Replacing the gas lift on an office chair with your own hands

For convenient use of kitchen cabinet doors, you need to choose the right quality and comfortable fasteners. An interesting choice is a gas lift, which guarantees ease of opening and closing doors, as well as ease of operation of the structure. An element such as a gas lift for kitchen cabinets is represented by a simple and reliable device that can be used for almost any furniture. The main advantage of such designs for many buyers is that there is no possibility for the doors to warp, and they will never open or close spontaneously.

What does the gas lift installation kit consist of?

The gas furniture elevator kit consists of the gas elevator itself, mounting on the side wall and mounting on the facade, installation instructions and self-tapping screws for fastenings.

Installation methods

You can install a gas elevator yourself or contact a specialist. If you are planning to install it yourself, before starting work you will need to have:

Installation instructions are always included with the gas lift. Check its availability when choosing a device.

Installation of furniture gas lifts begins with marking the center of the side fasteners. It is necessary to mark 25 mm from the top and front ends on the side of the facade. Next, a side mold is attached to which the gas lift piston will be installed. The moving part of the device is attached to a spring, after which the façade is mounted on hinges. The final stage is to attach the gas lift counter fastening element using self-tapping screws, following the diagram. It is recommended to install two lifts on one façade. This will help avoid excessive stress on the gas lift and the distortions it causes.

The installation diagram provides for several door positions - when opened, it can be fixed at different angles. You can independently select the desired fixation angle during installation.

Types of gas lifts

Let us highlight three main characteristics by which gas elevators can be classified:

Depending on the power load

The lifting force of gas shock absorbers is determined in Newtons, which you can see by the markings on the gas lift body. In order for this value to be understandable and tangible, the following correspondence is given: to lift a facade weighing 1 kg, a lifting force of 10 Newtons will be required.

It turns out that if the lift says 60 N, then it will lift the facade 6 kg, and even in one copy. But the reality turned out to be different, as we will show in our video at the bottom of the article.

For kitchen furniture you can find lifts from 50N to 140N, although the upper and lower load limits are sold much less frequently due to low demand.

Sellers and manufacturers provide interesting plates on the selection and calculation of gas lifts , we will provide them for you.

Selection of gas lift depending on the size of the facade

The first table, in fact, there are a lot of variations of such tables, shows how you can choose a gas elevator depending on the width and height of the facade.

In our version, the width of the facade is 800 mm and the height is 400 mm. It turns out that we need to install two gas lifts at 80 N. We installed two gas lifts at 60 N, and there were no problems with fixing the facade in the upper position.

In the second cabinet of the same size in height and width, we decided to install a shelf and reduced the size of the section in height so that only a mini gas lift could be installed. To raise the façade, we also used two 60N gas lifts, but only of a smaller size. But in the end, the power of the gas lifts was not enough and the facade lowered and did not lock in the upper position.

Here the way out of this situation is obvious - to cut the shelf in depth so that it does not interfere with the installation of a standard-sized gas lift, or to buy much more powerful mini gas lifts, if there are any. And why this happens, perhaps the formula for calculating the force of a gas elevator will give us the answer.

Gas elevator force calculation

For our cabinet, the gas lift calculation will be as follows:

With standard gas lifts:

F1 = 3.5*0.2/2*0.08+15%=4.4+15%=4.4+0.66=5.06 kg

F1 = 3.5*0.2/2*0.05+15%=7+15%=7+1.05=8.05 kg

So, from the calculation we get that for a cabinet 800 mm wide and 400 mm high with a facade made of MDF 16 mm thick and weighing about 3.5 kg, gas lifts with a lifting force of about 50 N (5.06 kg * 9.8 m/s2) are suitable = 49.6 N), we have 60 N, which exceeds the calculated one.

In the second option, the value of L - the distance from the center of the axis to the gas lift attachment point is equal to 0.05 m and with this value we need gas lifts with a lifting force of about 80 N (8.05 kg * 9.8 m/s2 = 78.9 N), we We used mini gas lifts 60 N and they really no longer fix the façade in the upper position.

The conclusion is that both schemes for selecting gas lifts are suitable, although for mini gas lifts it may be necessary to shift towards gas lifts with a higher power load.

What will happen if you install gas lifts of obviously higher power?

Yes, but really, what will happen? We were once visiting a friend and noticed that the facades on the gas lifts were skewed.

It turned out that the owner of the kitchen bought gas lifts with greater power than previously, and so much more that it became difficult to open the facades. I found a way out: I left one gas lift per cabinet, everything would have been fine, but the facades began to warp. In addition, the counter strips from the hinges began to gradually break out of the horizontal lines.

The conclusion is obvious - carefully select gas lifts according to the power load so that the facades do not fall down when opening or, on the contrary, open with difficulty.

Gas lift dimensions

As you already understood from the previous section, there are standard size gas lifts, and there are mini gas lifts , which are used if our cabinet is small in height. But the concept of small also has its limit - at least 170 mm on the inside - this is the height distance between the upper and lower horizontals of the cabinet.

Gas lifts by type of action

, direct and reverse gas lifts can be distinguished .

Direct action is the type of lifting of the facade that we are used to, that is, up. The reverse action is that the facade opens downwards, that is, according to the bar principle. Take a closer look at the photo of this gas lift and you will see its difference from an ordinary gas lift.

Causes of office chair breakdowns

Before you begin making repairs yourself, you must:

• understand the design of a piece of furniture;
• find out which element is faulty.

Computer chair design

The main components of an office chair are:

• seat and back;
• permanent - a contact connecting the backrest to the seat and allowing you to adjust the angle of inclination;
• armrests;
• piastra - the mechanism by which the chair is controlled;
• gas lift providing seat height adjustment;
• cross with rollers, acting as support and moving mechanisms, respectively.

Main components of an office chair

To connect all parts, fastening screws with sufficient strength are used.

Definition and causes of malfunctions

The presence of malfunctions in the operation of a gas elevator (lift, gas cartridge) is indicated by the following aspects:

1. the gas lift does not hold the seat in the specified position;
2. the seat does not lower or rise when operating the control lever;
3. the seat goes down under the own weight of the sitting person;
4. the chair is tilted from its axis to one side;
5. the chair “swings” in different directions.

Signs of a malfunction

The main reasons for the formation of these malfunctions are:

• lack of lubrication in the mechanism. During the entire period of use, the gas lift requires periodic maintenance, which consists of applying lubricants;

For lubrication, you can use any ready-made compounds and/or oils.

Special composition for gas lift lubrication

• natural wear and tear. Manufacturers guarantee the operation of the mechanism for 18 – 24 months. After the specified period, it is necessary to carry out repair work or replace the main furniture units;
• improper operation: exceeding the permissible load level, jumping on the seat, and so on.

Analogs of gas lifts

Let's say you don't like gas lifts and want something else. Yes, there are similar systems for horizontal opening of furniture facades. But these systems are similar not in terms of operating principles, but in terms of compactness. The only thing is that they cost more, because after all, gas lift is a budget option for opening and fixing the facade.

Let's consider two such worthy mechanisms:

KLOK lift/fold mechanism

We don’t know who first produced this mechanism for horizontal opening, but at one time we remember it as a product from a manufacturer such as Huwil and known as the Huwilift Duo Standard lifting mechanism. Nowadays, whoever produces such mechanisms.

KLOK can withstand loads of up to 12 kg when fixing the facade in any position and up to 15 kg when fixing the facade at the maximum opening angle. The mechanism, like the gas elevator, is universal, that is, there is no division into right and left, it is also easy to install/remove from the mounting axes, in addition, the strength of the mechanism is adjusted with a hex key and its operation is silent.

Lifting mechanism Aventos HK-XS

Aventos HK-XS lifting mechanism can be installed in housings with a shallow internal depth on one or both sides. The lift is suitable for housing heights from 240 mm to 600 mm, the width of the housing depends on the power factor. The internal depth for mounting the mechanism is at least 100 mm.

Aventos lifts - let's just talk about the complex

We will simply talk about mechanisms for lifting kitchen doors called Aventos. There are two groups of Aventos: for lifting folding doors with a single representative called Aventos HF and a group of various lifts for solid facades.

The interesting plate below contains the rest of the information on the Aventos HK-XS lifting mechanism.

source

Choosing a gas lift for a cabinet

When choosing this fastening device for kitchen furniture, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• device dimensions;
• gas spring pressing force.

Before purchasing a gas lift for furniture, you need to make sure that it matches the size of your kitchen furniture. To do this, before going to the store, measurements of the door height and cabinet depth are taken. Based on the obtained characteristics, a decision is made in favor of purchasing a suitable gas lift model.

Most often in stores, these devices are offered in three sizes when extended - 164, 244 and 355 mm. also necessary to pay attention to the length of the gas lift in a compressed state and the maximum extension length of the rod.

The correct operation of the fastening device depends on the pressing force. This characteristic is standardized, the value of which must be indicated in the product passport and on the device body. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a gas lift, you need to know the exact weight of the door, taking into account the fittings, coating and decorative elements. Typically, the fastening device for kitchen cabinets is designed for a force of 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 N. To select the most suitable gas lift model, you must follow the rule: per 1 kg of door weight there must be a force of 10 N.

Use the secrets of installing a gas lift

Greetings, friends, to bokovina.ru! Today you will learn how easy it is to install a furniture gas lift on a kitchen cabinet. You will be happy to know that the process will literally take 5 minutes if you are confident in your actions.

If you read the article to the end, you will not only receive clear installation instructions. But also a few valuable secrets, without which the installation would not be so perfect. You will learn practical tips developed over many years. Use my experience!

Purpose and device

Properly installed designs can be used for different kitchen furniture. They apply:

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

The range of applications of gas lifts is considered wide, so they are truly popular structures. They can have different sizes and even colors.

Furniture gas lift

Gas lift is used mainly in upper cabinets of cabinet furniture. It raises the facades to the top, which makes opening easier for the housewife. It is enough to lightly pull the handle and the door will smoothly go up until the set locking moment.

More than once I noticed the use of gas lift on the lower modules, when opening the facade downwards. In such cases, it acts as a stopper. And I believe that it is not advisable to use gas lift as a fixative. For these purposes there is Klok.

Please note that when opening the door upwards, gas lifts must be installed on both sides. Otherwise you will get tired of adjusting the façade. When closed, it will pull the facade upward on its side. The placement of the doors in a row makes the problem worse.

Within walking distance of you, there is a service for calculating cabinet furniture.

Load calculation depending on the dimensions of the furniture

Before installing this structure, you should pay attention to proper calculations. They depend on the weight of the facade. In this case, the following basic conditions are taken into account:

• on the body of the selected gas lift for furniture you can find information about its marking;
• N indicates that the unit of measurement is Newton, represented by pressure force;
• in front of this letter is a number representing the force available in the body;
• In order to correctly carry out the installation, it is necessary to have information about the weight of the facade equipped with a handle.

Incorrect calculations lead to the fact that the design is used in difficult conditions, therefore the service life is reduced by approximately half.

How to install a gas lift

The gas lift is attached to the sidewall and facade. In particular, a round part with a sleeve to the inside of the sidewall, and a hook-shaped oblong fastener to the facade. The nitrogen sleeve itself snaps onto them. I always install gas lifts with the cylinder facing up.

We lay the façade with the inside on top. We mark 90 mm down from the hinge side, 22 mm from the edge. This is the center of fastening of the hook-shaped part, the hook into the inside of the facade. Size 22mm for cabinet side, 16mm thick plus clearance. It is important not less than 16 mm.

We lay it on the table, the inside is the top, the side. We mark 270 mm from the top end down, 10 mm from the front end inward. This is the center of fastening of the first screw on the round fastener. Two more are located above and below inside the part, relative to the first screw.

After installing the gas lift, do not forget to install a damper. Invoice or mortise does not matter. It will soften the impact of the facade against the end of the cabinet during closing. Without it, the cotton will be decent. Enough to make you jump on the couch in the other room.