Broken Cabinet Strut April 06, 2020, 04:02:50 pm The left strut on the cabinet above my kitchen sink broke. The "screw" sheared off and the top of strut seems to have twisted a bit when it broke.I didn't see anything about cabinet struts in the LD companion.Rather than go to Home Depot, I would like to order a replacement from Amazon (or HD or Lowes or whichever company will deliver). I need some help with ordering. Is there a size of PSI or some other measurement I should use in placing the order? I will most likely replace both struts to be on the safe side.TIA!
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #1 – April 06, 2020, 04:09:04 pm Can't help with replacement struts but the existing one looks like it could be twisted back in place. You could use a large cotter pin as a temporary fix. A pop rivet might be a better permanent solution. 2 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #2 – April 06, 2020, 04:14:10 pm I think I have some small screws that will fit temporarily. The pop rivet idea sounds good but by the time I buy the supplies, I could probably buy new struts (though I really have no idea what any of they will cost.).Thanks for the suggestion!
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #3 – April 06, 2020, 04:24:07 pm Quote from: debinvenice - April 06, 2020, 04:02:50 pmThe left strut on the cabinet above my kitchen sink broke. The "screw" sheared off and the top of strut seems to have twisted a bit when it broke.Instead of replacing the strut, use a 4-40 screw and nut to replace the broken rivet. Any hardware store will have them.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #5 – April 06, 2020, 04:27:38 pm Deb,As Larry said, any little machine screw that will fit through the holes will work. Use two nuts on the screw. Turn the first nut so that it is still loose enough to allow the parts to move back and forth. Put a second nut after the first with a lock washer between them and tighten the second nut. That will work for a long time.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #6 – April 06, 2020, 04:29:03 pm Thanks, Harold! I have a ton of nuts and screws and probably have something that will work.
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #7 – April 06, 2020, 04:43:55 pm I would think that one just needs a bolt and a lock nut. I had some struts that were a little weak in ours so I bought some replacements. When I put them in the spring tension, I felt, was way to strong. I know they come in different lengths but must also have different tensions any how the old ones are back in.Jon
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #8 – April 06, 2020, 04:51:45 pm Deb, using two nuts with a lockwasher between them allows you to set the tightness with the first one, so it isn't too loose, but still moves properly, and the second nut with the lockwasher will keep that setting so nothing changes with time and use.HD
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #9 – April 06, 2020, 04:55:38 pm I think I've got it... temporarily anyway. It seems to be holding well but I'll be gentle and keep an eye on it.I used the smallest machine screw I had along with 2 nuts. Oh, and it turns out the top of the strut was not bent out of shape, it just twisted in the shaft and I was able to straighten it by hand.Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the suggestions! 5 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #10 – April 06, 2020, 04:56:52 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - April 06, 2020, 04:51:45 pmDeb, using two nuts with a lockwasher between them allows you to set the tightness with the first one, so it isn't too loose, but still moves properly, and the second nut with the lockwasher will keep that setting so nothing changes with time and use.HDI don't have any small lock washers on hand but when I'm able to get to a hardware store, I'll pick some up. Thanks!
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #11 – April 06, 2020, 05:05:05 pm Deb,Nicely done! Do you have any elastic material, like old bicycle inner tube or a flexible place mat? You can cut a little piece, like a washer, from that material and it will likely work just fine. The two nuts jammed together will otherwise work for quite some time.HD
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #12 – April 06, 2020, 05:11:26 pm Quote from: debinvenice - April 06, 2020, 04:56:52 pmI don't have any small lock washers on hand but when I'm able to get to a hardware store, I'll pick some up. An alternative to double-nutting the screw is to use a nyloc nut, it locks in position, allowing the tension to be set and held.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-40-Stainless-Steel-Nylon-Lock-Nut-4-Piece-per-Pack-822681/205053753A drop of Locktite on the threads will also keep the nut from loosening.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-Threadlocker-Blue-242-0-20-fl-oz-Specialty-Glue-209728/100371826Larry 3 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #13 – April 06, 2020, 05:25:11 pm I have some small rubber washers that might work.BRB 1 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #14 – April 06, 2020, 05:52:45 pm Okay, the rubber washers I had were too thick BUT I found a bunch of small lock washers.So, I have one lock washer, a nut, some plastic washer from an LD button I removed a while ago and then one more nut.I think this is a winning combination.Thanks again. This group is the best! 2 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #16 – April 06, 2020, 07:35:59 pm Three hours. CDC distance guidelines maintained. Another job for the FOLD. 2 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #17 – April 06, 2020, 07:41:37 pm "I think this is a winning combination."Woo hoo! You go girl, I love quick learners. This forum is the better for all when we have members like you! 3 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #18 – April 06, 2020, 07:52:15 pm And if you really want new ones, they are readily avalable. RV Designer H279 RV Cabinet Door Support - Black - 2 Pack RonB 2 Likes
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #20 – April 06, 2020, 09:13:23 pm Quote from: RonB - April 06, 2020, 07:52:15 pmAnd if you really want new ones, they are readily avalable. RV Designer H279 RV Cabinet Door Support - Black - 2 Pack RonBAll the failed struts I have seen have been one of the hinge rivets, a few brass 4-40 machine screws and nuts are carried in the spare hardware can. Washers are fine but not necssary. Larry
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #21 – August 30, 2022, 11:29:38 am We have one cabinet door for which the struts do not hold the door open. The problem is that the Strut does not seem to have the lift it once did and the door slams shut, often on the opener’s wrist!My question for forum members is: does anyone have knowledge of the specific replacement part. Alternatively, any idea what “Force” the strut is rated for so that I might purchase one that is neither too strong nor too weak? If not, I’ll take one off of another cabinet and measure its resistance with a fishing reel “drag” scale…Warren
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #22 – August 30, 2022, 01:27:44 pm Hi Warren; As the gulf between my 1999 and your 2019 is pretty wide, you could have a different mechanism for keeping the compartment door up. They just have a regular compression spring inside that may have broken. RV Designer H279 RV Cabinet Door Support - Black - 2 Pack or RV Designer H271 Cabinet Door Strut - 6-1/4" - Spring Loaded. These would likely have the same mounting holes and may match what you have in other cabinets. True 'gas springs' are available in smaller sizes, and can be substituted. I bought some here on Amazon: Amazon.com : small cabinet gas spring struts. With an amazing number of choices, including soft closing ones that you may want to install. RonB
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #23 – August 30, 2022, 03:19:04 pm Quote from: WhiteElk - August 30, 2022, 11:29:38 amWe have one cabinet door for which the struts do not hold the door open. The problem is that the Strut does not seem to have the lift it once did and the door slams shut, often on the opener’s wrist!Warren, I had the same issue with the strut on one of the rear overhead cabinets in my 2017 MB. Discovered it when we brought it home. I called Todd and he sent me a replacement. I installed it and the door still slams shut - often. For some reason, all of the other overhead cabinet doors work fine.
Re: Broken Cabinet Strut Reply #24 – August 30, 2022, 06:30:08 pm Thanks, Ron. I ordered a couple of the H271 struts as they appear to match what I have. I hope that my experience with the replacements is better than Glenn’s! My DW has slender wrists and the pain and bruising the doors inflict has been significant. W
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Topic: Broken Cabinet Strut (Read 430 times)
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