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.

In a previous post, we discussed many of the different types of standard fastening nuts. In this edition, we’ll talk about locknuts. The major difference between standard nuts and locknuts is standard nuts consist simply of a threaded hole, while locknuts are designed to prevent loosening when exposed to vibration. As with standard nuts, there are many different variations of locknuts from which to choose. We’ll take a look at some of the more popular locknuts here. 

This is Part 4 of a 4-part series on Blind Rivets

In the first three parts of our series on blind rivets, we discussed the history of blind rivets; the most important factors to maximize joint integrity (grip range, hole size, material, and installation tooling); rivet selection (material, diameter, grip range, head style), and the most common types of blind rivets (drive-pin and break-stem; open-end, closed-end, self-plugging). To review any of those posts, please click on any of these links.

• Blind Rivets Part 1
• Blind Rivets Part 2
• Blind Rivets Part 3
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In this final installation, we’ll break down some other variations of blind rivets. There are many different styles of blind rivets for specific applications, including different types of structural blind rivets.

Structural blind rivets are required for applications requiring higher load and vibration tolerances. They have higher shear and pull-out strength than standard blind rivets. Many offer a wide grip range, while most have exceptional clamping force. While they’re not quite a replacement for a blind bolt, such as the Huck BOM, or heavy hex bolt, they are a great option when a standard blind rivet just won’t suffice.

Washers are another critical member of the wide world of fasteners. They’re certainly not sexy and can be overlooked at times. However, they play a crucial role in the function and longevity of the majority of products using mechanical fasteners. Like most fasteners, there are many different types and sub-types, with the application ultimately driving the appropriate selection.

According to Engineering360, washers are “… disks of metal or non-metallic material placed beneath a nut, an axle bearing, or a joint, to relieve friction, prevent leakage, isolate, prevent loosening, or distribute pressure.” 

Most people are likely familiar with the typical “Type A plain washer,” otherwise known as a flat washer. These are considered general-purpose washers and are used in myriad applications.  

SAE washers are similar to Type A plain washers but are thinner and approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers for use with fine thread bolts and nuts. Other major categories of washers include Spring or Disc washers (of which there are many styles), Lock washers, Torque washers, and more. We’ll break down the different types of washers and their applications in more detail in future posts. Today’s entry will focus on the common attributes of each washer.  

While very important, the basics of common washer attributes break down quite simply into size, thickness, and material. 

Clinch Fasteners

Clinch or self-clinching fasteners are typically used for metal assemblies that may be too thin for tapping or in applications where it’s not feasible to employ stamped or extruded threads.

Self-clinching fasteners are found in household appliances, electronics, medical equipment, telecom equipment, automotive and transportation markets, and many other industrial applications.

When it comes to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects, you probably have a lot of questions about how to source the right products, and how you are going to execute your visions in real life. At Austin Hardware®, we are in the business of securing and providing solutions for our many different types of customers, including those who are DIY enthusiasts or home repair beginners. When it comes to finding the right hardware for your next project, you want to know you are sourcing quality, reliable goods for your business. Also, you want to know that the strength rating, materials, and design are the right choice for your project. Here are three of the biggest ways to use handles or other hardware for your next home repair or DIY project. 

Austin Hardware® is a leading supplier for critical industries, including life-saving devices for ambulances, EMTs, and other emergency vehicles. We are proud to offer the B Lift hydraulic bariatric power lift as part of our complete line of solutions for life-saving industries. We truly believe that this is a beneficial and innovative product that will save lives and make the jobs of our important first responders easier and more efficient.

Not only does our product provide safety solutions, but it is also durable, strength tested, and made in the U.S. with quality parts and craftsmanship. The average EMS response time is 14-16 minutes, meaning that each minute is crucial, we aim to maximize the time that emergency medical technicians can focus on response time while providing a safe way to accomplish that. Providing quicker response times for emergency medical care, as well as enhancing patient care is important to providing the best solutions for safety. 

The two primary linkage options available for your multi-point latches are Rods and Cables. Each offers a different set of advantages and disadvantages. 

If you're debating which is right for your application, here's a breakdown of our findings. 

Rods are more common in multi-point latch applications for several reasons, but primarily because of their durability. They are generally stronger and more durable than cables. Financially, while the cost of the raw materials for rods and cables is very close, rods tend to be more economical than a complete cable system. Cable systems require more components for assembly, thus making them more complex and costly to use. Many companies will form rods on their own, which also can help to keep costs down. 

There are many different types of truck bodies. To name a few, there are:  

When it comes to Drawer Release Systems, there are a variety of ways you can incorporate them into your work truck, utility vehicle, or emergency vehicle. Drawer release systems are a great way to organize tools, emergency equipment, safety supplies, and more while keeping everything safely stored while the vehicle is in motion. These are just a few of the ways that you can use our products, but the possibilities are endless. There are many different types of drawer release systems and methods to be custom-fitted or designed for your specific needs.