Gas spring mounting brackets form the fixed connection point between a gas spring and the corresponding flap, lid, cover or frame structure. Depending on the design, they are fitted with a ball stud or mounting pin and are attached to either the fixed or moving part of the application.

Ball stud brackets are used together with a matching ball socket or ball joint. The articulated connection allows angular movement during operation and reduces the risk of lateral forces acting on the piston rod.

Pin brackets are combined with an eye end or clevis end. They provide a defined pivoting movement around the pin and are particularly suitable for applications with a clearly guided movement.

Febrotec offers threaded ball studs, angle brackets, flat brackets and U-shaped brackets in zinc-plated steel or stainless steel. Use the product table above to select a suitable version by type, ball or pin diameter, length and material.

Which Gas Spring Mounting Bracket Is the Right Choice?

Type	Design and Application
Type 1 – Threaded ball stud	Individual ball stud for direct installation in an existing threaded hole or bracket. It is used with a matching ball socket or ball joint.
Type 2 – Angle bracket with internal ball stud	Angled bracket with the ball stud positioned on the inside of the bracket. Suitable for side mounting on frames or housings.
Type 3 – Angle bracket with external ball stud	Angle bracket with the ball stud positioned on the outside. This provides a different joint position and may be more suitable for externally located connections.
Type 4 – Flat bracket with ball stud	Flat mounting bracket with a ball stud. It is suitable for level mounting surfaces and does not require an angled mounting area.
Type 5 – Angle bracket with internal pin	Angled bracket with an internally positioned mounting pin. It can be used with an eye end and allows pivoting movement around the pin.
Type 6 – Angle bracket with external pin	Angle bracket with an externally positioned mounting pin. It provides a joint point located further away from the mounting surface.
Type 7 – Flat bracket with pin	Flat bracket with a mounting pin for connecting an eye end. Suitable for level surfaces and clearly guided pivoting movements.
Type 8 – U-shaped bracket	Fork-shaped bracket in which an eye end is positioned between two lugs. The connection is secured using a transverse mounting pin.

The terms “internal” and “external” describe the position of the ball stud or pin on the angle bracket. The correct version depends on where the joint point must be located in relation to the mounting surface.

Meaning of the Specifications in the Product Table

Specification	Meaning
Type	Identifies the design of the mounting bracket from Type 1 to Type 8.
Ball/pin diameter b	Diameter of the ball stud or mounting pin. It must match the corresponding ball socket, ball joint or eye end.
Length L	Length dimension specified for the individual product according to its drawing. It influences the position of the mounting or joint point.
Material	Material or surface finish of the bracket. Zinc-plated steel and stainless steel versions are available.
Total stock	Total quantity of the article currently held in stock.
Available immediately	Quantity currently available for immediate dispatch.

Depending on the bracket type, dimension L may refer to different parts of the product. The individual product drawing must therefore also be considered during design.

How to Select the Right Mounting Bracket

Proceed in the following order:

Identify the gas spring end fitting: Check whether a ball socket, ball joint, eye end or clevis end is being used.
Compare the ball or pin diameter: Diameter b must match the corresponding end fitting.
Define the joint position: Determine whether a flat or angled bracket is required and whether the ball stud or pin should be positioned internally or externally.
Check the movement: The gas spring and its end fittings must move freely throughout the complete stroke.
Check the mounting surface: Consider the available space, screw positions, material thickness and load capacity of the structure.
Select the material: Choose between zinc-plated steel and stainless steel according to humidity, corrosion exposure, cleaning agents and environmental conditions.
Assess the load: The bracket, fasteners and mounting surface must withstand the gas spring force and any additional dynamic loads.

The mounting position influences not only the installation length but also the required spring force and the opening and closing behaviour. Even a small change in the joint position can significantly alter the lever arm and therefore the effective support force.

Ball Stud or Pin Connection?

A ball connection is suitable where the angle between the gas spring and the mounting point changes in several directions during the stroke. The ball joint can compensate for minor alignment deviations and often simplifies installation.

A pin connection mainly allows rotation around one defined axis. It is particularly suitable for eye ends and U-shaped brackets where the movement is clearly guided by the design.

Ball joints can compensate for minor angular misalignment, but they cannot correct incorrectly positioned mounting points. Even with a ball connection, the piston rod and cylinder should operate without lateral distortion wherever possible.

Installation and Safety Recommendations

For reliable installation, we recommend:

using mounting surfaces with sufficient load capacity,
selecting suitable screws, nuts and washers,
installing brackets without distortion and with full surface contact,
checking freedom of movement throughout the complete stroke,
fully engaging ball sockets on the ball studs,
avoiding lateral clamping of eye ends on mounting pins,
securing threaded connections against unintentional loosening,
not using the gas spring or bracket as a mechanical end stop.

Before final operation, move the application slowly through its complete range. Check whether the gas spring, end fittings or brackets collide with surrounding components.

For heavy flaps or applications where failure could endanger people, the brackets must be adequately dimensioned and additional mechanical safety devices must be provided.

Suitable ball sockets, ball joints, eye ends and clevis ends can be found in our gas spring end fittings.

Zinc-Plated Steel or Stainless Steel?

Zinc-plated steel brackets are suitable for many general applications in dry or moderately humid environments. The zinc coating provides limited corrosion protection. Surface damage, high humidity or aggressive media may reduce this protection.

Stainless steel brackets are intended for applications with increased requirements for corrosion resistance and cleanliness. Typical applications include humid industrial environments, food processing equipment, medical technology and outdoor installations.

Suitability for seawater, chlorides, acids or aggressive cleaning agents must also be assessed separately for stainless steel versions according to the actual operating conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Spring Mounting Brackets

What is the difference between mounting brackets and end fittings?

Mounting brackets are attached to the flap, frame or housing. End fittings are connected directly to the gas spring and engage with the mounting bracket.

Which ball diameter is required?

The ball diameter b must match the ball socket or ball joint. A ball stud with a different diameter cannot provide a secure connection.

When should a U-shaped bracket be used?

A U-shaped bracket is suitable for eye ends that need to be positioned between two lugs and secured with a transverse mounting pin.

Can ball stud and pin brackets be interchanged?

Only if a compatible end fitting is also used and the installation dimensions, movement and load capacity remain suitable for the application.

Does the mounting position affect the required spring force?

Yes. The mounting position determines the effective lever arm of the gas spring and therefore influences the required force and the opening and closing behaviour.

Further information on selection, calculation and installation can be found in our Gas Spring FAQ.