JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic Review

Let’s Talk About JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic

The JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic is a seemingly simple but often overlooked component in RVs, campers, and even some home cabinets. This small piece of hardware plays a crucial role in holding cabinet doors open, preventing them from swinging shut unexpectedly, and potentially causing damage or injury. JR Products aims to offer an affordable and reliable solution to this common problem, but does it live up to the task?

My initial interest in the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic stemmed from a recurring issue in my own camper. The overhead cabinet doors above the stove would constantly swing shut while I was cooking. This became incredibly frustrating and even a little dangerous when trying to maneuver hot pots and pans. I needed a simple, inexpensive fix, and these struts seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing the package, I was immediately struck by the lightweight nature of the struts. They are made of plastic, which I initially viewed with some skepticism, but understood given the need to keep costs down. The included mounting screws were a welcome addition, saving me a trip to the hardware store. Build quality appeared decent for a plastic component in this price range.

Compared to other similar products, such as gas struts or more elaborate metal hinges with built-in struts, the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic stands out due to its simplicity and affordability. While gas struts offer smoother operation and greater holding power, they are significantly more expensive and often require more complex installation. I chose these struts specifically for their ease of installation and low cost, hoping they would provide a functional, if not luxurious, solution to my cabinet door woes. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the struts seemed adequate for the job, but I was eager to see how they would perform under real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic was, of course, my camper’s kitchen cabinets. I installed the struts on the two overhead cabinets above the stove, following the simple instructions included in the package. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes per strut.

I immediately noticed a difference. The doors stayed open, as intended, even when the camper was parked on a slight incline. However, I quickly realized that the plastic construction meant they weren’t as strong as I’d hoped. In slightly windy conditions, or when someone bumped into the cabinet door, the strut would sometimes slip or flex, requiring a slight readjustment to keep the door fully open. The ease of use was great, but the strength left some room for improvement.

There were no major issues, but one surprise was the noise. The plastic-on-plastic friction created a slight squeaking sound when opening or closing the cabinets. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was noticeable, especially in the quiet confines of the camper.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic struts are still functioning. The plastic construction, while lightweight, has held up surprisingly well to regular use. There are no cracks or signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintenance is minimal. I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust or grime.

Compared to my previous experience of simply dealing with constantly swinging cabinet doors, these struts are a vast improvement. They don’t offer the same level of sophisticated performance as gas struts, but they get the job done at a fraction of the cost. However, I do find myself wishing they had just a bit more rigidity for added security in windy conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic

Specifications

• Material: Plastic. This keeps the cost down but affects overall strength and durability.
• Open Length: 6-1/4 inches. This is the maximum extension length when the cabinet door is fully open.
• Closed Length: 5-1/2 inches. This is the length when the cabinet door is closed.
• Mounting: Surface mount with included screws. Simple and easy for most DIYers.
• Quantity: Two struts per package. This is convenient for standard double-door cabinets.

These specifications are important because they dictate the type of cabinets these struts will work with. The lengths determine the maximum opening angle and the amount of support provided. The plastic material impacts the overall weight capacity and longevity of the product.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic is to hold cabinet doors open. They perform this task adequately, preventing doors from swinging shut unexpectedly. However, their plastic construction means they are not as strong or reliable as more expensive options.

The struts can sometimes slip or flex under pressure, especially in windy conditions or when subjected to sudden movements. This can be frustrating, but it’s a trade-off for the low cost. They meet basic expectations for keeping doors open but don’t exceed them in terms of robustness.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional. The plastic construction is lightweight and easy to handle. There is no learning curve associated with using the struts; they are straightforward to install and operate.

The build quality is decent for a plastic component in this price range. The plastic is reasonably durable, and the struts are well-constructed. However, they lack the premium feel of metal alternatives.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their plastic construction, the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic struts are not expected to last as long as metal alternatives. However, with proper care and maintenance, they should provide several years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust or grime. No special cleaning products are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic comes with mounting screws. This is a useful addition that simplifies the installation process.

There are no specific customization options for this product. However, you could potentially replace the included screws with higher-quality screws for added security. The product is designed for a specific purpose and doesn’t lend itself to extensive modification.

Pros and Cons of JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic

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Who Should Buy JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic?

The JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic is perfect for:

• RV owners on a budget.
• DIYers looking for a simple cabinet door solution.
• Anyone needing a basic, functional strut for lightweight cabinet doors.

Who should skip this product?

• Those needing heavy-duty support for large or heavy doors.
• Individuals seeking a premium, noise-free solution.
• Anyone requiring struts for high-wind or high-stress environments.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Higher-quality mounting screws for added security.

Conclusion on JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic

The JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic is a decent, affordable option for keeping cabinet doors open. Its plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to install, but it also limits its strength and durability.

The value proposition is reasonable; the low price justifies the product’s limitations. For basic needs and budget-conscious buyers, these struts offer a functional solution.

I would personally recommend the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic to those who understand its limitations and are looking for an inexpensive, easy-to-install solution. If you’re willing to trade premium performance for affordability, these struts are worth considering. Don’t let swinging cabinet doors ruin your next camping trip or kitchen project. Give the JR Products 70555 Cabinet Door Strut Plastic a try!