Gas Struts Compatible with LIFT-O-MAT: Reading Newton Force Correctly

October 30, 2025

A gas strut (also known as a gas stay or gas damper) is a hydropneumatic adjustment fitting that assists in opening and supporting furniture flaps. The extension force is measured in Newtons (N). When replacing fittings, such as for LIFT-O-MAT systems, the printed Newton value must match exactly to ensure the flap functions correctly.

What exactly is a gas strut and how does it work?

The gas strut consists of a pressure tube (cylinder) and a piston rod. Nitrogen gas is contained under high pressure inside. When the flap is closed, the piston rod retracts and further compresses the gas. Upon opening, the gas expands and pushes the piston rod outward. This mechanism acts like an invisible muscle that lifts the weight of the front and holds it securely in the open position. Technically, this is not merely a furniture damper for soft closing, but an active lifting fitting.

Reading and calculating Newton force correctly

The crucial technical specification is the extension force, given in Newtons (N). This force is printed on the pressure tube of existing struts, for instance on models from the LIFT-O-MAT range. You will often find a numerical sequence such as "0150N", "150 N", or "150N". This indicates that the strut delivers a force of 150 N.

As a rule of thumb for mechanics: 10 N corresponds to a lifting capacity of approximately 1 kg. The precise force required always depends on the flap weight (including the handle) and the flap height.

Typical dimensions, standards, and force ratings

When replacing fittings, the physical dimensions of the hardware must match in addition to the force rating.

Total length: Measured from centre to centre of the ball sockets in the fully extended state. Typical dimensions in furniture construction are 245 mm or 268 mm.
Stroke: The maximum extension travel of the piston rod, frequently 90 mm.
Force ratings: Standard flaps in kitchen wall units usually use struts between 50 N and 150 N. For heavy fronts made of MDF or solid wood, specialised Gas Struts for Heavy Flaps are used, achieving ratings of 200 N, 250 N, or up to 500 N.
Mounting: Attachment to the cabinet carcass and the front is generally carried out via ball studs with a diameter of 10 mm, onto which the strut end fittings are clipped.

Selection and installation for furniture

In the event of a fault – recognisable when the flap no longer stays up and drops down on its own – the replacement fitting must feature the exact same Newton rating.

If a different force rating is selected, this leads to installation and operational issues:

Too weak: The front will not be held open and will slam shut downwards.
Too strong: The flap can only be closed with excessive force. In the worst case, the hinges (often concealed cup hinges) may tear out of the carcass due to the leverage effect.

Gas stay systems are not only found in kitchen wall units, but also on downward or upward opening flaps in living areas, such as on a lowboard for TV or a sideboard for television. A wardrobe lift inside a wardrobe also uses similar hydraulic principles to lower a heavy clothes rail in a controlled manner and raise it back to its starting position.

Related terms

Flap fitting: The umbrella term for mechanisms on upward-opening furniture fronts.
Stroke: The maximum distance in mm that the piston rod can extend from the cylinder.
Ball stud: The metal connector on the mounting bracket onto which the strut end sockets are pressed for fixing.
Concealed hinge: A hidden hinge often installed alongside gas struts to guide the rotational movement of the flap.