What Is a Non-Locking Gas Spring? Features, Uses, and Applications of the Gasolift Type

Among them, the non-locking gas spring is one of the most widely used types. It is mainly designed to assist the opening of lids, panels, covers, or tailgates, and to provide supporting force after the structure has been opened.

When no external compression force is applied, a non-locking gas spring normally extends naturally. Its primary purpose is not to hold a structure at any freely selected angle, but to generate pushing force through compressed gas inside the cylinder, reducing operating effort and allowing smoother opening and closing movement.

In some product documentation or market terminology, this type of gas spring may also be referred to as a Gasolifttype. However, in general international technical usage, Non-Locking Gas Spring is the clearer and more commonly understood term.

What Is a Non-Locking Gas Spring?

A non-locking gas spring is a gas-assisted support component that does not provide a built-in function for locking at any arbitrary position along its stroke.

It is generally composed of a pressure cylinder, piston rod, piston, seals, compressed nitrogen, and a small amount of oil. When the piston rod is pushed into the cylinder, the compressed gas generates reaction force. Once the external restriction is released, the piston rod extends outward under the force produced inside the cylinder.

This operating characteristic makes non-locking gas springs particularly suitable for:

• Assisting the opening of heavy lids or panels
• Supporting a structure after it has been opened
• Reducing the force required for manual operation
• Improving the smoothness of opening and closing movement
• Reducing structural impact caused by sudden movement

It is important to note that non-locking does not mean that the supported object cannot remain open.

When the gas spring force, installation angle, and weight of the lid or panel are properly designed, the structure can remain stable at its intended fully open position. However, since a non-locking gas spring does not contain a locking valve mechanism, it cannot be actively controlled and locked at arbitrary positions in the same way as a locking gas spring.

How Does a Non-Locking Gas Spring Work?

The operating force of a non-locking gas spring mainly comes from compressed nitrogen sealed inside the cylinder.

When the gas spring is compressed, the internal gas pressure acts on the piston and piston rod structure. Because the piston rod occupies part of the effective pressure area, a force is generated that pushes the piston rod outward.

In practical applications, this outward force assists the user in opening a tailgate, machine cover, furniture panel, or similar structure, while also providing support after the structure has reached its open position.

Some non-locking gas springs also contain a small amount of oil for lubrication and end-position damping. When a lid or panel approaches the end of its opening or closing stroke, the oil helps reduce movement speed, providing smoother operation and reducing impact on hinges, mounting points, and surrounding structures.

Related Reading: Gas Spring Working Principle, Types, and Installation Guide

What Are the Main Features of a Non-Locking Gas Spring?

Opening Assistance and Supporting Force

The primary function of a non-locking gas spring is to reduce the effort required to open a lid, cover, or panel.

For example, an automotive tailgate has considerable weight. Without a support component, the user would need to lift and support most of that weight manually. After a non-locking gas spring is installed, its internal force helps share the load, making the tailgate easier to open and allowing it to remain supported in the fully open position.

Simple Structure and Wide Range of Applications

Compared with a locking gas spring, a non-locking gas spring does not require an additional valve control mechanism or an external release device. Its structure is therefore relatively simple and easy to integrate into different products.

Non-locking gas springs are widely used in automotive components, furniture, industrial equipment, storage boxes, display equipment, and many types of lift-up structures.

Improved Operating Smoothness and Safety

A non-locking gas spring does more than provide supporting force. It can also improve the operating feel of a product.

When correctly selected and installed, it reduces the need for users to suddenly handle the full weight of a lid or cover. It can also lower the risk of rapid falling movement or strong impact during operation.

No Arbitrary Position Locking Function

The main limitation of a non-locking gas spring is that it does not allow users to freely select a position and then lock the structure at that point.

For this reason, it is suitable for applications that require opening assistance or support after opening. If a product requires angle adjustment, height positioning, or multi-position locking, a locking gas spring or an additional positioning mechanism is generally more appropriate.

What Is the Difference Between a Non-Locking Gas Spring and a Locking Gas Spring?

The main difference between non-locking and locking gas springs is whether they provide an active position-locking function.

In simple terms, when a product only needs to be easier to open and properly supported once opened, a non-locking gas spring is often sufficient.

When a product needs to be adjusted to a specific angle or height and reliably held in that position, a locking gas spring should be considered.

What Applications Are Suitable for Non-Locking Gas Springs?

Automotive Tailgates and Trunk Lids

Automotive tailgates are among the most common applications of non-locking gas springs.

Tailgates are generally heavy and open through a relatively large angle. A non-locking gas spring assists the user in lifting the tailgate and supports it after it reaches the fully open position, making loading and unloading more convenient and safer.

Common applications include:

• Hatchback tailgates
• Manual or assisted SUV liftgate support structures
• Commercial vehicle rear doors
• Trunk lids
• Large interior storage covers

In these applications, gas spring force, installation angle, and opening stroke all influence the operating feel of the tailgate.

Automotive Engine Hoods and Equipment Access Covers

Engine hoods and equipment access covers generally do not require locking at various angles. Instead, they need reliable support when fully opened.

A non-locking gas spring can replace a traditional manual prop rod, allowing maintenance personnel or users to open the cover and perform inspection work without inserting an additional support rod.

Common applications include:

• Automotive engine hoods
• Construction vehicle maintenance covers
• Generator enclosures
• Agricultural machinery access covers
• Industrial equipment service covers

Furniture Lift-Up Doors and Storage Structures

In furniture products, non-locking gas springs are commonly used in lift-up door panels and large storage structures.

For example, kitchen wall cabinets, lift-up storage beds, or display cabinet doors may require the user to hold a heavy panel during opening if no supporting component is installed. With a non-locking gas spring, the panel becomes easier to open and the risk of sudden falling movement can be reduced.

Common applications include:

• Kitchen lift-up cabinet doors
• Storage bed lift mechanisms
• Storage box lids
• Display cabinet panels
• TV cabinets and equipment cabinet doors

Industrial Machine Covers and Safety Guard Doors

Large covers, enclosures, and safety doors on industrial machinery are often heavy and may need to be opened frequently.

A non-locking gas spring assists operators in opening equipment covers, reducing physical effort during maintenance, tool changes, cleaning, and routine operation.

Common applications include:

• Machine tool covers
• Processing equipment enclosures
• Maintenance access doors
• Safety guard doors
• Automation equipment housings

In these applications, durability, installation stability, and operational safety must be evaluated in addition to supporting force.

Display Equipment and Special Opening Structures

Non-locking gas springs can also be used in display fixtures, sales equipment, storage products, and other customized lift-up structures.

Examples include:

• Display case covers
• Tool box lids
• Outdoor equipment boxes
• Vending or sales equipment service doors
• Customized opening and lifting mechanisms

These applications generally do not require complex angle-locking functions. Instead, they require a stable, simple, and durable method of opening assistance and support.

When Is a Non-Locking Gas Spring Not Suitable?

Although non-locking gas springs are widely used, they are not suitable for every movable structure.

When a product has any of the following requirements, a locking gas spring or an additional mechanical safety positioning system should usually be considered.

When the Structure Must Remain at Any Selected Angle

Medical bed backrests, dental treatment chairs, or adjustable seats may need to remain at different user-selected angles.

Applications of this type generally require a locking gas spring because the structure must be reliably fixed at more than one defined position.

When Precise Height Adjustment Is Required

Office chair lifting systems or special work platforms may need to be adjusted to different heights and securely held according to user requirements.

A non-locking gas spring alone is generally unable to meet this type of positioning requirement.

When Additional Mechanical Safety Locking Is Required

For certain large covers or higher-risk equipment, a gas spring may provide support, but an additional safety prop, mechanical latch, or anti-drop device may still be required.

This helps prevent injury or damage if the gas spring fails or the structure is operated incorrectly.

When Load Conditions or Motion Requirements Are Complex

If equipment involves unusual movement paths, high-frequency operation, extreme temperatures, or corrosive environments, a dedicated specification should be selected according to actual operating conditions.

In these situations, a standard non-locking gas spring should not be chosen solely based on basic size or force information.

What Should Be Considered When Selecting a Non-Locking Gas Spring?

Selecting a non-locking gas spring requires more than checking its external dimensions or nominal force. Actual performance is affected by the weight of the lid or panel, hinge position, opening angle, and installation arrangement.

Load Weight and Required Supporting Force

The first step is to confirm the weight of the supported object, such as a tailgate, equipment cover, or furniture panel.

If the gas spring force is too low, the panel may not remain open properly. If the force is too high, the structure may become difficult to close, experience excessive stress, or provide poor operating feel.

Stroke Length and Extended Length

The stroke length of a gas spring affects the achievable opening angle and movement range of the product.

The extended length must also match the available installation space and mounting point arrangement.

Incorrect dimensional selection may prevent the panel from fully opening, cause excessive compression of the gas spring, or result in installation interference.

Installation Position and Opening Angle

Even when two gas springs have the same rated force, their actual supporting effects may differ depending on where they are installed.

The distance between the mounting point and the hinge, the angle between the gas spring and the panel, and the direction of force when fully opened all affect operating force and support stability.

Operating Frequency and Working Environment

For products that require frequent opening and closing, or that operate in high-temperature, humid, dusty, or corrosive environments, appropriate sealing, surface treatment, and material configurations should be considered.

Outdoor equipment, medical devices, and industrial machine covers often require higher durability and environmental resistance than standard furniture applications.

End-Position Damping Requirements

For tailgates, equipment covers, or large panels, movement speed near the end of the stroke affects both user experience and structural durability.

When smoother end-position movement is required, damping characteristics and installation orientation should be considered during specification selection, rather than focusing only on supporting force.

Why Is the Manufacturing Quality of a Non-Locking Gas Spring Important?

Although the structure of a non-locking gas spring is relatively straightforward, its manufacturing quality directly affects supporting force, durability, and operational safety.

The pressure cylinder is one of the most important structural components of a gas spring.

Since the pressure cylinder must withstand the internal pressure generated by compressed gas, its tube accuracy, end-forming quality, sealing stability, and air tightness are all critical.

If the processing quality of the pressure cylinder is unstable, it may affect:

• The ability to maintain internal pressure
• Stability of gas spring output force
• Sealing performance
• Service life
• Long-term operational safety

Therefore, during gas spring manufacturing, metal tube forming, tube sealing, necking, and dimensional control are essential production processes.

Tong Da’s Role in Equipment for Non-Locking Gas Spring Manufacturing

Tong Da Precision Enterprise Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of metal tube processing equipment, tube sealing machines, tube end forming equipment, tube wrapping machines, and customized special-purpose machinery.

Non-locking gas springs are commonly used in automotive tailgates, engine hoods, furniture panels, and machine covers. The manufacturing process of their pressure cylinders involves metal tube end processing, sealing, necking, and precise dimensional control.

For manufacturers of gas springs, tailgate struts, support struts, and other precision tube-based products, Tong Da can provide related tube processing equipment and customized automated process planning according to customer product specifications and production line requirements.

These solutions help customers improve production efficiency, dimensional consistency, and overall process stability.

FAQ

Can a Non-Locking Gas Spring Hold a Structure at an Intermediate Position?

A non-locking gas spring does not include a built-in function for locking at arbitrary positions.

Whether a structure can remain at a certain angle in actual operation depends on panel weight, mounting position, friction, and gas spring force configuration. If reliable holding at different positions is required, a locking gas spring is generally recommended.

Is a Non-Locking Gas Spring Suitable for Automotive Tailgates?

Yes. Automotive tailgates, engine hoods, and trunk lids are common applications of non-locking gas springs.

These products generally require opening assistance and support when fully opened, rather than arbitrary angle locking.

Which Is Better, a Non-Locking Gas Spring or a Locking Gas Spring?

Neither type is universally better. The correct choice depends on the application requirement.

When only opening assistance and support are needed, a non-locking gas spring is generally more suitable. When angle adjustment, position holding, or height control is required, a locking gas spring should be considered.

Can a Non-Locking Gas Spring Be Used for Machine Covers?

Yes. Machine covers, maintenance doors, and equipment enclosures are common applications.

However, when an equipment cover is particularly heavy or when personnel may work beneath or inside the protected area, it is important to evaluate whether an additional mechanical anti-drop or safety locking device is required.

What Information Is Required When Selecting a Non-Locking Gas Spring?

The following information is generally recommended:

• Weight of the supported object
• Dimensions of the lid, panel, or cover
• Hinge position
• Required opening angle
• Available installation space
• Single-spring or dual-spring configuration requirement
• Working environment and operating frequency

A complete evaluation of these conditions helps determine the appropriate force, stroke, and installation configuration.

Related Articles

• What Is a Gas Spring? Basic Structure, Functions, and Applications
• Gas Spring Working Principle, Types, and Installation Guide
• What Is a Locking Gas Spring? Features and Applications of Gasoblock and Gasohite
• Where Are Gas Springs Used? Applications in Automotive, Furniture, Medical, and Industrial Equipment
• How to Select a Gas Spring: Force, Stroke, Installation Angle, and Design Guide