How to install spring loaded door struts........

[Ncbob]

This might sound like a pretty elementary woodworking question but please bear in mind that when the God  called out for those wanting this particular talent to come forth...I came 6th!

I have some spring loaded cabinet door struts which are 6 3/8" long in the unloaded position....about 5 1/2" compressed.

My common sense tells me that the lower on the door I mount these things the longer the moment arm I will have for overcoming the spring and it will be easier for the strut to hold the door in the open position.  My doors have a 13" height.......

Too, I wonder what sort of fastener (screw, nail or whatever) I should use to mount the base of the strut. It has a 1/8" hole and the spring is quite powerful.  And yes, Ross...these are the ones I bought from RV Surplus in Elkhart.

Any help and/or advice would be most appreciated.

NCbob

[JackConrad]

Bob,
   I used these same struts on our 14" tall X 21" wide raised panel oak doors. The doors are surface mounted and were hinged at the top with "european style" hinges. The strut was fastened to the side of the opening using a #8 screw through the hole in the strut. The tab was centered 1 1/2" from the top of the door. If you move the tab much further out on the door, when you close the door, the travel will be greater the the stroke of the strut.  Jack

[Jerry32]

Also they hold the doors shut too. When installed on a horizontal door you don'e need a latch. Jerry

[Ncbob]

Jack & Jerry.....Your contributions are what make this Board the finest!  And Jack, even though I came 6th in my class your very descriptive pic gave me exactly what I needed to keep the doors off poor Jackie's
head.

Thanks again to both and have a pleasant summer.  We're leaving Bushnell on the 10th and will stop and see Fred and Carolyn Hobe on our way home....with secured cabinet doors!

When you're up our way, Jack....we'd soo enjoy seeing you and Paula again.

NCbob

[pete81eaglefanasty]

 I installed them in our Bus 5 years ago and never had a problem with them.Like Jerry said you don't need a latch, they stay shut.


          Pete & Jean
            Fantasy