Clevis Fork End Fittings Explained: DIN 71752 Sizes, Uses & Installation Guide

If your gas strut, actuator or linkage uses a pin-and-eye connection rather than a ball socket, you are almost certainly working with a clevis fork end. These fittings are one of the most common ways to connect a gas strut, pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic ram to a bracket, gate, machine guard or linkage arm, and getting the size right is essential for a secure, smooth-moving fit.

At SpringFixUK we stock M6, M8 and M10 gas strut clevis fork ends manufactured to DIN 71752, each supplied with a folding spring clip as standard. This guide explains what a clevis fork end is, how it differs from a ball stud fitting, and how to choose and fit the correct size.

What is a clevis fork end?

A clevis fork end (also called a fork joint, clevis yoke or fork head) is a U-shaped metal fitting with two parallel arms and a threaded shank. A pin passes through the two arms and through the eye of the connecting part, creating a pivoting joint that can rotate freely as the gas strut or cylinder extends and compresses.

Clevis fork ends made to the DIN 71752 standard are widely used with pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, gas struts and mechanical linkages because the standardised dimensions make them easy to source, replace and interchange between manufacturers.

Clevis fork end vs ball stud fitting: what is the difference?

Gas struts typically connect using one of two fitting types:

• Ball stud and socket: a plastic or metal socket clips over a fixed ball stud, allowing quick, tool-free fitting and removal. This is the most common fitting for cabinets, hatches, ottoman beds and lighter domestic applications.
• Clevis fork end and pin: a U-shaped fork fits around an eye or lug and is secured with a pin and spring clip. This connection type is generally preferred for gates, industrial linkages, machine guarding and applications where a more rigid, mechanically secured pivot is required.

Always check which fitting type your existing gas strut or bracket uses before ordering. Clevis fork ends and ball studs are not interchangeable without also changing the matching bracket or strut end.

Common clevis fork end sizes

Clevis fork ends are specified by their thread size, which must match the threaded rod end of your gas strut or cylinder:

• M6 clevis fork end: used on lighter-duty gas struts and smaller linkages, such as lightweight covers, small gates and cabinet mechanisms.
• M8 clevis fork end: one of the most widely used sizes, suitable for general-purpose gas struts, gate hardware and medium-duty linkages.
• M10 clevis fork end: used on heavier-duty gas struts and applications with higher force ratings, such as larger gates, industrial covers and heavier panels.

Beyond thread size, it is also worth checking the fork width (the gap between the two arms), the pin hole diameter and the overall length, as these can vary slightly between manufacturers even within the same DIN 71752 standard.

Why the folding spring clip matters

Our M6, M8 and M10 clevis fork ends are supplied with a folding spring clip that locks the pin securely in place once fitted. This prevents the pin from working loose through vibration or repeated movement, which is particularly important on gates and outdoor applications that see frequent use and are exposed to the elements.

Always check that the spring clip is fully engaged after installation, and inspect it periodically as part of routine maintenance, especially on gates and equipment that open and close many times a day.

Where are clevis fork ends used?

• Swing gates and hydraulic gate closers
• Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder linkages
• Machine guards and access covers
• Industrial and commercial gas strut applications
• Trailer, agricultural and plant equipment linkages
• Custom fabrication and engineering projects

How to fit a clevis fork end

1. Confirm the thread size (M6, M8 or M10) matches the rod end of your gas strut or cylinder.
2. Thread the clevis fork end fully onto the rod end and, where the design allows, lock it in place with a lock nut or thread-locking compound.
3. Align the fork arms with the eye of the bracket, gate lug or linkage arm.
4. Insert the pin through the fork and the eye.
5. Fit the folding spring clip over the end of the pin to secure it.
6. Move the joint through its full range of motion to check for smooth, unobstructed movement before putting the equipment back into service.

Choosing the right material and finish

Our DIN 71752 clevis fork ends are manufactured from zinc plated steel, giving a strong and cost-effective fitting with good general corrosion resistance for most indoor and outdoor applications. For gates and equipment in coastal, marine or particularly damp environments, consider pairing your clevis fork end with stainless steel brackets and fixings elsewhere in the assembly for maximum longevity.

Final checklist before ordering

• Confirm your gas strut or cylinder uses a clevis fork connection rather than a ball stud.
• Match the thread size exactly: M6, M8 or M10.
• Check the fork width and pin diameter against your existing fitting.
• Make sure the spring clip is included, or order one separately.
• Consider the force rating of your gas strut and the duty cycle of the application.

SpringFixUK stocks M6, M8 and M10 DIN 71752 gas strut clevis fork ends with folding spring clips, ready to dispatch the same day when ordered before 16:00. Browse our full range of clevis fork ends, brackets and gas strut fittings to find the right match for your project.