[jamesnaisang]

My Hotronix 16x20 heat press recently was giving me issues once it came time to automatically release. Instead of smoothly opening, it would spring up making a loud slamming noise. Sometimes it would work, and then it would go back to opening quickly. Over time it would only open quickly. I called Stahl's and they sent me two new gas springs ($33.85 each)

I installed them today, and so far the unit operates like new.

The old parts number on my springs was SPD-GSNI-6601-KJJ

The new part number is 1-2086.

Hope someone finds this helpful.

 

[JWalker3773]

Thanks for the post, my springs just died and I have to purchase 2 new ones, which apparently is going to be costly.

Does anyone know if you can get similar springs cheaper somewhere else? Maybe an auto parts store or something?

Just a thought, thanks for the post!

Jeff Walker
Unique Creations Embroidery and DTG
Unique Creations Embroidery & Printing

 

[MichaelColey]

Did anyone find a cheaper source for these? We need to replace our gas springs, too, and I hate to pay about $80 (shipped cost) for two of these when I know many gas springs are only about $15 each shipped.

I contacted SPD (the gas spring manufacturer) and the direct price is almost identical ($33.71 each plus shipping).

 

[IYFGraphics]

Yep.....when ours died I took one of them to a O'Reillys auto parts store down the street, they have a display and I matched it up with the length and style of connections (ball joint vs stud) they we're around $13ea and work like a charm.

A word of caution just don't tell the counter person what they are for he will tell you they can't help you....if they insist just say it's for a project your building...lol!

Hope this helps.

 

[MichaelColey]

Okay, going to have to go to O'Reilly today. Thanks!

 

[IYFGraphics]

Okay, going to have to go to O'Reilly today. Thanks!

I did at one time find a place on-line that had them also, problem is they are rated by pounds of lifting force and the part number on the original Hotronix shocks the auto parts store can't cross over to a automotive part.

Hopefully it will fix your problem, if so just hold on to the package and you'll have a part number that you can reorder or search the internet for a even cheaper price.

Hope this helps.

 

[MichaelColey]

Yep.....when ours died I took one of them to a O'Reillys auto parts store down the street, they have a display and I matched it up with the length and style of connections (ball joint vs stud) they we're around $13ea and work like a charm.

No luck here. Everything my O'Reilly had was too long. They would have been able to order a "toolbox" one that was close to the right size, but it was more expensive than buying the right one through Hotronix.

I'm much more confident that the gas springs are the problem, as well. When I took them off, one extends a good 1/2" to 1" longer than the other.

We've probably pressed several thousand transfers on it, so in the scheme of things another $80 in expenses is pretty insignificant. I'll be ordering from Hotronix tomorrow, unless I hear of a better source in the meantime.

 

[MichaelColey]

I called Hotronix and they gave me the specs for it. It 85 pounds of force and 10" extended.

Looking on SPD's web site (spdhardware.com), the closest I could find was GSNI-5000-80. It's only 80 pounds of force, but I figure that should be close enough.

I searched around on eBay and found some marine gas springs with comparable specs and picked up a pair for about $25 shipped.

 

[MichaelColey]

I called Hotronix and they gave me the specs for it. It 85 pounds of force and 10" extended.

Looking on SPD's web site (spdhardware.com), the closest I could find was GSNI-5000-80. It's only 80 pounds of force, but I figure that should be close enough.

I searched around on eBay and found some marine gas springs with comparable specs and picked up a pair for about $25 shipped.

FWIW, it seems like the 80 pound spings are WAY stronger than they need to be. The top pops up rather vigorously.

 

[Old Dog]

My springs/shocks died in the middle of a 100 piece order -front and back I had to use a cardboard box to hold open between presses. Stahls replaced at no cost and now it works fine

 

[KiloKustomz]

I have this guy that makes custom struts and had him make them for me since the original manufacturer discontinued them in 2008.

The OEM MDL# SPD-GSNI-6601-KJJ
The specs are:
6-1/2" compressed
10" extended
80 lbs force

Here is the best part. He sells them for $22 a set, Yes both + shipping. He will be creating a EBAY listing for them and accepts paypal, money orders or checks.

Contact info: Mike @ (509) 961-5273

40-49 pound pressure, 30-39 pound pressure items in strut-your-stuff-here store on eBay!

Hope you can benifit from him as I did and they work perfect on my STX20. I think it is the same for the STX16 also but double check as mine havent went out yet on those.

 

[KiloKustomz]

Forgot to include his part number.

CS1000-80

NOTE: Make shure you tell him to send with the shorter 10mm ball connectors and you must remove the ball connectors for your press. They should pop right off like mine did and not it doe not pop open like it used to. These new struts are way better than the originals.

 

[jasonsmith]

I have this guy that makes custom struts and had him make them for me since the original manufacturer discontinued them in 2008.

The OEM MDL# SPD-GSNI-6601-KJJ
The specs are:
6-1/2" compressed
10" extended
80 lbs force

Here is the best part. He sells them for $22 a set, Yes both + shipping. He will be creating a EBAY listing for them and accepts paypal, money orders or checks.

Contact info: Mike @ (509) 961-5273

40-49 pound pressure, 30-39 pound pressure items in strut-your-stuff-here store on eBay!

Hope you can benifit from him as I did and they work perfect on my STX20. I think it is the same for the STX16 also but double check as mine havent went out yet on those.

Do you know if those work for the STX16? Someone has that press and mentioned the hydraulic arms need replacing.

And since these gas shocks aren't 100% as the original, would that throw the pressure reading off? Or do the shocks have nothing to do with the pressure reading?

 

[KiloKustomz]

The shocks have nothing to do with the reading. They are the same. I have both the STX16 & STX20. They only change for the hat press.

 

[artswear]

I have a relatively new (since September) hotronix auto open heat press. Reading this thread about springs needing to be replaced has made me wonder, when can one expect to be replacing the springs? Is there a time frame and/or number of pressings that seems to be an indicator?

If this is something one can expect to be doing at some point in time, would it be prudent to have the replacement springs already in house to avoid an interruption to a big order?

 

[davezub]

I know this is an old post but I just purchased two CS1000-80. You indicate that must remove the ball connectors for your press. Are you saying that you must take the old hotronix ball connectors off and place them on the new struts?

Thanks

 

[KiloKustomz]

If the new struts came with ball connectors and the press closes down without any force then your ok. But if not then replace so you cet the proper movement in the press. I purchased these a while back and press is still working perfectly fine.

 

[davezub]

Kilo,

Thanks for the help, worth a million!

 

[CStarks]

Would you have the Oreilly part number for this?

Thanks
Chris

 

[Vertee]

I have this guy that makes custom struts and had him make them for me since the original manufacturer discontinued them in 2008.

The OEM MDL# SPD-GSNI-6601-KJJ
The specs are:
6-1/2" compressed
10" extended
80 lbs force

Here is the best part. He sells them for $22 a set, Yes both + shipping. He will be creating a EBAY listing for them and accepts paypal, money orders or checks.

Contact info: Mike @ (509) 961-5273


Hope you can benifit from him as I did and they work perfect on my STX20. I think it is the same for the STX16 also but double check as mine havent went out yet on those.

Just ordered a set for my STX 20, from Mike, nice guy. Prices are a little more, $29 plus shipping. Shipping them out today. Thanks for the information.