Gas Strut Brackets: How to Choose the Right Mounting Bracket

A gas strut is only as secure as the bracket it is mounted to. Whether you are repairing a cabinet door, fitting a gas strut to a toolbox lid, supporting a hatch, upgrading an ottoman bed mechanism or building a custom DIY project, choosing the correct mounting bracket is essential for safe, smooth and reliable movement.

At SpringFixUK, we supply a wide range of gas strut brackets, ball stud brackets, mounting plates, side mount brackets, pivot hinge brackets and quick-release fittings for domestic, automotive, workshop, furniture and light-duty mechanical applications. This guide explains the main bracket types, what measurements to check and how to choose the right fitting for your project.

What is a gas strut bracket?

A gas strut bracket is the fixing point that connects a gas strut to a door, lid, panel, frame or hinge mechanism. The bracket usually includes a ball stud, pin, eye mount or fixing plate. The gas strut end fitting then clips, bolts or pivots onto this bracket.

Although brackets may look like small parts, they play a very important role. They control the mounting angle, support the force of the gas strut and help the strut move correctly as the lid, door or panel opens and closes.

Why choosing the right bracket matters

Using the wrong bracket can cause poor alignment, weak support, loose movement, premature wear or difficulty clipping the gas strut into place. In some cases, the gas strut may not sit securely against the mounting surface or may not open and close smoothly.

The right gas strut bracket should match the strut end fitting, the available mounting space, the required angle and the weight of the panel or lid being supported.

Main types of gas strut brackets

1. Ball stud mounting plates

Ball stud mounting plates are one of the most common gas strut bracket types. They normally feature a fixed ball stud mounted on a flat steel plate with fixing holes. The gas strut socket clips directly onto the ball stud.

These brackets are ideal for lids, hatches, cabinets, access panels, storage boxes, furniture mechanisms and many universal gas strut installations.

Best for: flat mounting surfaces, general gas strut replacement, cabinets, lids, hatches and DIY projects.

2. L shape and angle brackets

L shape gas strut brackets are designed for applications where the strut needs to be mounted at a 90-degree angle or on a side surface. They are commonly used when a flat mounting plate will not provide the correct alignment.

Angle brackets are useful for cabinets, toolboxes, frames, machinery covers, access panels and custom mounting points where space is limited.

Best for: side mounting, vertical surfaces, restricted spaces and applications that need an angled fixing point.

3. Side mount brackets

Side mount brackets are designed to position the ball stud or pin away from the main mounting surface. They can help improve clearance and allow the gas strut to move without rubbing against the frame, lid or hinge.

These brackets are often used where the gas strut must sit close to an edge or where the mounting position needs extra offset.

Best for: side panels, tight spaces, custom projects and installations that need extra clearance.

4. Quick-release pin brackets

Quick-release gas strut brackets use a pin and clip arrangement instead of a fixed ball stud. They are useful when the strut may need to be removed for servicing, adjustment or access.

This type of bracket is often used on toolboxes, hatches, covers and light-duty mechanical applications where simple removal is helpful.

Best for: removable panels, service access, toolbox lids and applications where easy disconnection is needed.

5. Stainless steel brackets

Stainless steel gas strut brackets are a good choice where corrosion resistance is important. They are suitable for damp environments, outdoor equipment, marine-style applications, garden projects and areas where a more durable finish is required.

Best for: outdoor use, damp environments, long-term corrosion resistance and premium installations.

6. Zinc plated steel brackets

Zinc plated steel brackets are a strong and cost-effective choice for many indoor, automotive, furniture and workshop applications. The zinc plated finish helps provide protection against corrosion while keeping the bracket practical and affordable.

Best for: general use, cabinets, hatches, furniture, workshop projects and vehicle-related fittings.

Key measurements to check before buying

Before ordering gas strut brackets, always check the measurements carefully. A small difference in ball size, hole spacing or mounting angle can affect fitment.

• Ball size: Common ball stud sizes include 8mm, 10mm and 13mm. The ball size must match the socket end of the gas strut.
• Thread size: If the bracket uses a threaded ball stud, check whether it is M6, M8 or M10.
• Plate size: Make sure the bracket plate fits the available surface area.
• Hole spacing: Check that the fixing holes line up with your mounting surface or can be drilled safely.
• Mounting angle: Choose flat, side mount or L shape brackets depending on how the strut needs to sit.
• Material: Use zinc plated steel for general applications or stainless steel where better corrosion resistance is needed.
• Load and force: Make sure the bracket is suitable for the force rating of the gas strut and the weight of the panel.

Where can gas strut brackets be used?

Gas strut brackets are used in many different applications, including:

• Kitchen cabinet lift-up doors
• Ottoman storage beds
• Toolbox lids and workshop storage
• Garden gates and light-duty access panels
• Vehicle bonnet and hatch applications
• Furniture lift mechanisms
• Machinery covers and inspection panels
• DIY and repair projects

Ball stud bracket or pin bracket: which one do you need?

If your gas strut has a plastic or metal socket end, you will normally need a ball stud bracket. The socket clips over the ball and allows the strut to pivot smoothly as the door or lid moves.

If your gas strut uses an eye end or clevis fitting, you may need a pin bracket, fork end or pivot hinge bracket instead. These fittings use a pin, bolt or clip rather than a ball socket connection.

Always match the bracket to the end fitting on your gas strut. If the connection type is wrong, the strut will not mount securely.

Why bracket alignment is important

Good alignment helps the gas strut extend and compress smoothly. If the bracket is fitted at the wrong angle, the strut may twist, bind or place extra stress on the end fittings. This can reduce the life of the gas strut and make the mechanism feel stiff or unstable.

When fitting brackets, check the open and closed positions before final tightening. The strut should not hit the frame, rub against the panel or reach full compression before the lid is fully closed.

Installation tips

• Support the lid, door or panel before removing old fittings.
• Replace worn or damaged brackets rather than reusing weak fixing points.
• Use suitable screws, bolts or fixings for the mounting surface.
• Check that the ball stud or pin is fully secured before attaching the strut.
• Test the movement slowly after installation.
• Do not force the gas strut if it does not line up correctly.
• Use brackets in pairs where the application requires balanced support.

Choosing between zinc plated and stainless steel

For most indoor and general-purpose applications, zinc plated steel brackets are a practical and reliable option. They offer strength, good value and a corrosion-resistant finish for everyday use.

For outdoor, damp or higher-exposure environments, stainless steel brackets are often the better choice. Stainless steel provides improved corrosion resistance and is ideal when long-term durability is a priority.

Why buy gas strut brackets from SpringFixUK?

SpringFixUK offers a carefully selected range of gas strut brackets and end fittings designed for reliable mounting and easy replacement. Our range includes ball stud brackets, flat mounting plates, L shape brackets, side mount brackets, pivot hinge brackets, quick-release fittings and stainless steel options.

Whether you are replacing a worn bracket or building a new lift mechanism, choosing the correct fitting helps improve safety, movement and long-term performance.

Final checklist before ordering

• Check the gas strut end fitting type.
• Measure the ball stud size.
• Confirm the thread size if required.
• Check the bracket plate size and hole spacing.
• Choose the correct mount style: flat, side, L shape or pin type.
• Select zinc plated steel or stainless steel depending on the environment.
• Make sure the bracket is suitable for the strut force and application.

If you need strong, reliable and easy-to-fit gas strut brackets, explore the SpringFixUK range of mounting brackets, ball stud plates and end fittings today.