While it may seem odd to some, cabinet hinges are a passion of ours here at Häfele—whether they be for kitchen, bath, furniture or outdoor applications—we appreciate the simplicity of a quality hinge as well as the value this essential hardware can bring to one’s everyday life.
Simply put, your cabinets work as well as they do because of the hinges you choose. And these sturdy, durable pieces of hardware pack a whole bunch of functionality into a small package—everything from full adjustability to soft close settings which can be personalized to your liking. We carry a wide variety of cabinet hinge styles and options from top-tier manufacturers such as Salice, Grass, Aximat and many others—all at a variety of price points.
Gas springs are versatile hydro-pneumatic (containing both gas and liquid) lifting mechanisms that help us raise, lower and support heavy or cumbersome objects more easily.
They’re most widely seen in various configurations of door hardware, but the potential uses are near limitless. In everyday use, gas springs are now very commonly found in vehicle compartments, supporting adjustable chairs and tables, on all manner of easy-open hatches and panels, and even in small electronic devices.
They’re also commonly referred to as gas struts, rams or dampers, although some of these terms imply a specific set of gas spring components, configurations and intended uses. Technically speaking, a standard gas spring is used to support objects as they move, a gas damper is used to control or limit that motion, and a damped gas spring tends to handle a bit of both.
With this in mind, how exactly do gas struts and dampers work in practice? Which types are most appropriate in which roles, and what’s the ideal setup for the job you have in mind? In the sections below we’ll explore these and other questions about gas springs, starting with a closer look at how most lifts, struts and dampers function.
