opens upward. The positive parameters of installing such a device in the kitchen include:

• guaranteed constant tightness of the doors at the top when opening;
• there is no possibility of the door opening spontaneously;
• installation of a gas lift is quite simple, therefore, with a detailed understanding of the instructions, the procedure can be carried out independently;
• long service life of the structure due to high-quality devices;
• the cabinets open without much effort, and no unpleasant sounds or noises are heard;
• get rid of ugly cabinet handles, which will provide a stylish and modern interior;
• Opening the door is incredibly simple, which requires a little effort to press it with your hand.

If you order such fasteners from special companies, then to create them you can use the same materials that are used in the manufacture of kitchen furniture.

The disadvantages of the products include their rather high cost, so they are often inaccessible to potential buyers. If they break for any reason, repairs will be impossible due to the sealed housing, so you will only have to replace the structures.

How to install and secure a gas lift

Gas lift equipment

Among the huge number of types of gas lifts, differing in parameters and technical characteristics, there are two budget options that are often used for kitchen furniture.

They are fixed with loops on the head of the clasp:

• Spring onions;
• Plate.

The first option is the simplest. There is no need to perform complex manipulations with tools and parts. Simply slide the mechanism onto the head of the clasp with a simple push.

The dish is just as simple. But sometimes there were parts in which the ends of the plate were bent more than necessary.

Therefore, it was impossible to fix the head of the fastener in the loop; it simply did not fit into the hole. There is only one way out: consider the gas lift faulty and do not use it.

Installation diagram

The size of the doorway directly corresponds to the rules for installing a gas lift (see photo above). That is, for a certain opening angle there are corresponding installation dimensions.

On this page of the site we offer you a video showing options for installing the mechanism with overall dimensions. Let this be an instruction manual.

Interesting - the specifics of repairing upholstered furniture depending on the type of fault

ABOUT US

We are a Polish company that... Thanks to perseverance and passion, he has been working on the combination of ergonomics and design for over 20 years. Offering affordable prices and quality products, we create the best models of ergonomic solutions for millions of apartments and offices around the world.

Our range

Our offer consists of 8.5 thousand products - these are hinges, lifts, guides, wardrobe equipment, drawer systems, LED lighting. GTV products comply with the standards of certified European and global centers. We attach particular importance to both the quality of workmanship and the functionality of the design.

Infrastructure

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Purpose and device

Properly installed structures can be used for a wide variety of kitchen furniture. Applicable:

• It is optimal to install them on kitchen furniture, which is used quite often, so it is necessary that the doors open quietly and remain intact for a long time;
• they are often used for installation in the living room, bedroom, children's room or other rooms where it is advisable to install spacious boxes equipped with gas lift doors;
• office furniture is often used with such elements and is considered not only multifunctional, but also has a stylish look;
• gas lifts are optimal for installation when installing facades made of bars;
• they are often used to create poufs or various boxes.

The range of applications for gas elevators is considered wide, which is why they are very popular designs. They can be of different sizes and even colors.

Sources

• https://made-box.ru/details/ustanovka-gazlifta-na-kuhonnyj-shkaf.html
• https://siblimo.ru/gazlift-dlya-dvertsy-shkafa-kak-ustanovit/
• https://severdv.ru/mebel/instrukcziya-i-osobennosti-krepleniya-mebelnogo-gazovogo-lifta/
• https://palitrabazar.ru/fasad/kak-ustanovit-gazlift-na-fasad.html
• https://uripomoshnik.ru/imushhestvo/kak-pochinit-gazlift-v-kuhonnom-shkafu/
• https://pufico.ru/remont-i-uhod/osobennosti-konstruktsii-mebelnikh-gazliftov-nyuansi-vibora-i-ustanovki.html
• https://homius.ru/ustanovka-gazolifta.html
• https://rem.ninja/kuhnya/mebel/ustanovka-gazliftov-v-shkafah.html
• https://onkuhnya.ru/mebel/gazlift-dlya-kuhonnyh-shkafov/
• https://mebluxe.ru/dveri/kak-ustanovit-gazlift-na-dvertsu-shkafa.html
• https://mebelclubspb.ru/kuhnya/ustanovka-gazovogo-mebel-nogo-amortizatora-na-kuhonnyy-shkaf.html
• https://VegaMebell.ru/polki-i-shkafy/gazlift-dlya-kuhonnyh-shkafov.html
• https://PostelMix.ru/kuhni/kak-ustanovit-gazovyj-lift-na-dverczu-shkafa.html
• https://valis-mebel.ru/stoly/gazlift-eto.html
• https://venteler.ru/ustanovka-gazlifta-v-shkaf-s-vytyazhkoy/

Lifting mechanisms for opening doors

When talking about lifting mechanisms for kitchen furniture, gas lift immediately comes to mind. This is a kind of furniture bracket. It is used, but more often for installing kitchen furniture doors that open upward.

The advantages of the mechanism include the following:

1. You can open the doors silently;
2. closes slowly and without popping;
3. the stroke is independently regulated;
4. the door is securely locked in the open position;
5. The gas lift device allows you not to use handles; opening occurs with one click.

With such advantages of the mechanism, the kitchen set will serve for many years with reliability and convenience.