The gas lift for the bed does not compress, what should I do?

A bed is not just a place to sleep. This piece of furniture can be made more functional with an interesting headboard made in the form of cabinets or shelves for books. But this is not the limit of functionality. You can store rarely used items under the bed itself, hiding them from prying eyes. But in this case, free access to boxes and drawers is of particular importance, which can be achieved by equipping the bed with special lifting mechanisms - a pair of pistons operating on the principle of gas lift for the bed.

How to check the work?

After installing the gas elevator, the surface of the bed is raised and lowered several times to check the operation of the device. When the mechanism is installed correctly, lifting and lowering occurs easily, smoothly, silently, without jamming.

If difficulties arise with operation, the cause should be sought in faulty fittings or installation errors.

The gas shock absorber is simple in appearance, but requires careful attention to installation and operation. It should be installed extremely carefully and competently. Correct installation of the mechanism will allow you to use the furniture for a long time without worrying about safety and reliability.

Variety of species

Today, there are many types of lifting devices installed in bed structures. Their differences lie in cost, design features and service life. Also, a feature of each lift is the possible force that can be applied to a specific structure.

Depending on the principle of operation, all lifts can be divided into the following types:

a manual mechanism on hinges is the simplest and cheapest option presented. Today there are very few beds with such a mechanism, since it requires more effort when lifting and can also deform the bed frame;
The spring type lifting system is very simple and convenient to use. Doesn't require much effort. The service life of the mechanism lasts no more than 5 years. As a rule, later the springs begin to stretch and become unusable;
The mechanism based on gas shock absorbers is very easy to use. The mechanism operates smoothly, silently and reliably. With proper calculation and selection of a shock absorber, it can last more than 10 years. For the bed cabinet, the equipment includes a pneumatic gas lift equipped with two stops.

In order to ensure the most comfortable and convenient lifting of the bed, you should opt for a lifting mechanism with gas shock absorbers. Its cost, compared to other analogues, is high, but this is fully compensated not only by convenience, but also by safety.

The gas elevator itself is divided into 2 types:

automatic, which does not require human effort and control;
friction, which has less pressure, allowing the device to stop in different positions.

Automatic designs are most suitable for beds.

What is it and its purpose

A gas lift is a special mechanism designed to lift surfaces connected to it. In terms of its operating principle, this mechanism is similar to automobile shock absorbers.

The gas bed lift consists of the following parts:

a cylinder whose interior is filled with gas, most often nitrogen. It is important to note that the gaseous composition of the cylinder is under very high pressure, so self-disassembly of this element is not recommended;
a piston with a rod that serves to transmit the applied force to the external environment;
oil damper ensuring smooth running due to the shock-absorbing effect.

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

How to repair it yourself

If the gas lift has stopped working and the mechanism needs to be repaired, to do this it is necessary to establish the true cause of the breakdown.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the weight of the structure, since with a small load the mechanism will not work. The spring is compressed in the structure only under full load conditions.
Elimination of errors made during the assembly process is carried out by dismantling the entire structure. Re-installation is carried out taking into account the correct selection (adjustment) of parts to each other.
The quality of the fittings influences the good functionality of the bed. Therefore, for gas lift installation, it is better to purchase spare parts from trusted manufacturers.

Important! When installing and repairing, you should use the manufacturer's instructions.

In order to make repairs yourself, certain skills and knowledge are required, the absence of which can lead to poor quality work. To ensure that basic repairs do not spontaneously become major repairs, you need to contact experienced craftsmen to do the repairs.

What to consider when choosing

Since there are many types of gas elevators on the market today, it is worth understanding what to look for when choosing:

it is necessary to calculate the required load-carrying capacity of the device. To do this, you will need to know the mass of the bed, its height;
depending on the obtained load capacity indicator, select the right one;
When choosing, you also need to pay attention to the mounting diameter of the hole.

When purchasing a gas elevator, you cannot save money, since the quality of the product directly depends on the cost. A cheap mechanism will not last long.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a gas elevator:

ease of operation;
silent raising and lowering of the surface;
when using liquid nitrogen in the shock absorber, the metal parts of the bed do not rust and the rubber gaskets do not deteriorate;
convenience and ease of use (no effort required, as is the case with spring furniture);
reliability (rare breakdowns of gas lifts);
minimal risk of injury - moving parts are hidden under the casing;
a wide range of.

The gas lift mechanism allows you to fold and unfold the bed about 20 thousand times, which is an approximate service life of several decades.

Flaws:

unaesthetic appearance of the bed - gas lifts are partially visible;
It is impossible to immediately determine the quality of the parts.

The conditional disadvantage of gas lift is the high price . However, it is compensated by a longer service life provided that it is installed correctly.

Wholesale sale of reliable furniture fittings

With the help of an online store, the Elimet company is engaged in wholesale deliveries of modern fittings to anywhere in Russia. Are you looking for a reliable gas lift for your sofa?

Especially for you, we have created a convenient catalog, thanks to which you can familiarize yourself with all the company’s products.

Each lifting mechanism is described in detail - you can familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of the facade lift.

Can't make a choice on your own? — A qualified manager can always help you. If necessary, you can also clarify the delivery conditions and cost of the goods.

Buy furniture fittings from a reliable supplier. Complete kitchen cabinets, sofas and beds. Delivery conditions are described in the corresponding section.

Do-it-yourself gas bed lift repair

Modern double beds are most often equipped with a lifting mechanism.

This system is called a gas lift; it ensures a smooth lifting of the bed along with the mattress into a vertical position. This feature of the beds makes it possible to remove them if necessary, which significantly saves space during the day. If the bed is in the bedroom, then with the help of such a mechanism access to the linen drawer is provided.

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

Principle of operation

Gas lifts come in several types, but often those used in beds allow the structure to be opened upward.

There are only 2 main types:

Automatic. When the bed is raised, the gas expands, which puts pressure on the piston. The last element, in turn, pushes the bed up, minimizing human effort. For braking, a kind of oil gasket is used inside. This allows you to make the move at the very end of the trajectory much smoother.
Frictional. This design differs from the previous model in the absence of a damper. The gas pressure here is also slightly lower. This allows you to stop the structure in any convenient position. Beds are rarely equipped with such elements, since there is practically no need for this.

Installation Tips

A very important point when making beds. All advice is given based on an analysis of the practical experience of professional furniture makers.

Installing a lifting mechanism is a very responsible process.

Lift installation location

Expert opinion Ksenia Petrovna Romanova Expert in the field of interior design, as well as the head of a fabric sales salon

Industrial bed models have only one place for attaching the mechanism - near the headboard to the sides. This arrangement creates more inconveniences than benefits. Why?

In the raised position there is a very large distance between the mattress and the floor; not everyone is that tall. Especially big problems arise for women and children.
The position fixing device is inserted into the mechanism body and consists of one or more levers. When the bed is raised to its maximum height, the mechanism automatically activates and locks it in place. Removing the fixation can be done in two ways: by further slightly raising the mattress and manually by pressing the lever. Both methods cannot be considered convenient. We have already looked at the first one a little; it is already difficult for people with short stature to lift the mattress. And the second method is even more difficult - you have to hold the bed with one hand and turn off the thrust mechanism with the other.

The location of the mechanism at the head creates certain inconveniences

In connection with such problems, experienced furniture makers strongly recommend installing lifting mechanisms not to the sidewalls at the head of the bed, but one at the head and foot of the bed - the bed rises to the side, all performance indicators are significantly improved. But there is one new problem: depending on which side the mechanism is mounted, the bed cannot be placed close to the wall; there must always be a passage.

Raising the mattress to the side increases the comfort of using the bed

Manufacturing stages

The work must be planned in advance; this is the only way to achieve high final quality.

Model selection. Decide on the size and material of the bed. Approximately calculate the amount of materials, additional elements and hardware, find out their cost.
Draw a detailed sketch indicating the overall dimensions of all main elements and assemblies. Make details, prepare working drawings.
Check the tools and special devices; if you have a workshop, clear the workbench.

You need to start by drawing up a drawing and calculating the materials for making the bed

When choosing a bed model, we strongly advise you to soberly evaluate your practical experience in furniture construction. In practice, doing everything is much more difficult than reading about it in articles. Experienced carpenters recommend first making a few simple pieces of furniture with your own hands, and only then taking on complex ones.

How to replace a lift

First of all, you need to choose a high-quality gas lift for the bed. Once it is selected, you can begin installing it:

It is necessary to dismantle the old equipment. To do this, you need to unscrew all the nuts and install new gas shock absorbers in the vacant space. The position should be cylinder up.
Installation must be done with the frame in the open position. First, attach the part that is to be installed on the bed frame, and then attach the mechanism to the frame.
It is necessary to ensure that all parts are securely screwed to the body.
After installing the mechanism, you need to check the smoothness of its operation.

To avoid problems with such a mechanism in the future, it is necessary to take into account its characteristics and the quality of the fittings. Then it will last a long time and will not cause any trouble.

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 are characterized by different parameters and the force at which the spring is compressed. The device must match the size of the furniture. Typically, the dimensions of furniture are standard and there are three main options for gas lifts in size. You need to know the maximum extension of the rod and the length of the folded mechanism.

The compression force is needed when calculating the design for doors of different weights, taking into account the entire coating and fittings. The amount of compression of the spring is standardized and indicated in the technical data sheet of the mechanism, measured in newtons and can be 60, 80, 100 and up to 140 N. Based on the weight of the door, the gas lift is calculated based on a kilogram of door mass per 10 newtons of compression force.

There are many ways to attach. Flat platforms are often used, mounted on the sides of the cabinet with screws and self-tapping screws. Screw-in holders 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:

Meter, ruler or tape measure.
Hammer and pliers.
Drill (preferably electric).
Screwdriver or screwdriver (the latter is preferable).

Step 1. Marking before installation

Before installing the device, markings are made in the cabinet niche and calculations necessary for installation are made. The centers of the mounting points are also marked on both sides of the niche and on the door.

Step 2. Installation work

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

1. First, the bases are fixed to the sides of the cabinet in the places marked earlier.

2. Plates and brackets with springs are installed. The bracket is screwed in and the gas lift head snaps directly onto it.

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

4. The same steps are taken to secure it to the furniture door. The hinge angle should be 8 degrees.

Gas lift installation diagram

Specifications

Gas lifts are unique mechanisms that are used in various fields. Almost all types of systems work on the same principle.

Several technical parameters of these systems should be highlighted:

The gas lift can be compressed by physical force.
The systems can operate at temperatures from -30 to +80 degrees. But this characteristic affects the power of the device. A change in temperature of 10 degrees will result in a decrease in this indicator by 3%.
The operation of the gas lift should not include its movement to top dead center. This can quickly damage the system. Therefore, it is very important to install this structure correctly.
The rod can move at a maximum speed of up to 300 mm/s. In this case, the pressure inside the cylinder does not exceed 160 bar.

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

There are many ways to attach. Flat platforms are often used, mounted on the sides of the cabinet with screws and self-tapping screws. Screw-in holders 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:

Meter, ruler or tape measure.
Hammer and pliers.
Drill (preferably electric).
Screwdriver or screwdriver (the latter is preferable).

Step 1. Marking before installation

Step 2. Installation work

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

1. First, the bases are fixed to the sides of the cabinet in the places marked earlier.

2. Plates and brackets with springs are installed. The bracket is screwed in and the gas lift head snaps directly onto it.

4. The same steps are taken to secure it to the furniture door. The hinge angle should be 8 degrees.

Gas lift installation diagram

5 installation tips

In connection with mounting the device yourself, we can provide some useful tips:

The mechanism must be fixed to the sides of the niche - otherwise the fastening will be skewed.
The door in the cabinet must be firmly secured with two additional furniture hinges.
It is better to choose elevators with a force of up to 80 Newtons; doors of greater mass are not available in practice.
Door fittings must be installed before gas lifts are installed.
When installing a kitchen cabinet, it should not hang on the wall.

The upper cabinets are equipped with a gas lift.

Gas lifts are very convenient and expand the functionality of cabinets and other furniture. The low price and the ability to buy and install them yourself from the facade give them advantages over other structures. The disadvantage of the device is the inability to repair an already installed gas lift for the kitchen. There are many videos on the Internet and complete instructions on how to attach the device. You can place it on a cabinet made of any material.

Advantages of lift-up beds

Gas lifts are installed in various types of beds. Some models are complex transformable systems. In others, the piston is used only to lift the frame on which the mattress rests.

Several advantages of such products should be highlighted:

Practicality.

Durability . Gas lifts not only reduce the load on a person, but also protect the bed frame from rapid destruction.

Simplicity. To activate the mechanism, significant effort and special skills are not required. Even a child can do this.

Variety of designs. This type of furniture is very common on the market, which allows you to select products to suit every taste and color. You can find both rectangular-shaped beds and options with a round bed.

Economical. This is achieved due to the fact that the space under the bed can be used as a locker.

Recommendations for selection

If you decide to change gas lifts on purchased furniture, or assemble it yourself, you will need to purchase new fittings.

Before attaching the first shock absorbers you come across, I advise you to listen to a few fairly simple tips. But they will help you choose the right elements.

You should pay attention to the force with which the spring is compressed and the size of the furniture element where the new fittings will be installed. To withstand an approximate load of 1 kg, a compression force of 10 Newton is sufficient

Therefore, your task will be to measure the weight of the structure, which will allow you to easily calculate the required shock absorber parameters. Most gas lifts are offered with an already fixed load, which ranges from 60 to 140 Newton. There is no point in buying powerful GLs for light furniture. But you shouldn’t select an element that is on the edge of its capabilities.

The size of the door affects how long the gas lift you will need. The longer the spring, the thicker the housing will be.

Placing responsibility on just one elevator is not recommended. At least 2 elevators should be installed per door. Everything again depends on the size of the furniture. This will evenly distribute the load and reduce the wear rate of the fittings.

Adjustment

After the installation of the gas lift is completed, it is time to adjust the structure so that the doors function correctly. It is very important to prevent the doors from touching the ceiling and to make them silent and slow to open and close. To do this, you need to scroll the main fasteners.

In order for the adjustment to be accurate and correct, you need to gradually turn the thread of each gas lift until the doors take the same position.

Due to the use of the described shock-absorbing mechanisms, the service life of kitchen furniture is significantly increased.

What is a gas lift, and why do we need it?

This is a special mechanism used to lift and transform furniture elements connected to it. In its principle, this device is similar to a car shock absorber.

The design features of the gas lift lie in its configuration. It consists of:

a cylinder filled with gas, often nitrogen; It is important to note that the gaseous composition is present inside the cylinder under high pressure, therefore it is not recommended to disassemble such a device with your own hands;
a piston with a drain, which serves to transmit the applied force to the external environment;
oil damper, ensuring smooth running due to the shock-absorbing effect.

The purpose of a gas lift for a bed is not limited to just the ability to store things under the bed. Structures equipped with this kind of mechanisms are able to properly support the spine during rest, eliminating joints and uneven surfaces that negatively affect the musculoskeletal system.

Load calculation example

Your bed weighs 80 kg together. This means that for lifting you will need two furniture gas lifts for a bed marked from 800N. Theoretically, a system of this volume can lift a weight of up to 160 kg, but in practice this does not happen due to the fact that the forces are distributed at an angle.

Do not forget that over time the forces of the devices weaken, so it is permissible to take the model one step larger than the weight of your structure. Just do not buy a gas lift that is too powerful, otherwise it will be difficult to raise and lower the bed frame due to insufficient weight and too high gas pressure in the cylinder.

As you can see, even when choosing a gas lift for a folding bed you should be extremely careful. Taking into account all the described rules and recommendations, you will be able to choose a product that matches the characteristics of your bed. And the long service life of the structure depends on the right choice.

Device and installation

A gas lift is a bracket that raises and lowers the door of a wall cabinet and locks it in the open position. This kitchen mechanism consists of the following elements:

housing, with nitrogen;
a rod moving along the body;
bearings that ensure uniform movement of the rod;
parts that maintain tightness: bushing, oil seal, boot, sealing element;
fastening parts.

The rod is attached to the door using all the auxiliary elements. There are different versions. If installed incorrectly, distortions may occur. In this case, not only aesthetics are lost, but also the functional mechanism will not provide its purpose. Before installation, you need to mark the fasteners. The mechanism must match the design of the cabinet. So, if its internal space has a height of 365 mm, then the gas lift should have a length of 355 mm.

When installing a gas lift, the base of the device is fixed in the side of the cabinet in a pre-installed

the intended place. The bracket is screwed into the marked location and the elevator head is snapped into the bracket.

In some designs, the base is a plate with a hole, installed on screws in the side so that the center of the hole coincides with the applied mark. Next, the hinge head is inserted into this hole and secured. The plate must not be deformed to avoid malfunction.

Installation on the inner surface of doors is carried out in the same way. The angle of inclination of the hinge should be approximately 8 degrees. The correct direction is checked with the rod extended to its maximum.

Application

Initially, gas lift became an extremely useful solution in the automotive industry. Its installation was carried out on trunks and hoods. The driver himself does not hold the structure, since the elevator performs this function instead. The lifts lifted and held a certain weight, preventing sudden falls, damage, etc.

But today these elements have gone much further. The main areas of application include:

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

Elevators can have different sizes, they differ in their design and structure, which allows you to find the optimal mechanism for each specific case.

But we are interested in gas lift as furniture fittings. If you look around furniture stores in St. Petersburg or Moscow, or look through the pages of catalogs in Hafele Shop Ru, you will find a huge number of variations and manufacturers of gas elevators.

Is it possible to fix a gas lift with your own hands?

Repairing such a part of the structure of any chair is not justified due to the high cost of repair labor - it is easier to replace it with a new one than to repair the old one. But, if you don’t want to waste time on a new mechanism, you can try to fix the problem yourself. This does not require special skills or knowledge - just follow the instructions.

The Ukrainian manufacturer Barski provides all its customers with a 5-year warranty on mechanisms and 2 years on upholstery materials. There are no similar offers on the market. In addition, the main misconception of the consumer is that the warranty cannot be “knocked out”; this judgment does not apply to the manufacturer Barski - all breakdowns due to the manufacturer’s fault are eliminated after the consumer’s request.

Reliability

All bed lifting mechanisms have a fairly high level of reliability. But here we need to make a reservation - this applies to products from manufacturers who occupy leading positions in the market for these devices and have earned the trust of customers. For example, the best gas elevators are considered to be German, and spring devices are Italian.

In spring lifting mechanisms, the main load falls on the spring itself, which leads to its wear. In addition, devices of this type do not withstand increased loads on the sleeping area. During use, the springs sometimes pop out and gradually stretch. For these reasons, their warranty does not exceed 5 years.

Gas elevators have a 10-year guarantee and are designed for 20 thousand raising and lowering of the bed, which indicates the high reliability of the gas lifting device. The most reliable and durable mechanism is recognized as a manual device on hinges. The reason is simple - there is nothing to break there.

Finally, advice on how to choose the right bed lift mechanism. Spring devices are perfect for light single beds. But, if your budget allows, it is better to choose gas. Its high price will justify itself - the device will last for many years without repair or replacement. Well, the manual version is suitable for small beds that do not have to be opened often.

When to contact specialists

You need to contact professionals in two cases:

If there is no desire or time to identify the malfunction using your own resources and resources.
If you were unable to identify the defect yourself.

With the first option everything is clear. As for the second, we are most likely talking about incorrect distribution of gas in the piston. Its excess or deficiency often leads to problems in work. There are two possibilities here: the base of the bed either lowers too slowly, it has to be pushed down, or it “shoots out,” which can also lead to rapid wear of the part.

It is unlikely that an unprepared person will be able to cope with this problem on his own. To do this, you will need to replace the gas cartridge in the furniture unit using special tools that are available only to repair team workers.

Bed Furniture

Procedure

Precise adherence to the procedure is the basis for proper installation. By following these steps step by step, you will be able to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the product and shorten its service life.

Preparation and assembly of MDF parts

A large number of bed parts are made of MDF. When starting installation, all elements are freed from the packaging film and inspected for damage. If at least one element has defects, replacement is required. A damaged bed frame will not be secure. The parts are laid out at the installation site so that the side with holes for fasteners is on top.

Installation of box and base

The main parts of the bed are the box and the base. First, the perimeter of the structure is assembled, which consists of three walls and a head back. To do this you need:

connect the walls and the head back to each other using fixing elements;
a base is placed on the constructed frame, which is usually made using wood and a metal frame;
To securely fix all components, tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

In some types of beds, longitudinal strength elements may be provided. In particular, solid longitudinal ties, brackets and corners, fixed to the structure with screws, are common

This feature is important to take into account during the work process.

Installing Corner Ties

The purpose of corner ties is to impart reliability to the assembled structure. The screed consists of several elements:

a corner in the form of a metal plate bent in the central part at a right angle;
bolts for fixing the plate to the frame;
threaded bushings.

To connect the two walls of the bed with a corner tie, the plate is placed on the inside at their junction. Then the bushings are inserted and the bolts are tightened first on one wall, and then the connections are aligned and the fasteners are fixed on the adjacent wall. If desired, it is possible to replace the standard model of corner tie with a modern version, for example, confirmat or minifix, which are distinguished by more compact dimensions.

How to install the lifting mechanism

When installing the lifting structure and determining its sides, it is important to avoid mistakes, as this will lead to improper functioning of the mechanism. The installation process requires the following steps:

Secure the furniture frame to the lifting mechanism. It is recommended to use screws for this. Before final fixation of the fasteners, it is necessary to level the gaps between the base and the frame.
Determine the appropriate level of force to operate the mechanism. As a rule, this information is indicated in the attached documentation.
Install the structure into the lifting mechanism with the cylinder facing up, using nuts with a locking ring and fluoroplastic washers.
Tighten the fixing nuts to the limit, then loosen the fastening slightly, leaving minimal play. After this, you should check the functioning of the lifting mechanism by lowering and raising the structure several times.

Installation of the traverse

The traverse is a special element that performs the function of a screed. Using a traverse, the lower part of the bed frame is fixed. The element is placed along the structure parallel to the longitudinal tension parts. The use of a traverse helps strengthen the structure, ensures stability and durability, and also makes it possible to securely fasten small side elements that most often fail.

Installation of frame and mattress holders

Handles for controlling the lifting mechanism and a mattress limiter that are convenient for everyday use are mounted on the furniture frame. If the bottom of the bed consists of slats, the number of which varies between 15-25, then they are hammered into special holders. Each lamella is secured on both sides, so this step will take a lot of time. The process is completed by installing the bottom of the bed and tightening the cover.