Description of the 316L stainless steel gas spring 100102 – 400 N – Stroke 170 mm – No end fittings
The 100102 gas spring is a compression gas strut manufactured by Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd (Evesham, UK), produced to the specification of Dufour Yachts, one of the most respected names in French sailing yacht construction. It is a genuine OEM spare for vessels where this reference was originally fitted, and is equally suited to custom refit or new-build integration where its force rating, stroke, and bare-end format offer the configuration flexibility required.
The strut body is built on the S06 stainless steel platform: a slender 6 mm rod and 15 mm tube, both fabricated from 316L stainless steel throughout. Grade 316L is the preferred alloy for offshore marine use thanks to its molybdenum content, which provides significantly enhanced resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 304-grade stainless. This material choice makes the 100102 durable not only in protected interior environments below decks, but also in partially exposed locations such as cockpit lockers, transom storage cavities, and lazarette panels where condensation and spray are regular occurrences.
A defining characteristic of the 100102 is that it is supplied without end fittings: the M6 x 1.0 threaded rod ends are left bare, allowing the installer or refit professional to select and fit the most appropriate end fitting for their specific mounting geometry — whether a ball socket, eyelet, clevis bracket, or any other M6-compatible accessory from the Associated Spring range. This format is particularly valuable in bespoke joinery installations, custom hatches, or replacement scenarios where the original fitting type needs to be confirmed on the vessel before ordering. The body length (L1) is 394 mm and the stroke is 170 mm, giving a maximum extended length of approximately 564 mm rod-end to rod-end before fittings.
At 400 N, this unit sits at the upper end of the S06 force range (50–400 N), making it appropriate for heavier locker lids, larger cabinetry doors, or access panels with a greater weight or less favourable lever geometry than typical lightweight interior hatches. The sealed cylinder body carries the standard Ressorts SPEC pressure warning label confirming it must not be drilled, cut, or subjected to heat.
Distributed in France through Ressorts SPEC, the authorised partner for Associated Spring / Barnes Group components.
Specifications
- Reference: 100102 – Rev A
- Type: Compression gas spring – no end fittings (bare threaded ends)
- Material: Stainless steel 316L (rod and body)
- Force (P1): 400 N
- Stroke: 170 mm
- Body length (L1): 394 mm
- End fittings: None supplied – bare M6 x 1.0 threaded rod ends
- Rod diameter (ØR): 6 mm
- Tube diameter (ØT): 15 mm
- Thread: M6 x 1.0
- Original customer: Dufour Yachts
- Manufacturer: Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd, Evesham
Installation / Maintenance
Installation:
- Before installation, select the appropriate M6-compatible end fittings for your mounting geometry. Options include plastic ball sockets (EF-BS004P), stainless steel ball sockets, eyelet brackets, or clevis plates — see the full Associated Spring / Ressorts SPEC fittings range for compatible accessories.
- Screw the chosen end fittings onto the M6 x 1.0 threaded rod ends, ensuring adequate thread engagement depth before applying any load. Use thread-locking compound or a lock nut if vibration loosening is a concern.
- Align the strut axis with the direction of hatch or panel travel to prevent lateral side-loading on the rod seal.
- Verify the total assembled length — body (394 mm) plus both end fitting lengths — matches the centre-to-centre distance between mounting points on the vessel before finalising the installation.
- Where the layout allows, mount with the rod end facing downward to preserve the lubrication film on the rod seal and maximise service life.
Maintenance:
- The 316L stainless steel body benefits from a fresh water rinse after offshore passages to remove salt deposits from the rod seal area.
- Inspect the rod seal periodically for oil weeping — a small amount of oil film on the rod is normal, but visible drips indicate seal wear and imminent replacement of the strut.
- Lubricate any fitted ball sockets or end fittings with a silicone-based marine lubricant at each annual service to maintain smooth articulation.
- The gas strut body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it. Replace as a complete assembly when force has noticeably diminished.
Our review
✔️ Pros :
- 316L stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance in the damp and salt-laden environments encountered aboard coastal and offshore yachts.
- Supplied without end fittings — maximum installation flexibility, allowing the precise choice of mounting hardware for any application or mounting geometry.
- 400 N force at the top of the S06 range — well-suited to heavier panels and larger locker lids that lighter-rated struts of the same diameter could not hold reliably.
- OEM-grade component from Associated Spring / Barnes Group, original equipment supplier to Dufour Yachts — guaranteed force and dimensional accuracy.
- Slender S06 profile (6 mm rod / 15 mm tube) integrates discreetly into narrow cabinet cavities and restricted bulkhead spaces.
❌ Cons :
- Supplied without end fittings — end fittings must be sourced and ordered separately; this adds a step to the installation process compared to a fully assembled unit.
- The total installed length depends on the chosen end fittings; carefully calculate the centre-to-centre distance required before selecting accessories.
- Fixed force of 400 N — verify this matches the load requirement of your application before ordering, as the force cannot be adjusted in the field.
- The M6 x 1.0 thread and 6 mm rod are sized for lighter to medium applications; panels requiring more than 400 N or a longer stroke will need a larger-diameter unit.
Conclusion
The 100102 is an excellent choice for Dufour Yachts owners needing a direct OEM replacement, and equally for refit professionals or boatbuilders who require a high-quality 316L stainless gas strut with the freedom to fit their own end hardware. The bare M6 threaded ends and 400 N force rating make it a versatile platform for a wide range of interior and semi-exposed nautical applications. Before ordering, confirm that 400 N is the correct force for your panel weight and geometry, and calculate the total assembled centre-to-centre length by adding the length of your chosen end fittings to the 394 mm body. With those details confirmed, this is a straightforward, confidence-inspiring component from a manufacturer with a proven track record in marine OEM supply.
Good to Know
- This strut is supplied without end fittings — M6 x 1.0 threaded rod ends are left bare. End fittings must be ordered separately to complete the installation.
- Compatible M6 end fittings from the Associated Spring / Ressorts SPEC range include: EF-BS004P (plastic ball socket, 18 mm), stainless and zinc-plated ball sockets, eyelet brackets, and clevis plates.
- Body length alone (L1): 394 mm. Add the length of both end fittings to calculate total centre-to-centre installed length.
- Body and rod material: 316L stainless steel — superior corrosion resistance vs. Nitrider (carbon steel) or standard 304-grade stainless alternatives.
- OEM reference developed for Dufour Yachts — verify fitment by measuring the existing strut on the vessel before ordering.
- The cylinder body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it.
- Distributed in France by Ressorts SPEC — original manufacturer: Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd.
- Browse our full range of marine gas springs for other force ratings, stroke lengths, and fully assembled variants with end fittings.
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