Gas strut end fittings are the critical connection points that bridge gas struts to your application—whether it’s an automotive trunk, office desk, or industrial machine. Choosing the right end fitting isn’t just about compatibility; it directly impacts installation ease, movement flexibility, load capacity, and long-term reliability. This technical guide breaks down the most common end fitting types, key selection criteria, and practical tips to ensure you pick the perfect match for your gas strut and project.

Fig. 1: Common gas strut end fittings (clockwise from top): Ball joint socket, eyelet, clevis fork, threaded stud.

Common Types of Gas Strut End Fittings

End fittings are designed to accommodate different mounting geometries, movement needs, and load requirements. Below are the most widely used variants, with their core use cases and benefits:

1. Ball Joint Sockets

• Design: A ball-and-socket interface that allows multi-axis angular movement (typically ±15°).
• Key Benefit: Compensates for misalignment and changing angles during strut extension/compression—critical for applications where the strut’s orientation shifts (e.g., automotive hoods, furniture lids, or RV compartments).
• Materials: Steel (zinc-plated or chrome-plated) for strength, or stainless steel for corrosion resistance in outdoor/medical settings.
• Best For: Swinging or tilting loads that require flexibility (e.g., tailgates, cabinet doors, or adjustable chair backs).
  

  2. Threaded Studs

• Design: Male threaded fittings (common sizes: M6, M8, M10) that screw into the strut or mating bracket.
• Key Benefit: Offers a compact, rigid connection with precise positioning—excellent for high-load or vibration-prone applications.
• Installation Note: Requires threading into a tapped hole; use thread-lock compound for added security in dynamic environments.
• Best For: Precision machinery, height-adjustable desks, or mounting to thick, rigid surfaces (e.g., steel frames).
  

3. Eyelets (Eyes)

• Design: A circular/oval ring that pairs with a pin, bolt, or clevis.
• Key Benefit: Simple, robust, and cost-effective—provides a secure pivot point with minimal movement (ideal for linear or fixed-angle applications).
• Variants: Solid steel for heavy loads, or nylon for lightweight, low-friction needs (e.g., office furniture).
• Best For: Industrial equipment enclosures, stationary lids, or any application where a stable, non-adjustable pivot is sufficient.
  

4. Clevis Forks & Blades

• Design: Forked (U-shaped) or flat “blade” interfaces that mate with a pin or groove.
• Key Benefit: Low-profile and detachable—easy to install/remove for servicing, while maintaining rigidity under load.
• Variants: Clevis forks for heavier loads, blades for tight spaces (e.g., inside compact machinery).
• Best For: Detachable mounts, industrial enclosures, or applications where clearance is limited (e.g., under-desk struts).
  

5. Material Variants

End fittings are available in materials tailored to environmental and performance needs:

• Steel/Zinc-Plated Steel: Balances strength and corrosion resistance for general use.
• Stainless Steel (304/316L): Ideal for medical, marine, or outdoor applications (resists saltwater, chemicals, and frequent cleaning).
• Nylon: Lightweight, low-friction, and non-marring—perfect for delicate surfaces (e.g., wooden furniture) or low-load uses.

Key Selection Considerations

To choose the right end fitting, prioritize these five factors to align with your application’s needs:

1. Load & Movement Requirements

• Angular Movement: Choose ball joints if the strut must pivot or tilt (e.g., automotive trunks).
• Fixed Pivot: Opt for eyelets or studs for linear movement or static mounting (e.g., industrial lids).
• Heavy Loads: Select steel clevis forks or threaded studs (rated for higher tensile forces) over nylon fittings.

2. Mounting Geometry & Space

• Clearance: Low-profile applications (e.g., compact machinery) benefit from clevis blades or small eyelets—avoid bulky ball joints if space is tight.
• Mounting Surface: Threaded studs work best with thick, rigid surfaces; eyelets or ball joints are better for thin or flexible materials (use backing plates for reinforcement).

3. Attachment Method

• Permanent Installation: Threaded studs or welded eyelets provide a secure, non-detachable connection.
• Serviceability: Clevis forks or pin-compatible eyelets allow quick disconnection for maintenance (no tools required in some cases).

4. Environmental Conditions

• Moisture/Corrosion: Use stainless steel or zinc-plated fittings for outdoor, marine, or medical environments.
• Chemicals/Cleaning: Avoid nylon fittings in harsh chemical environments—opt for stainless steel with Viton seals.
• Temperature Extremes: Steel fittings handle -40°C to 80°C; nylon may degrade above 60°C.

5. Compatibility

• Strut Thread Size: Match the fitting’s thread (M6/M8/M10) to your gas strut’s end thread (check the manufacturer’s catalog for specs).
• Mating Parts: Ensure the fitting’s hole diameter, pin size, or thread pitch aligns with your mounting brackets (e.g., a 8mm eyelet requires an 8mm pin).

Practical Tips for Procurement & Installation

1. Stick to Manufacturer-Recommended Fittings

Use end fittings approved by your gas strut manufacturer (e.g., JP, Stabilus, or Suspa) to ensure compatibility, warranty compliance, and optimal performance. Mixing unapproved fittings can lead to premature failure or safety hazards.

2. Prioritize Modularity for Flexibility

If your application may change (e.g., reconfigurable furniture) or requires servicing, choose modular fittings (e.g., ball joint combos with quick-connect pins) to simplify swaps without reworking the mounting.

3. Use Correct Fasteners & Torque

• For threaded studs: Use lock washers or thread-lock compound to prevent loosening from vibration.
• For eyelets/clevis forks: Use grade 8 or higher pins/bolts (rated for your load) and torque to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Document for Future Maintenance

Record the fitting type, thread size, and mounting orientation during installation. This simplifies replacement sourcing and ensures consistency across multiple units (critical for industrial or fleet applications).

Final Example: Matching Fittings to Applications

By aligning end fitting type, material, and design with your application’s unique needs, you’ll ensure a secure, long-lasting connection that maximizes your gas strut’s performance. For personalized recommendations, share your project’s load range, movement requirements, environment, and mounting surface—we’ll help you identify the perfect fitting and compatible gas strut model.

Ready to source the right end fitting? Contact our technical team to verify compatibility and get tailored guidance.