An Explanation of Common Gas Springs:  How Do They Work?

Gas springs, also known as gas struts or gas lift supports, use compressed gas to provide smooth and controlled motion of lids, hatches, flaps, and more in many applications. Common examples include automotive hoods, furniture, medical equipment, and industrial machinery. 

They work on the principle of the ideal gas law, which states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature and the number of molecules present in the container. 

A typical gas spring consists of a piston rod and a cylinder filled with pressurized gas, usually nitrogen. When the gas spring is extended, the gas pressure inside the cylinder pushes the piston rod out. Conversely, when the gas spring is compressed, the gas pressure inside the cylinder decreases, allowing the piston rod to retract.

The Differences Between VMI and CMI

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Customer Managed Inventory (CMI) are inventory management programs that differ in responsibility for managing inventory. 

In a VMI program, the vendor (supplier) manages the customer's inventory levels. The vendor collects customer usage data from sales forecasts, inventory levels, or other key metrics to determine when and how much product to deliver. In a VMI program, the vendor takes on the responsibility, and subsequent risk, of maintaining appropriate stock levels to balance inventory with costs for optimal cash flow. The customer benefits from a more streamlined supply chain and reduced inventory holding costs while having to invest less time and personnel resources into inventory management.  

Big Solutions for Tiny Houses

In the last decade, thanks to social media, we have been able to follow the rise of the tiny house movement. This tiny living lifestyle, which includes tiny homes, van conversions, and other mobile housing alternatives, has grown in popularity.  

If you want to go tiny, you are entering a vast world of possibility. Tiny living is a great choice for young people, retirees, digital nomads, and families looking to simplify their day-to-day life or hit the road for big adventures and a roaming lifestyle. 

The possibilities are endless. Live wherever you want to save money and space, simplify your lifestyle, and see the world from your front door.

Whether you're going off-road, off the grid, or off to work, you want to be sure your vehicle has the right gear for the day's adventure. We know how important it is to have a reliable, safe ride and one well-equipped for the day's journey- whatever that may be. You work hard, and your truck should work equally as hard for you.

With the costs of fuel and products rising – you want to be sure your truck is in it for the long haul. Protecting your vehicle with the right products not only preserves the life of your truck but it gives you peace of mind. There are several easy ways to ensure your truck is in top shape. Most manufacturers have a recommended list of maintenance items at mileage intervals to help make sure your vehicle is working correctly and has a long life span.

One of the best ways to take care of your vehicle is to stay up to date on routine maintenance – Staying up to date on recommended factory maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your vehicle. A preventative maintenance schedule keeps you from dealing with costly repairs down the line.

A simple maintenance checklist will help you stay on track for repairs and maintenance for commercial vehicles, trucks, and vans, or your adventure vehicle or pickup truck. Below is a list of five easy things you can do to take care of your vehicle.

Austin Hardware® is a proud partner with H.B. Fuller and GorillaPro® Professional Grade products. Since 1960, Austin Hardware® has worked hard to secure hard-working solutions for the many different industries we serve. 

We are excited about this new product offering from one of our most trusted partnerships. Read More below to see what GorillaPro® has to say about their products and how Austin Hardware can help provide the right solution for your industry!

We're always looking for ways to improve our lives through the products we use. We seek products that make tasks easy, work better and faster, last longer, cost less, feel good to use, and make us feel good.

In business, manufacturers look to add components to their end products that improve their customers' lives and solve problems, adding value and giving them a competitive advantage. But that search can be complicated as many affordable, readily available components are highly commoditized, making those unique, differentiating products a challenge to find.

The answer could lie in the design of custom components that can solve your unique problem, help your end product stand out, and give you a competitive advantage. 

The Genesis™ Power Plate from Austin Hardware® – A Green Solution for Your Business.

Austin Hardware® is excited to introduce an eco-friendly solution for your vehicle– the Power Plate by Genesis™. Our new line of products includes an inverter charger and lithium-ion batteries. With these products, you can power tools, equipment, and accessories, including air-conditioning, on any utility vehicle without idling the engine.

If you want to extend the life of your vehicle and save on fuel costs with an easy, greener energy source, keep reading below.

Registration is now open for the 7th annual Austin Hardware Charity Football Pool.

Since 1960 (that's over sixty years!), we've worked hard to develop solutions for the many different industries we serve. What started as a small, family-owned business has grown into the business you see today, with 9 locations serving the U.S. and Canada. Today, Austin Hardware® is the go-to specialty hardware supplier of choice for top companies across dozens of industries. 

Our dedication to quality and customer service goes a long way. We are MORE than just a supplier. We offer a variety of ways to serve your business besides specialty hardware. Not only can we function as your supplier for hardware solutions, but we have also become a trusted source for many OEMs for custom-engineered products. Keep reading to learn more...