Gas Strut, Gas Spring or Other???

[Lorydr]

I want a device similar to a screen door damper, but with a reverse action similar to an adjustable gas strut (extend instead of retract). This would be for controlling the speed of my wood gate, swinging towards the closed position, right before it latches onto the post strike plate.

The gate only has the option to swing into the yard when opening. The device can't work from, or be attached to, the "clean" driveway side of the privacy fence/gate, and wouldn't look right.

Does anyone have an idea of what that mystery device could be? Or any idea of how a gas strut or gas spring could work, to mildly push the gate closed?

 

[dchawk81]

Sounds like you need a gate closer.

GATEMASTER Gas-Spring Closer

The reliable and long lasting GSB gate closer is ideal for closing gates up to 80kg. Simply weld or screw fix the brackets to the gate and post and fit the closer the brackets. Adaptable – The closer comes with either weld on or screw fixed brackets for fitting to a range of different gate types...

gatehardwarestore.com

 

[dchawk81]

Or wait sounds like you need an opener but attached to the inside so it's doing the job of closing.

 

[Lorydr]

That might do the trick, but boy do they like them. $242

Maybe I could convert a hatchback or hood strut?

 

[dchawk81]

That might do the trick, but boy do they like them. $242

Maybe I could convert a hatchback or hood strut?

Yes I'm not advocating for that particular one, it was just easy to find. Lol

 

[no704]

You can get gas struts in any configuration you want. I’m not sure I understand what it is that you are trying to do. You want it to close the gate? A picture would be helpful.

 

[dchawk81]

You can get gas struts in any configuration you want. I’m not sure I understand what it is that you are trying to do. You want it to close the gate? A picture would be helpful.

Sounds like if you imagine you're on the street looking at the pretty side, he needs an inward opening gate to be pushed closed from the inside where all the ugly bits (posts, hinges, etc) are.

 

[Cheep]

You could look at what they have here. If they don't have one that will work, it isn't made.

Quality Gas Struts and Gas Springs | Lift Supports Depot

Get lift supports, gas struts, springs, & more from Lift Supports Depot. Enjoy 1-on-1, personal service & a limited lifetime warranty on select gas springs!

www.liftsupportsdepot.com

 

[Lorydr]

Sounds like if you imagine you're on the street looking at the pretty side, he needs an inward opening gate to be pushed closed from the inside where all the ugly bits (posts, hinges, etc) are.

You are just about spot on. All I would add is that the gate does have a low tension spring that will pull it closed. The problem is that it is not controlled, and it starts off slow but will pick up speed & momentum, that sends it kind of crashing into the 4x4 post with the strike plate. That tends to shimmy & shake the old post. That can be bad over time.

The adjustable gas strut could slow things down. That's all it needs to do.

The pic shows what I'd like the closed, extended length to be, after 8" of travel from the open position.

 

[dchawk81]

You are just about spot on. All I would add is that the gate does have a low tension spring that will pull it closed. The problem is that it is not controlled, and it starts off slow but will pick up speed & momentum, that sends it kind of crashing into the 4x4 post with the strike plate. That tends to shimmy & shake the old post. That can be bad over time.

The adjustable gas strut could slow things down. That's all it needs to do.

The pic shows what I'd like the closed, extended length to be, after 8" of travel from the open position.

Sounds like you need a shock that has just the right strength to close it but not slam it shut.

Don't know if you'd need shocks going in opposite directions to control the speed or not. The one closing would be slightly stronger than the one opening.

 

[Lorydr]

Sounds like you need a shock that has just the right strength to close it but not slam it shut.

Don't know if you'd need shocks going in opposite directions to control the speed or not. The one closing would be slightly stronger than the one opening.

I truly don't need anything to help it close. Only to control the speed. Sorry that I wasn't clear.

 

[dchawk81]

I truly don't need anything to help it close. Only to control the speed. Sorry that I wasn't clear.

Okay gotcha. I wasn't really sure.

 

[no704]

They have dampers that look just like gas springs available in different strengths. McMaster has a good selection.

 

[Lorydr]

I've been looking over the www, and see many products that can do what I need, except for, they need the gate hinge to be mounted on a different corner of the post. One model was nothing more than a gas strut for $500 (mounting hardware is extra).

So I'm still trying to think outside the box for a DIY hand-made solution. Backyard engineering ideas are welcome.

 

[no704]

Couple of properly placed pulleys and the right weight on them could probably do it. If you have the space.

 

[whateg01]

If you are going to homebrew something, a linkage can reverse the direction so that a damper that goes the wrong way could work. I looked back but can't find where you described the direction and where it all has to mount. Yes, I'm probably blind. A drawing would probably help most of us.

 

[Lorydr]

I am

If you are going to homebrew something, a linkage can reverse the direction so that a damper that goes the wrong way could work. I looked back but can't find where you described the direction and where it all has to mount. Yes, I'm probably blind. A drawing would probably help most of us.

whateg01, we think alike...

I am leaning towards using a linkage for a reverse action. I'll try having the damper unit mounted on the gate, as well as the link pivot point. One end of the link connected to the end of the damper shaft, the other mounted to the post. No drawing yet though, sorry.

 

[Lorydr]

These drawings are NOT to scale.

 

[Mezz2006]

How about a screen door closer ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-L...a3PbjlchKw-vUjGvOQWUbtcPzxQjO5G2dT4w5-O1FVOWA )? They are typically adjustable for close force/speed to slow it down.

 

[Lorydr]

How about a screen door closer ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-L...a3PbjlchKw-vUjGvOQWUbtcPzxQjO5G2dT4w5-O1FVOWA )? They are typically adjustable for close force/speed to slow it down.

I'm going to try one. I hope it survives the outdoor seasonal environment.

 

[Mezz2006]

I'm going to try one. I hope it survives the outdoor seasonal environment.

You could try mounting at a very slight downward angle so water doesn't run into the shaft area. Or make up some type of plate/cover/board above it to help keep the elements off when the gate is closed

 

[Lorydr]

I'll go with a hydraulic damper to better handle temperature changes. It will all mount a vertical "reverse" of my diagram.