The use of gas lift in kitchen furniture is one of the most modern methods of landscaping. This simple mechanism can be installed in any cabinets yourself so that the facades open well and close smoothly. This article is about what types of lifting mechanisms there are, about their installation and which gas furniture elevator is better.
Gas lift is an important part of any kitchen fittings
A gas furniture elevator is a specific structure that opens and holds cabinet doors. It is made of steel. The main purpose is to open wall cabinets upwards.
Using a gas lift mechanism for upper kitchen drawers
How does gas lift work? The principle is very simple, based on the action of hydraulic shock absorbers and gas springs. When the door is opened manually by ten degrees, its subsequent movement to 90 degrees occurs automatically.
The upper end of the gas lift is fixed on the side wall of the inside of the cabinet
The device consists of:
- buttons;
- outer cylindrical body;
- plastic bushings;
- gas restart channel;
- sliding bearings;
- gas valve;
- lifting rod;
- external and internal cavities;
- boot and oil seal;
- seal and piston.
Gas lift design with individual elements
Detailed drawing of a gas elevator
The design is completely sealed; the cylinder is filled at the factory with an inert gas - nitrogen, which creates the required pressure during compression. The mechanism cannot be disassembled or repaired.
Gas lift guarantees reliable operation of your furniture
- strong holding of open facades in the upper position - several cabinets can be opened at once;
Using a gas lift for upper cabinets is convenient and practical
Convenient opening and closing of furniture in a functional kitchen
Cabinet doors open easily, smoothly and safely
The quality of the device is indicated by the material of manufacture and the force that must be applied to close the mechanism.
Specialists will help you choose a gas lift from different models for your case.
Lifting mechanisms used to open doors
A kitchen gas lift is a lifting structure related to brackets. It is used in cabinets whose doors open upward. This is not the only way to open facades, but most manufacturers prefer it.
A bracket used to raise or lower a drawer door and fix it in this position is called a gas lift
Lifting mechanisms are one of the most popular types of furniture fittings.
The main advantage of such fittings is its reliability, durability and aesthetics.
They come in different types, different in application:
- folding lifting mechanisms - for multi-level facades;
Folding lift mechanism for upper tier with large fronts
Folding lift for tall upper cabinets with two-piece fronts
Parallel lift mechanism
The small swing lift has a small installation size and is suitable for small enclosures, such as above a refrigerator or above a storage cabinet
A mechanical lift is an accessible mechanism for opening furniture fronts up/down
The main purpose of gas elevators is the correct, free, silent and easy opening of the top drawers headset upwards
Folding lifting mechanisms with closers
You always want to get the best, especially when it comes to creating a real dream kitchen in your home. So that the doors of kitchen cabinets that fold upward not only slide absolutely silently, but also open and close without pops, squeaks and, in principle, any artificial effort.
Folding mechanisms for kitchen facades, equipped with closers
Manufacturers of kitchen fittings are ready to provide you with such a device, therefore, folding mechanisms equipped with closers built directly into the body of the part have appeared on the market. These newfangled products are presented mainly by manufacturing companies that are known throughout the world:
- "Bloom";
- "Hettich", etc.
Folding lifting mechanisms with closers are a stylish solution suitable for equipping mezzanine-type facades
Folding mechanisms produced by these renowned companies to equip mezzanine-type lockers can be opened completely without your effort, by means of:
- light pressure;
- starting from an electric drive system.
Agree, it’s not only stylish, but also very comfortable, reliable, beautiful, and quiet. The cost of these products, unfortunately, is far from affordable.
Some of these mechanisms are equipped with an electric drive, which allows you to practically not participate in the process of lifting the cabinet doors, which is especially convenient for people who are short or have little time to spare.
Choosing a gas lift for kitchen cabinets
Gas lifts for furniture are selected according to three parameters.
- Compression force. First, you should determine the weight of the facade - the larger it is, the “stronger” the gas lift should be. Models from manufacturers have a rating of 60-140 Newton. To accurately determine the required compression force, you need to multiply the weight of the door with fittings by ten. This can be done using special gas lift load calculators from the Internet. To lift one kg of façade you need 10 Newtons.
- Dimensions. The length of the lifting structure directly depends on the size of the door being opened.
- Structure. It can be step-by-step or automatic. Step-by-step is a door with a handle. The automatic one opens with minimal hand pressure, and then closes itself after some time; it does not need a handle.
Self-installation of a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet
The gas lift lifting mechanism for the kitchen is secured using a spring bracket
The current gas elevators create convenience and comfortable conditions in the kitchen. The service life of the device depends directly on the correct installation. The installation process is not complicated and can be easily done independently.
Basic installation rules:
- It is better to install two gas lifts on one door so that it does not warp over time;
- mechanisms with a force of more than 100 Newton are not often used, only for large and heavy facades, and such are rare;
- the door with a lifting mechanism is adjusted by hinges with which it is attached to the frame. Loops can be overhead or semi-overlay;
- Before assembling the box, fasteners for fittings should be installed on its sides - this is more difficult to do on an already assembled box;
- the gas lift is fastened to the facade when all the finishing is completed and other fittings are already fixed;
- The automatic lift is installed according to the instructions.
Gas elevator installation diagram
To install a gas elevator you will need a drill, screwdriver, screwdriver, tape measure, ruler, hammer, pliers, pencil. First, measurements and marking of holes are carried out. You can place the mechanism on the cabinet walls in any way you like. Before installation, you should determine the opening angle of the doors: the closer the mounting point is to the front edge of the sidewall, the greater the door opening angle.
Gas elevators vary in size, technical characteristics, etc.
Design and structure of automatic and friction elevator
By fastening method.
- Using a spring clip. A simple method in which the device is mounted on the head of fasteners. This is done with one click, no special knowledge or tools are needed.
- Using a plate. The fastening is also not complicated, it is done with screws.
Use the secrets of installing an elevator
The process takes literally a couple of minutes. Gas lift is usually used for upper modules, which makes opening easier. On the lower parts of the furniture, it plays the role of a lock when opening the door downwards. In order not to constantly adjust the façade, it is advisable to mount gas elevators on both sides.
Table for selecting the force of elevators for facades with an opening angle of 90°
The upper part of the device is usually mounted on the side of the box from the inside, 29 mm from the bottom of the top shelf, 37 mm from the edge of the side wall. Its length depends on the size of the furniture. The lower part is mounted to the facade at a distance from the end inside, which depends on the internal height of the cabinet:
- if the height is 190 mm, then the distance is 50 mm;
- at a height of 264 mm – distance 84 mm;
- if the height is 365 mm – the distance is 128 mm.
It turns out that the length of the bracket when open will be 164, 244 and 355 mm, respectively.
Installation of kitchen gas lift depending on size
The process of attaching the gas lift to the bed is also not difficult, giving many advantages:
- saves space;
- damping when closing;
- protects the base from premature destruction;
- has sufficient durability;
- provides safety and ease of use;
- The elevator is designed for approximately 20,000 folding and unfolding operations.
Gas lifts for a bed can be labeled 600-1200 Newton, depending on the weight of that piece of furniture. After installing the gas lift on the bed, you should check whether the lifting device works normally. If not, then correct it.
If it is discovered that the device does not hold the door, it means that the seal of the housing has been broken and the gas has escaped.
Gas lift
Gas lift can rightfully be designated as a bestseller among the mechanisms in this category. It is so popular that it is already a classic, and is perhaps most often used to raise kitchen fronts.
The desired mechanism has many advantages, for which it is given “people’s love.” Here they are:
- obvious ease of installation to facades;
- very affordable cost;
- comfortable operation throughout the entire service life of the device.
Gas lift is one of the most convenient lifting mechanisms for equipping kitchen facades
How to install a gas lift: instructions
Gas lift fasteners are made directly to the following parts of the kitchen cabinet:
- to the side;
- to the facade.
You can easily handle the installation of a gas lift yourself, but if you are not confident in your abilities, trust the professionals
To be more precise, the round part of the part with the bushing goes exactly to the side of the cabinet, and the oblong fastener goes to the facade. A nitrogen cylinder is already snapped onto them, which, by the way, professional furniture makers recommend mounting directly in the upper part.
So, let's start looking at the steps.
Step 1. So, take the front of your cabinet and lay it with the inside facing up, that is, facing you. Now you need to start making markings.
Marking drawing for gas lift installation
To do this, on the side where the loops are located, you need to mark 9 centimeters, and at the same time step back 2.2 centimeters from the edge of the furniture segment. Place a dot at this point. It will later become the center of fastening of the hook-type part. During installation, you need to turn this part directly with a hook into the inside of the facade. It is important to take the size of the parts for the side of the cabinet at least 2.2 centimeters, the thickness will be about 1.6 centimeters, to which the gap is also added.
Markings on the facade
Step 2. Screw the fastener to the facade.
Fastening the fasteners
Step 3. Now it's time to mark the side of our kitchen cabinet. It also needs to be laid on some surface, turned so that its front part is facing up, that is, towards you.
Markings on the side wall
Take a ruler or construction tape and measure from the end at the top downwards about 27 centimeters. From the end located in the front part, measure 1 centimeter into the cabinet.
Step 4. This area is the central part of the fastening; we attach the round gas lift fastener there with self-tapping screws.
Installing the fastener
Step 5. Next, secure the gas lift. At the end of the work, do not forget to install a damper, overhead or mortise type, as desired. Its main task will be to soften the landing of the facade when it has to hit the end of the cabinet during closing. If you don't install it, you will not only be forced to constantly listen to popping noises, but also your furniture will quickly become unusable.
Installing a gas lift
Video - Marking and installation of gas lifts
How to adjust gas lift
A façade equipped with a gas lift can have three positions:
- 90°;
- 70°;
- 110°.
If you are short, it can be quite difficult to reach the necessary kitchen cabinet, namely its door, in order to close it from the top position.
To correct this situation, it is necessary to change the arrangement of existing fastening systems on the cabinet door.
Gas lift device
Table 1. How to adjust the façade markings for installing a gas lift
Position | How to adjust |
70° from top edge | In order for the facade to be in the position indicated in the left column, being completely open, it is necessary to mark 10 centimeters down directly to the center of the fastener. |
90° from top edge | To achieve this position, you need to measure 9 centimeters from the indicated point. |
110° from top edge | To achieve this position, you need to measure 8 centimeters from the indicated point. |
Make the necessary markings and change the position of the fittings. At the same time, do not forget that an error of approximately 5-10 degrees is permissible, and this must also be taken into account. If you still want to perfect the opening width you need, try adjusting the position of the part by eye.
However, you can adjust the angle of the door in the open position much more accurately if you tighten the gas lift cylinder directly. The fact is that inside this part there is a kind of thread. If, for example, you have facades with installed cylinders in a row, sometimes it is very important to adjust them as uniformly as possible. This is where carving comes into play. We rotate the cylinder along it, and at the same time the facade itself either lowers or rises, which is very convenient. This way you can achieve maximum accuracy.
How to correctly select the gas lift load
The lifting force in the case of this part varies within the following parameters: from 50-60N to 180-220N. Provided that it is correctly selected, and the part is also subsequently equipped with various closers or dampers, then using a gas lift, you can achieve smooth movement of the facade when opening and silent closing, in which there will not be even a hint of the annoying knock of the door.
The standard height of traditional kitchen cabinets is 72 centimeters. If you divide this value into two halves, you get 36 centimeters. This is exactly the standard height of the facade, which does not open to the side, but tilts upward.
Next, in the table in the photo, we will consider what gas lift load is typical for facades with a specific standard width. This parameter changes the weight of the door, and, as a result, you need to select a completely different type of gas lift for it.
Gas lift selection diagram
For those facades that are large and heavy, it would be better to install the parts symmetrically on both sides to avoid gradual warping of the door, which would otherwise inevitably occur.
Wide facades must be equipped with two gas lifts, located symmetrically, otherwise the door will gradually warp
Please note: if you are forced to use a strong gas lift, that is, a part whose power will be approximately 80 units, you need to strengthen the upper horizon (the part to which furniture hinges are attached) with something, since when the cabinet is closed, the part will receive too intense load.
Gas lift
Gas lift belongs to the group of furniture lifting mechanisms that are designed to open cabinet facades down and up without effort - smoothly and beautifully. Also, a gas lift for furniture makes it easy to fix the kitchen facade in a certain position and close it smoothly and silently.
The gas lift design for kitchen cabinets consists of a piston and a gas cartridge. Such fittings are compact, so they do not take up much useful space after assembly.
Depending on the model, all facade elevators are divided into:
The automatic lift mechanism for the kitchen is especially convenient for facades without handles. However, unlike a friction gas furniture elevator, it is not able to lock the furniture door in a certain position when lifting and tilting.
A friction gas elevator costs almost the same as its analogue, and its versatility and ease of use fully justify the investment. In addition, most models of gas lifts for furniture come with closers, which makes them even more functional. Furniture gas lift is one of the most modern oil or pneumatic mechanisms, which has a high level of comfort, reliability and durability.
You can buy high-quality gas lift in Moscow on the MDM website - we offer a wide range of mechanical products and fittings from well-known manufacturers at an attractive price. Please note: the model must be selected individually for each type of furniture. This takes into account not only the size of the facade, but also the material used for its manufacture.
Tasks of lifting mechanisms
When a kitchen is being furnished, it must include cabinets, bedside tables, shelves, etc.
They differ in their shape, size, material of manufacture, weight, decorative components and more.
See also
Materials for making kitchen furniture: which ones are better to choose
In order for facades to open easily and conveniently, they may require appropriate lifting mechanisms. These are more complex devices than ordinary furniture hinges. There are additional elements here aimed at making it easier to open and close the facade in the kitchen. When choosing, you need to focus on what is most suitable for your specific situation. There are many options on the market, but not all of them will be appropriate in one case or another. This is largely why this material was written. So please support us with feedback and comments, and rate us.
I think we have decided on the tasks performed by lifting mechanisms for kitchen facades.
This makes lifting easier and increases the service life of furniture. Now let's move on to the proposed assortment.
Gas elevator design
It is a structure consisting of the following components made of plastic and metal:
- Sleeve.
- Elevator cone.
- External and internal cavities.
- Lifting rod.
- Landing, outer and inner cones.
- Button.
- Sealing element.
- Gas valve.
- Bearing.
- Gas bypass channel.
How to properly install a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet?
At the beginning of work, you need to select a tool and make markings, purchase gas lifts and components. Gas lifts are characterized by different parameters and the force at which the spring is compressed. The device must match the size of the furniture. Typically, the dimensions of furniture are standard and there are three main options for gas lifts in size. You need to know the maximum extension of the rod and the length of the folded mechanism.
The compression force is needed when calculating the design for doors of different weights, taking into account the entire coating and fittings. The amount of compression of the spring is standardized and indicated in the technical data sheet of the mechanism, measured in newtons and can be 60, 80, 100 and up to 140 N. Based on the weight of the door, the gas lift is calculated based on a kilogram of door mass per 10 newtons of compression force.
There are many ways to attach. Flat platforms are often used, mounted on the sides of the cabinet with screws and self-tapping screws. Screw-in holders are used for wooden furniture.
What tools will be needed during installation?
You need a set of tools - one is not enough. If you want to install it yourself, you will need:
- Meter, ruler or tape measure.
- Hammer and pliers.
- Drill (preferably electric).
- Screwdriver or screwdriver (the latter is preferable).
Step 1. Marking before installation
Before installing the device, markings are made in the cabinet niche and calculations necessary for installation are made. The centers of the mounting points are also marked on both sides of the niche and on the door.
Step 2. Installation work
Installing a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet is carried out as follows:
1. First, the bases are fixed to the sides of the cabinet in the places marked earlier.
2. Plates and brackets with springs are installed. The bracket is screwed in and the gas lift head snaps directly onto it.
3. The center of the fastening must coincide with the marked one; the base is fastened in different versions with 3 or 4 screws or self-tapping screws. The head of the structure is fixed in the holes.
Important! If the plate is bent, the elevator does not work.
4. The same steps are taken to secure it to the furniture door. The hinge angle should be 8 degrees.
Gas lift installation diagram
5 installation tips
In connection with mounting the device yourself, we can provide some useful tips:
- The mechanism must be fixed to the sides of the niche - otherwise the fastening will be skewed.
- The door in the cabinet must be firmly secured with two additional furniture hinges.
- It is better to choose elevators with a force of up to 80 Newtons; doors of greater mass are not available in practice.
- Door fittings must be installed before gas lifts are installed.
- When installing a kitchen cabinet, it should not hang on the wall.
The upper cabinets are equipped with a gas lift.
Gas lifts are very convenient and expand the functionality of cabinets and other furniture. The low price and the ability to buy and install them yourself from the facade give them advantages over other structures. The disadvantage of the device is the inability to repair an already installed gas lift for the kitchen. There are many videos on the Internet and complete instructions on how to attach the device. You can place it on a cabinet made of any material.
Comparison of the presented accessories
Speaking about the fittings presented in our article, it must be said that gas lifts are especially popular today. It is no coincidence that we paid the most attention to them in this article.
Gas lift
The fact is that these products, in comparison with the other parts considered, have several advantages that are not characteristic of other representatives of this category, namely:
- closers can be built into them;
- their price remains affordable, and everyone can afford such accessories;
- the service life of these products is very long;
- Gas lifts are very convenient to operate; they glide smoothly and operate quietly when installed correctly:
- The product is quite easy to install yourself, and also dismantle it yourself, if necessary.
Gaslift is a sales leader
Spring, bar and “click-clack” brackets are characterized by low cost and reliability , however, they are inconvenient to use and most often unpleasant due to noise, the need for effort, etc.
Mechanisms with closers, folding ones with remote control, as well as fittings that allow facades to open in a vertical plane - work well, look nice and also last for many years. However, their cost is quite high.