All 22 of my struts are flat. 20+$ each is crazy. Looked at history and combined see real ideas. Took my ball ends off. Cut 7/16-14 threads onto them and installed 1/2" screen door spring cut down to correct lenght. Check this out at Amazon.com
Prime-Line SP 9643 Wood Screen Door Spring, 15/32-Inch, Zinc Prime-Line SP 9643 Wood Screen Door Spring, 15/32-Inch, Zinc - Screen Door... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RGAGVC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_0hEeFbKZMGWQ9)
Makes two supports
More picture
Rod end with threads cut. May need to cover spring to prevent noise? Don't know yet. Cheap fix
Scott
Scott,
I think that is very innovative. I have replaced all of my gas struts, a few at a time over the course of fifteen years. At the moment I have a reserve stash of several new replacement struts in my "spares" box, otherwise I would jump on this solution. I like it.
Richard
Doors that have two struts will only get one modified. You must break them over center manually and one seems enough. Some type of covering still seems like it would be nice. 40$ total cost
Scott
Definitely out of the box thinking!
Think something like this would work for a cover? It is available in black and a variety of colors and sizes.
Expandable Cable Sleeving Braided Tubing
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FJCT47/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ANCD3ASA6P8B8&psc=1
Ordered 10' in black. Will use tie cord to secure ends. Great find but this is really pushing the cost up. Think I'm still under 50$
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071SGY2T5/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Scott
Very cool!
How does it do for keeping the doors shut? I am just as concerned about abrupt maneuvers and the contents flying about.
The install does look very clean.
Keeping the Cabinet doors shut is only half of it, this is how we solved the stored item movement by making movable dividers for about $6 each.
Overhead content secure (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=39942.msg395296#msg395296)
The springs will never produce the 20lbs of Extend force that is used to help keep the door closed. Possibly could be prone to more rattling, but it is more than flat struts and at $2.20 each I'll give it a try. During our last 1500 mile trip coming home I didn't notice any doors rattling or opening with flat struts. I also never drove faster than 49 mph except for a couple of long downhills when I was able to coast a little faster. (ECM)
Scott
Reply #18 would save labor at not that much more cost.
Gas struts for cabinets (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=36332.msg345047#msg345047)
Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear (https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/seasense-hatch-lift-spring?lcab.rdr=TRUE&productVariantId=6120279&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=01144247&rid=20&ds_rl=1246549&ds_rl=1246552&ds_rl=1252242&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CjwKCAjw2cTmBRAVEiwA8YMgzYv7iWyRAqmbim6C7tKvbUwQznwQKURvOP0bK07AlX1IItP-cPAA1hoCvdUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)