Furniture gas lift

The use of gas lift in kitchen furniture is one of the most modern ways of improvement. This simple mechanism can be installed by yourself in any cabinets so that the facades open well and close smoothly. This article is about what types of lifting mechanisms there are, their installation and which gas lift for furniture is better.

A furniture gas lift is a specific structure that opens and holds cabinet doors. It is made of steel. Its main purpose is to open wall cabinets upward.

How does a gas lift work? The principle is very simple, based on the action of hydraulic shock absorbers and gas springs. When the door is opened manually by ten degrees, its subsequent movement to 90 degrees occurs automatically.

The device consists of:

• buttons;
• outer cylindrical body;
• plastic bushings;
• gas restart channel;
• plain bearings;
• gas valve;
• lifting rod;
• external and internal cavities;
• anther and seal;
• seal and piston.

The design is completely hermetic, the cylinder is filled with inert gas - nitrogen, which creates the required pressure during compression. The mechanism is not disassembled and not repaired.

Advantages of gas lift:

• secure retention of open facades in the upper position – several cabinets can be opened at once;

  

• the door movement is self-regulating;

  

• can be opened with a light press, eliminating the need for handles;
• the cabinets open silently and close slowly;

  

• usually the mechanism has high resistance to corrosion;

  

• There is a wide variety of lifts available for sale, for facades of different sizes and weights.

Lifting mechanisms used to open doors

A kitchen gas lift is a lifting structure related to brackets. It is used in cabinets whose doors open upwards. This is not the only way to open facades, but most manufacturers prefer it.

Lifting mechanisms are one of the most popular types of furniture fittings.

They come in different types, different in application:

• folding lifting mechanisms – for multi-level facades;

  

• folding – for the topmost cabinets;

  

• vertically rising – for all wall cabinets;

  

• rotary devices – if there is very little space;

  

• mechanical lifting mechanism - a universal device that can open up, down, up and down;

  

• lifting gas lifts – open silently, very smoothly, there is a friction, automatic, downward opening type.

Choosing a Gas Lift for Kitchen Cabinets

Gas lifts for furniture are selected based on three parameters.

• Compression force. First, you need to determine the weight of the facade - the larger it is, the "stronger" the gas lift should be. Models from manufacturers have a nominal value of 60-140 Newton. To accurately determine the required compression force, you need to multiply the weight of the door with fittings by ten. This can be done using special gas lift load calculators from the Internet. To lift one kg of facade, you need 10 Newton.
• Dimensions. The length of the lifting structure directly depends on the size of the door being opened.
• Structure. It can be step-by-step or automatic. Step-by-step is a door with a handle. Automatic opens with minimal hand action, and then closes itself after some time, it does not need a handle.

Any lift can be sold with or without a set of hinges. Some manufacturers' designs can be installed and removed without using any tools because they have a special shape of the locking bracket.

Self-installation of gas lift on kitchen cabinet

Modern gas lifts create convenience and comfortable conditions in the kitchen. The service life of the device depends directly on the correct installation. The installation process is not complicated and can be easily done independently.

Basic installation rules:

• It is better to install two gas lifts on one door so that it does not become warped over time;
• mechanisms with a force of more than 100 Newton are not often used, only for large and heavy facades, and these are rare;
• the door with a lifting mechanism is adjusted by hinges, with which it is attached to the frame. The hinges can be overlay or semi-overlay;
• Before assembling the box, you should install fittings on its sides - this is more difficult to do on an already assembled box;
• the gas lift is fastened to the facade when all finishing is done and other fittings are already secured;
• The automatic lift is installed according to the instructions.

To install a gas lift, you will need a drill, a screwdriver, a screwdriver, a tape measure, a ruler, a hammer, pliers, and a pencil. First, take measurements and mark the holes. You can place the mechanism on the walls of the cabinet as you like. Before installation, you should determine the opening angle of the doors: the closer the mounting point is to the front edge of the side, the greater the opening angle of the door.

Gas lifts vary in size, technical characteristics, etc.

By the method of fastening.

• Using a spring clamp. A simple method in which the device is mounted on the head of the fasteners. This is done with one click, no special knowledge or tools are needed.
• Using a plate. The fastening is also not complicated, it is done with screws.

Use elevator installation secrets

The process takes literally a couple of minutes. Gas lift is usually used for upper modules, which makes opening easier. On the lower parts of the furniture, it acts as a lock when opening the door downwards. In order not to constantly adjust the facade, it is advisable to attach gas lifts on both sides.

The upper part of the device is usually fixed to the side of the box from the inside at 29 mm from the bottom of the upper shelf, 37 mm from the edge of the wall on the side. Its length depends on the size of the furniture. The lower part is mounted to the facade at a distance from the end inside, which depends on the internal height of the cabinet:

• if the height is 190 mm, then the distance is 50 mm;
• at a height of 264 mm – distance 84 mm;
• if the height is 365 mm – the distance is 128 mm.

It turns out that the length of the bracket in the open position will be 164, 244 and 355 mm, respectively.

The process of attaching the gas lift to the bed is also not complicated, offering many advantages:

• saves space;
• closing cushioning;
• protects the base from premature destruction;
• has sufficient durability;
• provides safety and ease of use;
• The elevator is designed for approximately 20,000 folding and unfolding cycles.

Gas lifts for a bed can be marked 600-1200 Newton, depending on the weight of this piece of furniture. After installing a gas lift on a bed, you should check whether the lifting device works normally. If not, then adjust it.

Conclusion

Convenient fastening of doors to the cabinet is the most important element of their normal use. Gas lift on kitchen facades greatly simplifies operation, allowing you to forget about spontaneous opening of doors, warped doors. This product can work under any temperature conditions.

Video: How to install Gas lift furniture