Gas Strut Stuck Open or Won't Compress? Causes & Fixes (UK)

A gas strut that is stuck open, won't compress, or won't hold a lid up is one of the most common problems we help customers with — on ottoman beds, kitchen cabinets, toolboxes, hatches and lids. In most cases the strut isn't faulty: it is the wrong force, the wrong length or fitted the wrong way. Here's how to work out which.

Quick Diagnosis

Symptom Most likely cause Fix
Lid or bed base springs open and won't close Force (N) too high for the weight Fit a lower N rating
Strut won't compress at all by hand Force too high, or it is a locking gas spring Check the label; locking types need their release
Lid drifts down or won't stay up Strut has lost pressure, or force too low Replace with the correct N rating
Lid closes then pops back open Strut too long, or brackets in the wrong place Check extended length and mounting points
Jerky or noisy movement Worn seal or strut fitted rod-up Replace; fit rod pointing down where possible

1. The Force (N) Is Too High

Every gas strut is printed with a force in Newtons (for example 100N, 600N or 1200N). If it is much stronger than the lid or bed base needs, it will push the lid open and fight you when you try to close it. Replacing a pair of struts with a higher force than the originals is the number one cause of "stuck open" beds and cabinets.

Fix: match the N rating printed on your old strut. If you can't read it, use our gas strut force guide to estimate it.

2. It's a Locking Gas Spring

Some furniture and machinery use locking gas springs that hold at any position until a lever or button releases them. These will not compress by hand when locked. Check for a release pin, cable or lever before assuming the strut is jammed.

3. Wrong Length or Bracket Position

A strut that is too long for the space can hold a lid open or stop it closing fully. Measure the extended length from centre to centre of the end fittings and compare with your old strut. Moving a bracket only a few millimetres changes the leverage — see our bracket fitting guide.

4. The Strut Has Lost Pressure

Gas struts slowly lose gas over years of use. The lid starts to drift down, then won't stay up at all. Struts cannot be recharged at home — replace them, ideally both at once so the force stays balanced.

How to Compress a Gas Strut Safely

  • Push slowly and steadily along the line of the strut — never sideways.
  • Support the lid or bed base before removing a strut, so it can't drop.
  • Remove the clip on ball-socket ends before levering the socket off the ball stud.
  • Never cut, drill, crush or heat a gas strut — it is under high pressure.
  • Old struts should be disposed of at a metal recycling point.

Fitting Tip: Rod Down

Where the design allows, fit gas struts with the rod pointing downwards when closed. This keeps the internal seal lubricated and helps the strut last longer.

Replacement Parts

Orders placed before 16:00 Monday to Sunday are dispatched the same day with free UK delivery. Send us a photo of your old strut and we'll help you find the right replacement.

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