Bed repair, tips for beginners, basic rules

A folding bed has a number of important features, thanks to which more and more people are looking at this type of furniture. Obviously, the main thing of all is tangible space savings, which is very important for small living spaces. In addition, beds can act as storage for things, thereby freeing up space in already installed cabinets.

But the long, and most importantly trouble-free use of lifting beds directly depends on their correct use. Today we will talk about important notes when using folding sunbeds.

What is a gas lift for a bed?

Many bed models have a gas lift for the bed. This is a special mechanism that is used to lift surfaces attached to it. It greatly simplifies and facilitates the procedure of raising the bed. Two types of gas elevators are used. Automatic devices do not require human effort and control and friction, which are used relatively rarely.

Accessing the pallet is quite difficult as there is a lot of weight to lift. You can simplify this procedure by using a gas lift for the bed.

Bunk bed

Nowadays, bunk beds are becoming increasingly popular. It saves space significantly, and children are also attracted to the bed under the ceiling. Models offered on the market often do not satisfy buyers with their price; moreover, it can be difficult to choose an option that is suitable both in terms of functionality, appearance and dimensions. In this case, the solution would be to make a bunk bed yourself. And since such furniture is used in most cases in the nursery, the need for repairs may arise much more often due to the increased energy of little boys and girls. Let's look at what you need to consider to make your bunk bed comfortable and reliable. The same information will help you during repairs.

Making a bunk bed

So, for the bed you will need timber 50x100 mm, solid boards 40, 30 and 20 mm thick, MDF with wood texture or laminate (for the outer parts). If desired, you can use plywood and self-adhesive film. All lumber must be edged and planed. Choose the type of wood according to your taste and financial capabilities. The main thing is to take accurate measurements so that the bed fits well in the intended place and is comfortable at the same time. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws, nails and steel angles with mandatory stiffeners. Don't forget to glue the joints with PVA glue.

Scheme for making a bunk bed

The main points of connecting the parts of the bed to each other were studied above. Let us now note some specific features that a bunk bed has. Its weakest point is the corner posts connecting the lower berth and the bed under the ceiling. Their design should be given special attention. To increase strength, we recommend making them from two 30 mm thick boards, without using tie-ins and external fasteners. For rigidity and support of the timber frames, use a regular floor plinth secured with self-tapping screws. You can hide the fasteners in the corners of the second tier with pieces of fiberboard.

Do not forget that a bunk bed must not be larger than certain dimensions. You should not make the width more than 710 mm, and the length more than 1900 mm, as this will negatively affect the strength of the bed, especially its second tier.

An important element of a bunk bed is the ladder. The easiest way is to make a vertical inclined staircase; all you need is a wooden beam and 6 mm bolts connecting the steps and the bed itself under the ceiling. The tilt will provide additional safety. A vertical staircase without a slope takes up less space and may look nicer, but it is less convenient. You can make a staircase with metal steps, which will also benefit aesthetically, but there will be a risk of slipping.

It is equally important to properly think through and implement the fencing on the second “floor”. A bunk bed has only one drawback - it is unsafe in some versions. Therefore, it is necessary to make the fence high enough and long enough. It would be nice if it occupied almost the entire length of the bed, leaving only an opening for the stairs at the foot.

Advantages and disadvantages of beds with gas lift

The gas lift bed has the main advantages:

Variety of bed designs. They are rectangular in shape, with a round bed;
Practicality. Availability of a convenient storage area for blankets, bed linen, and seasonal clothing;
Durability and reliability of the mechanism;
Ease of handling. The top of the bed reclines quickly, without much physical effort. No special lifting skills required;
Economical. The space under the bed can be used instead of a closet and store even fragile things;
Space saving. Unlike pull-out drawers, no space is required in front of the bed;
Durability. Can last up to 10 years.

The main disadvantages of beds with gas lift:

Price. The price of beds is slightly higher than the usual types;
Possible dust collection;
Some inconvenience. Access to things under the berth can be problematic (two partners use the berth).

A gas elevator is a special mechanism that is used to lift surfaces attached to it.

Installation Tips

In most cases, the installation of a gas lift on a bed is carried out at the production stage, at the enterprise itself. But if you wish, you can do the installation yourself. To carry out the work you will need a basic set of tools: a hammer, a saw, a drill with different drills, metal corners, several self-tapping screws. And, of course, you need to purchase a suitable gas lift in advance. For everything to work properly, it is recommended to install the product according to the following algorithm:

The first step is to assemble the bed frame. In this case, metal corners are used, which will securely fix all the elements and make the structure strong.
Next, you need to install the gas lift using special screws and bolts.
Afterwards, the folding frame is assembled and the gas lift is fixed to it. The product must be previously installed in the open position.
Finally, it remains to check how well the installed lifting mechanism works. To do this, you need to squeeze and unclench it several times. The design should operate smoothly and silently.

Useful tips for housewives on choosing bedspreads for the bedroom

Self-installation of a gas lift will not cause difficulties and will not take much time. However, if there is uncertainty that everything will be done correctly, it is better not to take risks and seek help from a professional who will do the work. As an alternative, you can immediately choose a bed that already has a powerful gas lift installed. In this case, preference should be given to well-known and trusted companies.

Operating principle and technical characteristics

When the bed is raised, the gas expands and presses on the piston. It pushes the bed up, reducing the person's effort. The use of an oil gasket in the housing allows for smooth operation. Due to the absence of a damper when installing the friction mechanism, you can stop the movement of the device at any time.

Externally, the design has the shape of a small cylinder with several clamps and a moving arm.

The cylinder, rod, piston and support tips are made of steel.

Main technical characteristics:

ability to work in the temperature range -30 – +80 degrees;
maximum rod speed – up to 300 mm/s;
pressure inside the cylinder no more than 160 bar;
The thickness of the cylinder wall is at least 1 mm.

It should be noted that the mixture inside is under very high pressure, so it is not recommended to disassemble gas lifts yourself.

What is

A gas lift for a bed is a device that makes it easier to lift the upper part of the structure without extra effort. The operating principle of this small device is similar to that of a car shock absorber. The main components of the product are:

Cylinder with gas (nitrogen is almost always used). It must be taken into account that there is high pressure inside the cylinder, so it is not worth repairing or disassembling it yourself.
Piston with rod - this part helps transmit the force generated during operation of the product.
Oil muffler (can also be made of rubber). A gasket whose main task is to stop vibrations that occur during the operation of a gas lift.
Retainers. Plates made of durable steel, with which the gas lift is fixed to the bed frame.

Many companies equip their furniture with gas lifts not only to make it convenient for the owner to store and search for various things. Beds supplemented with a similar device ensure an anatomically correct position of the spine during rest. They also do not have joints and seams, which often cause discomfort. Other advantages of the product include:

Simplicity of design.
Since the lift is assembled from just a few elements and operates using pressure, it is affordable.
Easy installation.
Reliable and durable - each product is designed to last approximately 20,000 lifts.
No noise during operation.
The device is completely safe for health.

A brief overview of the types of accessories for beds, tips for choosing
As for the weaknesses of beds equipped with a gas lift, there are only 2 of them. If you purchase a bed with springs in the upper block, you will need to put a lot of effort into lifting the element. The second disadvantage is that gas lifts that can withstand heavy loads are expensive.

How to choose the right one

When choosing a mechanism, you must consider:

The force that the system can produce taking into account the angle of inclination. For a large bed, the force should be in the range of 200-300 N;
Number of installed gas elevators. The compression force depends on their number. They prefer to install no more than two products;
Device length. The angle of elevation of the bed depends on the parameter;
Manufacturer. The best option is to choose products from German companies. Domestic-made mechanisms are also deservedly popular, judging by the reviews.

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

How to choose?

It is possible that a person has already bought a bed, but does not know which gas lift to install on it.

Then our recommendations for selecting this device :

Let's calculate the weight of the bed: the average design value of a single bed is about 30 kilograms; we will find out the weight of the mattress from the supplier - orthopedic, for example, weighs about 40 kilograms. Total: 70 kilograms.
We will determine by the gas elevator markings which device is suitable for us. The gas lift passport contains numbers in Newtons. We equate 1 kilogram to 10 Newtons. The best option in this case would be to select two elements of 800 Newton each.

It turns out that our selected mechanisms will be able to lift 160 kilograms.

However, this is not true, since the force is distributed at a certain angular component, and over time the mechanism may weaken. In some cases, you should not look at the manufacturer's recommendations, since he suggests a reserve that is much larger than what can be obtained. This will cause the structure to close itself, which is unacceptable. In addition, to lift it later will require incredible effort.

Instructions for installing and adjusting a gas lift for a bed

Its service life depends on the correct installation of the gas lift.

Installation of a bed lift using gas lifts should be strictly carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The systems can operate at temperatures from -30 to +80 degrees. But this characteristic affects the power of the device.

In order to assemble a bed with a gas lift, you need to complete the following basic steps:

Assemble the bed frame according to the manufacturer's instructions;
Install gas lifts. The structure is fixed using pins or special screws (usually included in the kit). The mechanism is attached to the bed frame using gas lift eyes. Some designs have a specific design and are one-sided. In this case, it is important to install them on the correct side (pay attention to the configuration of the cylinders);
Assemble the folding orthopedic bed frame. The lattice frame can have different configurations. It usually has an all-metal construction. Sometimes it is made from lamellas of wood or other material (follow manufacturer's instructions);
Attach the gas lift to the upper folding element of the bed. The device is attached to the bottom of the bed when the folding part is open. It is better to install the mechanisms on the bed together. One should hold the top folding grille, and the other should install the fixtures. It is important to install with the rod down (cylinder on top). Installing a gas lift with the rod up is the most common mistake and can lead to structural failure. If the rod is installed upward, then the mounting pin and mounting lugs work to break. When fastening, it is important to fix the nuts without overtightening. Otherwise, the mechanism will not move freely, and the thread may break. Devices with a stem at the top are very rare and this must be reflected in the manufacturer’s passport;
Run the system several times to check its functionality after assembling the entire structure.

The operation of the gas lift should not include its movement to top dead center.
This can quickly damage the system. If the system does not work properly, the accessories should be reinstalled.

If inaccurate movements are detected, it is important to correct the problem immediately. It will be necessary to adjust or reinstall the mechanism again. Otherwise, they will quickly fail when used. To adjust the fixtures, you can adjust the tilt angles. The gas lift cylinder has a thread on the inner surface. By turning the mechanism, you can lengthen or shorten it a little. You can also make markings on the base of the bed to install the mechanism in another place.

Prices for bed and mattress repair services at home

Name	Unit	Price, rub
Repair of beds of any complexity	PC	from 1000
Replacing sofa springs	PC	from 17000
Replacing the foam filling of a sofa	PC	from 15000
Covering the sofa	PC	from 2000
Baby sofa cover	PC	from 4000
Upholstery of a sofa-book	PC	from 2000
Upholstery of a sofa-book with soft armrests	PC	from 4500
Upholstery of a soft sofa of non-standard configuration	PC	from 3500
Covering the soft corner set	PC	from 6000

See the attached price list for approximate prices for bed repair services. The final figure depends on several factors:

Complexity of work;
Number of services;
Type of furniture, its dimensions;
Price of consumables.

Before starting work, the master concludes an official contract with the client, which specifies the terms and total cost. We provide inexpensive services and help you buy components and fabrics at wholesale prices from our suppliers. We work at the client’s home or take the mattress to the workshop.

To call a specialist to repair beds, call the phone number, leave a request on the website or send an email.

How to repair it yourself

The elevator mechanism can only be removed for repair if it is not in a compressed state and the cylinder is not damaged. To repair a gas lift, you must first of all know its design and find out the reasons for the malfunction or breakdown of the device.

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.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

The lifting mechanism must be installed only in the open position of the gas lift;
The mounting points of the device must be well secured in the lugs using mounting pins and bolts. The fastening must be done so that the device moves freely when raising and lowering the top of the bed. Studs and bolts should not be overtightened;
Dismantling is carried out in the open position of the gas lift, you need to start by unscrewing the fasteners.

Gas lifts not only reduce the load on a person, but also protect the bed frame from rapid destruction.
The main causes of malfunctions or breakdowns:

Ingress of dust, chemical reagents, mechanical damage. This can lead to damage to the mechanism seals, significantly reducing its service life. During operation, the gas lift should be protected;
Oil leaking or gas escaping from the device. You can fill the cylinder with lubricant. Under no circumstances should you try to open the gas lift, as there is high pressure inside the cylinder;
Incorrect selection of gas lift force from the very beginning. They are approximately selected at the rate of 10 N per 1 kg of load. If the bed base with mattress weighs about 30 kg, then each device must be designed for 300 N. If there is an error in the calculation, the device must be replaced.

If you install powerful gas lifts on furniture, it will not always be practical.
In this case, it will be difficult to lower or raise the frame. In case of serious damage, the device must be replaced.
In case of minor problems in operation, you can simply make additional adjustments.

Advantages

Mankind has long known the enormous power of pneumatic mechanisms. Thanks to the work of Pascal, scientists highly appreciated the potential of pressure energy. Nowadays, most devices and machines operate on hydraulics and pneumatics:

press;
jacks;
drives for small arms.

Furniture has not been spared progress either.

Important! Such a mechanism was first developed by the German company Häfele in the 1970s. Since then, it has been used all over the world and has long won the love of users, because its main feature is ease of use. You no longer need to exert effort to lift the frame up.

Installing a gas lift on a bed is not a complicated process. But it gives a lot of other advantages:

Saving space in the bedroom is what captivates many consumers. You can get rid of unnecessary cabinets and shelves in the recreation room. All linen, blankets and even mattresses can be hidden without any problems.
Gas lifts protect the bed frame from rapid destruction; all movements of the mechanism are smooth, without jerking, and do not cause any damage to the furniture frame. The design eliminates sudden ruptures, deformations and other types of failures.
They are a safe device, because all moving parts are hidden under the casing, the risk of injury is minimal.
To activate the mechanism, you do not need any special skills or significant effort, as is the case when using conventional springs. Even a child can handle this task.
The mechanical lifting device gradually stretches due to metal fatigue, but when installing a gas lift on a bed you will not encounter such a drawback. Liquid nitrogen, which is used when installing a gas lift on a bed, does not lead to corrosion of metal parts and damage to rubber gaskets, and is therefore durable.

Important! The mechanism for lifting the bed and gas springs of the fittings is designed for approximately 20 thousand folding and unfolding of the bed, and this is several decades.

Many people remember the unpleasant sounds made by steel when stretched. The air spring operates silently and smoothly. The use of gas when operating the mechanism eliminates any noise or creaking when raising or lowering.
If previously, for marketing purposes, installing a gas elevator on a bed was possible only from a certain manufacturer, now all devices of this type are produced in an average standard. That is, they are universal and suitable for installation on any furniture.

It would be unfair to ignore the disadvantages of installing a gas lift on a bed. But there are not so many of them:

Since the devices are visible at the head of the room, they do not look very aesthetically pleasing in the overall interior. But this problem can be circumvented by making an original bedside table.
If you choose a low-quality mechanism, that is, the cheapest one, it will quickly fail.

Important! The high price can be considered a conditional disadvantage. Having invested money in the purchase of a high-quality mechanism, you will not need to repair or replace the gas lift for a long time; the device will serve you faithfully for many years.

In what cases is specialist help needed?

Installing gas lifts has many nuances. If you have little understanding of the mechanisms and the reason for the failure is unclear to you, you are not confident that you can perform the installation efficiently, you should entrust it to an experienced specialist. The best option is to order furniture assembly or repair to specialists. They will select the style, size and design of the piece of furniture. The optimal characteristics of the lifting mechanism will also be determined.

The optimal fittings are considered to be products from German companies. However, many domestically produced products also have good user reviews.

Bed lift repair

Restoring children's and adult furniture equipped with a lifting mechanism requires thorough preparation. An employee of the company performs the following work:

Repair of a manual lift, coil spring system or gas shock absorption;
Replacement of legs, side walls, sides or backs of the product;
Strengthening the frame;
Replacement of orthopedic base;
Restoring functionality with the installation of new slats or grilles.

We can repair products made from wood, plastic or metal.

Recommendations and tips

It is important to know that gas lifts differ in size, metal thickness, and load withstand.

The gas lift length is the distance between the two end mounting lugs of the mechanism. Inside the cylinder there is a lubricant, which flows down during operation and lubricates the mechanism. Thanks to a properly installed gas lift, the base of the bed rises easily.

After securing the devices, be sure to check all lifting angles.

If the gas lift was stored for a long time before installation, then at first it can work with considerable force.

You should not save on these products, since the maintenance of furniture and its durability depend on their quality.

The functionality of the devices should be checked on a bed with a mattress. Without its load, the frame may not remain in the closed position and will rise.

There is no point in checking the operation of the gas lift with your hands, since a working device should not be compressed. And if it shrinks from the force of the hands, then it means it is broken. A gas spring of 300N cannot simply move under the influence of hand force.

The mechanism must not be impacted, cut or the cylinder heated - there is high pressure inside and this can be hazardous to health.

During operation, you should also avoid bending or distorting the mechanism.

If you correctly develop an installation strategy and also follow the manufacturer’s instructions, then the design will turn out no worse than the factory one.

How to install correctly?

Installing such a lifting device is quite simple. To assemble it correctly, you must follow our recommendations.

Below are the steps for such an assembly:

First you need to use a drill to make 3-4 holes for fasteners on the box.
The lower part of the device is secured with bolts.
We attach the corner of the lifting mechanism to this structure.
It is necessary to lower the base into the frame. We drill 3-4 holes on all sides, taking into account the position of the bottom bar.
Leave a gap of 5-10 mm between the box and the frame, then tighten the bolts on the upper structure.
We connect everything together using pistons, securing them to the top and bottom of the device.

See below for the gas lift installation process.

Before installing the system on furniture, it is necessary to check the prefabricated structure. It should not lower itself spontaneously, nor should it creak or jam during the lifting process.

Slat repair

If the lamella is broken so that it cannot be glued, there is only one option left - buy a new one. If you use the Internet, you can easily purchase lamellas individually in any online store (for example, “No lamellas”). This can also be done in any carpentry workshop, or in large stores you can ask them to cut it right on the spot according to pre-taken dimensions.

Slats are also called differently: bed sticks, bed slats. You can purchase not only the lamellas themselves, but also lat holders, which, although made of plastic, can break.

If the base is completely broken, you can make it out of plywood or boards.

The bed creaks

What to do if you have a squeaky bed? How to eliminate unpleasant sound from furniture?

A squeaky bed can be made quiet if you know exactly what material it is made of. If it is chipboard or MDF, or wood, anything can creak - from screws to the base or boards. In metal beds, the most common areas that make noise are the screws and joints.

Usually, to understand the reason, the device is disassembled and reassembled, carefully tightening all the screws. If it is not possible to disassemble the bed, you can lubricate the joints and screws with wax, soap, silicone, grease or special lubricant.