Let’s Talk About JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal is a simple yet essential component for anyone who has ever battled with unruly cabinet doors in their RV, camper, or even workshop. Manufactured by JR Products, this unassuming metal strut acts as a reliable assistant, holding doors open and preventing them from swinging shut unexpectedly. Having wrestled with countless cabinet doors myself over the years, often while juggling tools or ingredients, the promise of a solution to this everyday annoyance immediately piqued my interest.
My biggest problem with RV and camper cabinets is that they’re rarely level. This leads to doors that swing shut on their own, especially when parked on uneven ground. I was specifically looking for a simple, robust, and affordable solution to keep these doors open without resorting to makeshift solutions like wedges or bungee cords.
Upon receiving the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal, I was initially struck by its simplicity and solid construction. The metal felt sturdy, and the overall design looked straightforward and functional. It definitely felt more substantial than some of the flimsy plastic options I’ve seen.
I considered a few other options before settling on the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal. Gas struts seemed like overkill for smaller cabinets, and magnetic catches only keep doors closed, not open. The JR Products strut offered the perfect balance of simplicity, reliability, and affordability, promising to solve my problem without unnecessary complexity.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to install these struts and finally put an end to the swinging cabinet door saga. I hoped they would be as easy to install and as reliable in practice as they appeared to be at first glance.
Real-World Testing: Putting JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal in my camper van’s kitchen cabinets. The installation process was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes per strut. The provided screws were adequate, and the strut itself felt secure once mounted.
I tested the struts in various conditions, including bumpy roads and slightly inclined parking spots. The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal performed admirably, holding the cabinet doors open firmly even when subjected to vibrations and uneven surfaces. There was no slipping or struggling; the doors stayed exactly where I wanted them.
The struts were incredibly easy to use. Simply open the cabinet door, and the strut automatically engages, holding it in place. Closing the door requires a slight push to overcome the strut’s resistance, which is a nice tactile indicator that it’s properly disengaging.
The only initial issue I encountered was that the provided screws were a bit short for one particular cabinet where the wood was thicker. I had to swap them out for slightly longer screws, but that was a minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of constant use during a cross-country road trip, the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal has proven to be incredibly reliable. The struts continue to function flawlessly, holding the cabinet doors open securely without any signs of weakening or malfunction.
The struts show no noticeable signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to daily use and the occasional accidental bump. The metal construction seems robust and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of camper van life. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove any dust or grime.
Compared to my previous attempts at propping open cabinet doors with makeshift solutions, the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal is a significant improvement. It’s far more reliable, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing. It has completely eliminated the frustration of constantly fighting with swinging cabinet doors.
Breaking Down the Features of JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal
Specifications
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal has the following specifications:
- Overall length (open): 6 inches. This provides ample support for most standard cabinet doors.
- Overall length (closed): 5-1/2 inches. This compact size allows for installation in tight spaces.
- Stroke limit: 1.10 inches. This refers to the amount the strut can extend, affecting the holding power.
- Material: Metal. This construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Included: Mounting screws. This makes installation convenient and straightforward.
- Quantity: Two per package. This is perfect for most small cabinets.
- JR Products offers a Lifetime Warranty. This speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the functionality and reliability of the strut. The metal construction ensures that it can withstand repeated use, and the precise dimensions ensure a secure and stable hold for the cabinet door. The stroke limit dictates how much the strut can extend, thus influencing its holding power.
Performance & Functionality
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably holds cabinet doors open, preventing them from swinging shut unexpectedly, even on uneven surfaces. This simple functionality greatly improves convenience and eliminates a common source of frustration.
The primary strength of this product is its simplicity and reliability. It’s easy to install, easy to use, and consistently performs its intended function. One minor area for improvement might be to offer different lengths of struts to accommodate a wider range of cabinet door sizes and weights.
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal definitely exceeds my expectations. It’s a simple product that solves a common problem effectively and reliably. I appreciate its robust construction and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal features a simple and functional design. The metal construction feels solid and durable, giving the product a sense of quality. The compact size allows it to be installed discreetly without being obtrusive.
The strut is very user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools for installation. The installation process is intuitive, and the operation is straightforward. There is virtually no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its metal construction and simple design, the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal is expected to last for many years. The absence of complex moving parts minimizes the risk of failure. The lifetime warranty from JR Products adds further assurance of its longevity.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the strut clean and functioning properly. There are no parts that require regular lubrication or adjustment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal comes with the necessary mounting screws for installation. There are no specific accessories or customization options available for this product, as its functionality is intentionally simple and straightforward.
However, it is compatible with standard cabinet hardware. You can potentially replace the provided screws with longer or stronger screws if needed, depending on the specific installation requirements.
Pros and Cons of JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal
Pros
- Reliably holds cabinet doors open.
- Easy to install and use.
- Durable metal construction.
- Affordable price.
- JR Products Lifetime Warranty.
Cons
- Provided screws may be too short for some installations.
- No adjustability in holding force.
Who Should Buy JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal?
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal is perfect for RV owners, camper enthusiasts, DIYers, and anyone who needs a simple and reliable solution for holding cabinet doors open. It’s particularly useful in environments where cabinets are subject to movement or uneven surfaces.
This product might not be ideal for someone looking for a high-end, adjustable solution with a more sophisticated design. Also, if you have extremely heavy or large cabinet doors, you may need a more robust solution like a gas strut.
There are no must-have accessories, but having a selection of different length screws on hand can be helpful during installation, especially if you encounter varying wood thicknesses.
Conclusion on JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal
The JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal is a simple yet invaluable addition to any RV, camper, workshop, or home where cabinet doors tend to swing shut on their own. Its reliability, durability, and ease of use make it a standout product in its category. The affordable price and lifetime warranty from JR Products further enhance its value.
The price of $10.99 is absolutely justified for the convenience and reliability that these struts provide. They eliminate a common frustration and make everyday tasks much easier.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut Metal to anyone seeking a practical and affordable solution for keeping their cabinet doors open. Stop wrestling with unruly doors and invest in this simple yet effective product. You won’t regret it!