Thank you so much. Excellent example. I have the exact same safe and my piston has been dead for a year. I didn't even think of changing it until I googled this and found it. The only thing different is I didn't remove the top bolt, just the bottom screw and I unscrewed the piston without the need of a ratchet set. Phillips head screwdriver was all that was needed. I really appreciate your video. Thank you again!
Thank you very much. Great video, now I fixed my safe. A couple of tips to share here: 1) I didn't tighten the bottom piece completely so the strut is a little longer that allows the safe to open wider 2) you don't have to unbolt the top piece, just pull it sideway to separate it from the bolt.
Thank you! So glad it helped! Yeah, I have found that that strut can simply be unscrewed without removing the top and bottom brackets because the screw threads are opposite each other. This also helps to loosen or slightly tighten the strut for its opening width and for keeping its opening tension fresh. Thanks again for sharing your tips with everyone!
@@jameswh0 Hey James, regarding the springs, I have a link and demonstration in my follow up video: th-cam.com/video/HVugxs0nTnM/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps!
Well this video is 2 years old but the link to the new pistons still works! I got a 4 pack coming tomorrow and removed my old one easily. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have a working safe again. My piston was so weak I couldn’t even get my fingers underneath the front of the lid. I had to open it from the side near the front where a little “v” shape forms on the lid. It’s been so bad I haven’t even been using it lately. I’ve just been putting my handgun in a holster and then in the drawer on my night stand. Thanks for the great info!
@@leonor9379 As long as the new gas struts are about the same length as the original ones, my first guess would be that the contents you are storing in the safe are slightly too tall for the safe door to close properly. I will admit that I was trying to store too much in one of my safe's one time and the door was hitting the contents on the edges and the top so I had to declutter it. But if you are having problems closing the safe door with nothing inside of it, then doublecheck to make sure that the gas strut is screwed all the way into the mounting brackets. Hope this helps!
Excellent video - of course sentry safe doesn't have anything on this and when I tried to put in my model number for the product manual it said it did not exist! What a company! Thanks for the help here!
Thanks, Brandon. I had saw the struts on Amazon but I wasn't sure how they matched the Sentry Safe connections, so I didn't want to order them. Thanks to your video for showing me how it works.
Great video. While making this repair I noticed my model had a strange secondary opening issue. The piston (both the factory and replacement) was getting hitched on the front-left screw that holds the exterior facade to the structure. The top of the piston should pass right by the screw head but in my case was not. Taking this screw out solved another opening issue.
Just wanted to say thanks and also I realized you can just unscrew the old one and screw in the new one without removing the bolts! Literally 30 seconds. Thanks for the tip
You’re welcome! Haha, yeah someone mentioned that in the comments and it was an “A-ha / Duh!” moment for me as well. 😄 This video has spawned some great ideas for tackling this issue.
@@brandonwatsonmedia You know, I was almost ready to buy another safe altogether because I do like the mechanism more than anything else I've seen on the market. For $16 and 5 minutes total research/doing lol it was so worth it! Now I also have a backup for when this hydraulic goes out in a few years 😂 Bet this video will continue to blow up, it happened to come up in a Google search about this safe's hydraulic problem! Pretty cool.
Honestly one of the easiest things I've ever fixed and the linked pistons work great. As others have pointed out, no need to undo the top bolt. Just take out the screw from the bottom connection point, unscrew the old piston from the connection at the top and remove the connection from the bottom of the old piston, remove the plastic connections from the new piston, put the old bottom connection on the new piston, screw the new piston into the old connection that is still attached to the safe, and screw the bottom of the connection back to the safe.
too bad I read this too late - does Does anyone know where to get the Sentry official strut, since I broke the head of my original strut (so I cant use the replacement struts noted in this video any longer)
You're most welcome. I couldn't find any videos on fixing this problem when had this issue, so I thought I would make one to hopefully help the next person when they encountered it.
Thank you! Mine barely opens up now, defeats the whole purpose of a ready to grab gun from a safe premise. Without your video I was ready to go through contacting the manufacturer which is always a big pain in the ass.
You’re most welcome! I wish sentrysafe would step up to the plate themselves and actually make these parts (gas struts and springs) available, as well as provide the instructions needed to correct this issue. But until then, I hope this helps. *Don’t forget to open your safe regularly to keep the struts working for as long as their lifespan allows! 👍
@@brandonwatsonmedia I purchased two (non biometric)of these from amazon in 2013. within about 18 months I had this problem. Sentry denied anyone had the problem and finally sold me two new struts for $25 each. I wrote up a review noting the problem and was mercilessly downvoted by people saying no such problem . I started putting in struts from ebay (22 lbs or so is better than the adequate 18 lbs ones you are using) when the sentry ones failed again in a year or so. What makes me really mad is sentry has anew model with "better struts" meaning they admit the problem. I ordered struts from them a few months back figuring those would be premium and they sent me same struts as from 2013! I don't mind so much that the stuts fail if you use this for daily carry, but Sentry should do the right thing and charge cost, which is probably under $5, not $25.
@@teo2975 I feel your frustration - and apparently so do several thousand other people judging by the views this video has gotten (which I never would have expected). I guess people trying to help other people is the best we can do at this point. 👍
Thanks for posting this helpful and well made video! I have the exact same biometric pistol safe, and my gas spring has been nearly dead for a long time. Amazon, here I come!
You're most welcome. Another great addition to the fix is a better quality spring. I think someone had a good spring recommendation somewhere in the comments.
@@toads_ride845 I ended up using 2 springs with a washer between them and the safe works better than ever. Here's a link to the spring but you can get them at any Ace Hardware Store: hillmangroup.com/us/en/Home-Solutions/Home-Accessories/Springs/Compression-Springs/Hillman-Compression-Spring/p/540413
Thanks so much for the video...very concise and detailed. Mine didn't even open at all before changing the piston. Although I wish the new piston opened more, it opens for plenty of access like you mentioned.
Lifesaver... Brother I have watched both videos and I used your link to purchase them. Hope you have it making you money at Amazon. Thank you for your video
So glad it helped! But no - I make NO money off any of this at all. I just did the video because I wanted to try and help others with the same problem that had vexed me so badly. :-)
No tools required you can unscrew the piston with your hand twist the top first then the bottom. Thanks for the link to the new piston.Edit you will have to apply pressure down and once the piston goes down a tad bit the top can be screwed in without unscrewing the bottom. This takes less than 3 minutes from removal to install.
@@yankeesny28 If you are referring to the two black screws at the far left and right that secure the top door onto the safe, then no. What you see me do in the video is all you have to do to replace the strut (piston) for your safe.
I know what you mean - I was right there too at one point! That’s exactly why I made the video in hopes that it might be helpful to others. Thank you. I hope it works out for you! 👍
Brandon, I changed the gas strut out like you demonstrated with a strut I purchased from Amazon (manufacturer Vepagoo and advertised to work with a sentry biometric safe). Once a closed the safe with the new piston it would not open biometrically. It opens great with the key. Is this Vepagoo piston too pressurized to allow the safe to open without the key? When I try to open the safe with biometrics, I can hear a "click" but safe does not open at all. Anyone else have this issue?
Wow, that is strange 🧐. The strut’s only purpose is to force the lid to pop up. The action of unlocking the safe is done by the bolt in the safe’s base sliding out of the lid’s hasp ring. And that bolt movement is initiated by either the key or the actuator motor from the biometric function. I’m not sure why a strut would only work by only one unlocking method.
I looked up the strut I bought and it’s 30 pounds of pressure. The piston in your video is 18-20 pounds. I’m thinking the force is too much and not allowing the bolt to fully open. Using the key fully disengages the bolt. When I use the biometric you hear a “click” but the bolt never releases to spring open the lid. I just ordered the exact piston in your video and will try that one and report back. Thanks.
@@johnpostava2839 Ah, that actually makes total sense. The strut's poundage is so high that the actuator motor is not strong enough to release the bolt because of the pressure being applied to the lid, but the manual release with the key is strong enough to move the bolt. Thank you for posting this! I think it will help others with this same problem.
Yes, be sure to buy the right strut with the right amount of poundage/pressure (18-20 pounds). Too strong a strut may prohibit bolt from releasing the lid. @@brandonwatsonmedia
Has the new piston gone bad after you replace it on this video? (it’s been 4 years). I’m about to order a new one for my safe but still unsure if the Apexstone will give me a longer life than the factory one. Thanks for posting this clip!
Since that video - and the year after review video - I have still only had to replace one strut. The only issues I have are the struts getting sluggish to open if I haven’t opened one up in awhile. But that is the nature of these struts regardless of brand. I’m glad you found this useful - Thanks!
When you go to the Amazon link, you have two options for 2 different struts. One is 80N and the other one says 8 inch… Which one am I supposed to buy to fix my century gun safe?
The 80N model is the one that I am using in the video. I provided that link to show that they now offered it in a 4 pack for a better discount. But the 80N in the 2 or 4 pack is the gas strut I used. With that said, the 8 inch option that I now see offered on that page is one that I was going to do a video on - as well as another brand that I have found - that may be closer to the original size that came with the SentrySafe. Thank you for pointing that out!
Added two compression springs 5/16" x 1-1/2" x .020" (7.94mm x 38.10mm x 0.50mm) on top of the original spring and it works perfectly. Popped open like it's brand new. Hope this helps.
@@brandonwatsonmedia new or just stacking more compression springs will help pop, but you end up with just an inch of opening . It is the strut that opens it after the first inch. new struts will open all the way. The spring does nothing after the first inch. The first inch is important. but to get full like new function you will need new strut. Also strong struts over 18 lbs, say 22 or 25 really snap it up without hanging up on solenoid, but if you go spring rout and just put in more springs or too strong a spring you can make it harder for solenoid driven latch to release at all. Too much spring from the coil spring will press to hard on release and bind it up. Also you may wish to tell your viewers that replacing batteries once solinoid starts to sound slow or week is important. You can drill a tiny hole and bypass batteries with a wall wart, otherwise since there is a slight vampire draw you want to replace every six months used even lightly, and maybe every four months if used daily
Thanks for the video. First, I don’t like that is doesn’t open fully. This is an unacceptable risk in a self defense situation. There is a cheap fix however. Like many, I went to Amazon and purchased the same strut ($17/2) which is almost an inch shorter than the original (as you show in the video). This affects the full opening, which as I already said, was a no-go for me. Without researching if there is another strut of equal length, and since no one is working at Sentry Safe to get a replacement, my solution consists of two items, costing me less than $3: a coupling nut, size M6 x 1”; and, an M6 x 16 bolt that cost .89 cents. The coupling nut is size M6 x 1” and cost $1.69 (it was the shortest I could find) and an M6 x 16 bolt cost 89 cents. You can also use a set screw, but the shortest I found was M6 x 23 and cost $2.59 and I thought the set screw was too long for the project. I purchased both from Ace Hardware. First, install the coupling nut onto the lower end of the rod (the silver end, not the strut end). Then, cut off the the bolt head (in effect, making a set screw). File off the burr and install the cut end into the other end of the coupling nut. You might have to use some oomph to screw it in, thus cross-threading the bolt into the coupling- which is why I screwed the cut end of the bolt into the coupling nut and not into the nut that connects the rod into the (base) end of the safe. You now have an extension that will ensure your lid opens fully. Install the strut per the rest of the instructions. You will find that the strut is now just a hair longer than the original strut and will have to use very little finesse to get the strut end reassembled into the lid. But, it’s easy and once it’s assembled, it won’t hinder opening. Your lid now opens fully. If- IF- I get a little OCD, I might look to shortening the extension I made so the strut fits perfectly, but I’m not OCD enough, unless I find the hair-length affects opening. I have pictures and if I can figure out how to post them, I will. But, I think my explanation will work for most.
"I'm not OCD but here's how I got this to open 85 degrees instead of 82" lol I'm like that sometimes too so I get it... But realistically, I don't see how that extra inch really makes a difference (that's what she said etc)... Also quick tip - whenever you're going to saw off the end of a threaded rod (bolt or otherwise), put the nut/coupler on FIRST and then unscrew it after you cut it - that will straighten the burred edge and make it easy to thread without having to file the end or give it "umph" and tear up the threads.
Thanks for the link. Just a heads up though you don't have to unbolt/unscrew the strut to replace it in the future when you use the existing ends 😉. Thanks again
It's in the Video Description area (may have to click the "Show More" to see it), but I'll include it here for convenience. "www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I replaced my springs with prime line products sp 9703 and they work perfectly. No binding or over pressure. The lid pops up 4-5 inches even with a bad gas strut.
If your safe is completely empty and it is not latching, then it sounds like there is maybe an obstruction in the cavity area where the lid latch goes into, or there is a defect in the product itself. Otherwise, if you have items in the safe, it could be that they are too tall which would prevent the lid from going all the way down to close.
TM I know that any strut will eventually start to wear out, but so far, this seems to be an easy and cost effective fix. Just note that it is recommended to open your safe every couple of days to help keep the strut active.
How is the new gas strut holding up for you? Has it remained strong? Thanks for saving us all hours of time trying to find a good replacement part. I've contacted Sentry Safe many times about the arm under their warranty and they have never once responded, so essentially the product has no warranty...
You are most welcome - I hope it helps! I have been meaning to do a follow up video about how the replacements have worked out, but to quickly answer your question, yes they seem to still be functioning just fine a year later. *Opening the safe on a regular basis also helps. I have noticed that the price for two of these struts are now going about $20, but I still think they are worth the price.
Man. My safe did this after a year or two. Ordered a new one and that one CAME wirh the problem! Just ordered the 2 pack of struts, guess I'll fix them both and sell one to make up some money.
Excellent video. Thank you. I have the same problem. Sentry should fix this for FREE (keeping a small pry tool by my safe because the lid will not even clear the top of the safe). Absolutely CRAP design given the importance of the operator to open this gun same.
Yeah, I did try some Liquid Wrench Silicone spray, but it didn't help. The Gas Struts I used are the Apexstone 80N/18lb Gas Strut - the link is in the description at the bottom. Oh, and after you replace the struts, be sure to open your safe at least once a week to keep them working properly. 👍
Just got around to replacing the strut after the safe didn’t open at all. Took literally 5 minutes and now it opens fast and flawless. Thanks for the information and instruction.
The Amazon page says that the Apexstone part number is: AS-GS8N6012CMH. Here is the link to the struts on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Aw, man. Maybe this video has worked too well and wiped out the supply. I wish I had some experience with other struts, but this particular one is the only one I've tried. I'm sure there are other brands out there - just try to find ones that match the dimensions in the description of the one on Amazon. Perhaps it's just the COVID 19 issue that is disrupting the supply chain at the moment and they'll eventually be back.
It's at the bottom of the description. But here it is: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This is just one place I've found it, but don't hesitate to shop around to make sure the price is reasonable.
I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to that. The ones I used were 7 inch and the stock ones were probably closer to 7.5 to 8 inch (I just couldn't find one the exact length of the stock ones). But my initial thought would be no, because the distance between the bottom and top strut mounts would probably cause a 10 inch strut to stay mostly compressed in order to fit in there (if it even fit at all). If it did fit, I would be concerned that the strut's decompression capability would be diminished based on the safe's door limit of travel being only about 90 degrees. Again, just some initial thoughts, but if you try it and they work - definitely let everybody know!
Had the same problem. Just called the company and they sent me a new piston the next day. Great customer service.
That is great to hear!
Thank you so much. Excellent example. I have the exact same safe and my piston has been dead for a year. I didn't even think of changing it until I googled this and found it. The only thing different is I didn't remove the top bolt, just the bottom screw and I unscrewed the piston without the need of a ratchet set. Phillips head screwdriver was all that was needed. I really appreciate your video. Thank you again!
I love hearing that this video has helped people! You are welcome 👍
Thanks. Spent a good half hour trying to find the right strut. Your video was the answer I was looking for.
So glad to hear that! Thank you 👍
Just fixed mine. Wish I’d have done it sooner. Thanks for the super simple instructions!
Awesome! I’m so glad it helped you out.
Thank you very much. Great video, now I fixed my safe. A couple of tips to share here:
1) I didn't tighten the bottom piece completely so the strut is a little longer that allows the safe to open wider
2) you don't have to unbolt the top piece, just pull it sideway to separate it from the bolt.
Thank you! So glad it helped! Yeah, I have found that that strut can simply be unscrewed without removing the top and bottom brackets because the screw threads are opposite each other. This also helps to loosen or slightly tighten the strut for its opening width and for keeping its opening tension fresh. Thanks again for sharing your tips with everyone!
After watching your video, I used the link in your description and we were able to fix the safe! It's working perfectly again. Thank you!!
Thanks Brandon - exactly the information I was looking for. Excellent step by step instruction video. Well done & much appreciated!
Thanks for letting me know! So glad it has helped you.
I replaced their spring for heavier compression springs, and left the piston alone, pops open nicely now. Thanks! Repair costs under $5.00
Awesome to hear!
Where can you get the compression springs?
@@jameswh0 Hey James, regarding the springs, I have a link and demonstration in my follow up video: th-cam.com/video/HVugxs0nTnM/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps!
Absolute perfect solution, thanks for taking the time to post this!
Thank you for taking the time to leave that comment. I’m glad it has helped you!
Thank you for this video, and the link to the product.
You are very welcome! I hope it helps you out.
Well this video is 2 years old but the link to the new pistons still works! I got a 4 pack coming tomorrow and removed my old one easily. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have a working safe again. My piston was so weak I couldn’t even get my fingers underneath the front of the lid. I had to open it from the side near the front where a little “v” shape forms on the lid. It’s been so bad I haven’t even been using it lately. I’ve just been putting my handgun in a holster and then in the drawer on my night stand. Thanks for the great info!
That is great to hear! So glad this video is still helping people. 🙂
You the man!!!! Thank you so much!!! Just bought the 2 pack and they'll be here tomorrow.
Thank you for watching and commenting! I hope it helps.
Today I replaced my husband's Sentry gun safe. Good, follow along instructions video. 👍
I took notice that it doesn't close correctly, I really have to slam it shut in order for it to close completely. Any tips on how to fix this?
@@leonor9379 As long as the new gas struts are about the same length as the original ones, my first guess would be that the contents you are storing in the safe are slightly too tall for the safe door to close properly. I will admit that I was trying to store too much in one of my safe's one time and the door was hitting the contents on the edges and the top so I had to declutter it. But if you are having problems closing the safe door with nothing inside of it, then doublecheck to make sure that the gas strut is screwed all the way into the mounting brackets. Hope this helps!
@@brandonwatsonmedia Thanks I will try your suggestions.
great video I already purchased these replacement struts and was about to give up because the fittings were wrong thanks for this!
Excellent video - of course sentry safe doesn't have anything on this and when I tried to put in my model number for the product manual it said it did not exist! What a company! Thanks for the help here!
You are most welcome. Hope it helps!
Thanks, Brandon. I had saw the struts on Amazon but I wasn't sure how they matched the Sentry Safe connections, so I didn't want to order them. Thanks to your video for showing me how it works.
Great video. While making this repair I noticed my model had a strange secondary opening issue. The piston (both the factory and replacement) was getting hitched on the front-left screw that holds the exterior facade to the structure. The top of the piston should pass right by the screw head but in my case was not. Taking this screw out solved another opening issue.
Same here, it still rubs but it opens. Tried to adjust the top bracket to sit further in but no luck
Thank you and and thank you for the additional troubleshooting info!
Thank you very much for providing the information on the gas struts. I couldn't tell which ones I had to buy based on force or length. Very helpful.
So glad to hear that! Thank you
Worked perfectly! Thanks. (FWIF, Sentry also wanted to charge me $20.00 for a replacement piston.)
That’s exactly what mine is doing now. Thank you
Awesome! I love hearing that this has helped someone. Thank you
Just wanted to say thanks and also I realized you can just unscrew the old one and screw in the new one without removing the bolts! Literally 30 seconds. Thanks for the tip
You’re welcome! Haha, yeah someone mentioned that in the comments and it was an “A-ha / Duh!” moment for me as well. 😄 This video has spawned some great ideas for tackling this issue.
@@brandonwatsonmedia You know, I was almost ready to buy another safe altogether because I do like the mechanism more than anything else I've seen on the market. For $16 and 5 minutes total research/doing lol it was so worth it! Now I also have a backup for when this hydraulic goes out in a few years 😂
Bet this video will continue to blow up, it happened to come up in a Google search about this safe's hydraulic problem! Pretty cool.
Thank you!!! This issue has bothered the heck out of me for a few years. I'll do this fix ASAP!
Done! Thank you sir for this quick fix and the link to the struts on Amazon. Fixed the safe this afternoon and working flawlessly now.
So glad this was helpful. Thanks for letting me know!
Honestly one of the easiest things I've ever fixed and the linked pistons work great. As others have pointed out, no need to undo the top bolt. Just take out the screw from the bottom connection point, unscrew the old piston from the connection at the top and remove the connection from the bottom of the old piston, remove the plastic connections from the new piston, put the old bottom connection on the new piston, screw the new piston into the old connection that is still attached to the safe, and screw the bottom of the connection back to the safe.
You don’t need to remove any screws turn the top of the piston then turn the the bottom off easy peazy
too bad I read this too late - does Does anyone know where to get the Sentry official strut, since I broke the head of my original strut (so I cant use the replacement struts noted in this video any longer)
Thank you for the info on replacing the Strut. I ordered the replacement off the link you posted. In a couple days it should be working again.
Glad it helped!
Great video! Showed me exactly how to easily fix it for $12. Thanks!
Just followed this video verbatim and my safe is now opening / working like a charm. Thanks for posting this fix!
You're most welcome. I couldn't find any videos on fixing this problem when had this issue, so I thought I would make one to hopefully help the next person when they encountered it.
Just what I needed, thanks man!
Absolutely! Glad it helped.
Thanks for this video! Paid a lot for this safe and mine won’t even open… it does a little bounce when it unlocks, lol, that’s it..
Right there with you on that frustration. Hope this video helps. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you!!!!
You are most welcome!
Worked like a charm. Done in 5 minutes!
Thank you! Mine barely opens up now, defeats the whole purpose of a ready to grab gun from a safe premise. Without your video I was ready to go through contacting the manufacturer which is always a big pain in the ass.
You’re most welcome! I wish sentrysafe would step up to the plate themselves and actually make these parts (gas struts and springs) available, as well as provide the instructions needed to correct this issue. But until then, I hope this helps. *Don’t forget to open your safe regularly to keep the struts working for as long as their lifespan allows! 👍
@@brandonwatsonmedia I purchased two (non biometric)of these from amazon in 2013. within about 18 months I had this problem. Sentry denied anyone had the problem and finally sold me two new struts for $25 each. I wrote up a review noting the problem and was mercilessly downvoted by people saying no such problem . I started putting in struts from ebay (22 lbs or so is better than the adequate 18 lbs ones you are using) when the sentry ones failed again in a year or so. What makes me really mad is sentry has anew model with "better struts" meaning they admit the problem. I ordered struts from them a few months back figuring those would be premium and they sent me same struts as from 2013! I don't mind so much that the stuts fail if you use this for daily carry, but Sentry should do the right thing and charge cost, which is probably under $5, not $25.
@@teo2975 I feel your frustration - and apparently so do several thousand other people judging by the views this video has gotten (which I never would have expected). I guess people trying to help other people is the best we can do at this point. 👍
Thanks hesitated because didn’t see a matching gas piston but saw you used the old screw off parts nice
So glad the video helped!
Update: The Apex Stone pistons from Amazon are now $30. FJB!
🤬 I guess the gig is up and they're on to our fix!
@@brandonwatsonmedia Yeah, My safe was not popping open at all and I had no idea how to fix it, thanks for the video.
@@breezly1015 You are most welcome.
Well they’re back to $14 if anyone wants thhem
@@smody121I was just about to post the same exact comment. Lol
Awesome clear and concise instructions! Thanks a ton!
Fixed my totally stuck SentrySafe right up, thank you!
Awesome! 🙂
Excellent video!!! I followed everything to a T and fixed my safe!!
So glad to hear that it was helpful!
Thank you very much for this very informative video! I followed your instructions and now my safe works perfectly again.
Glad it helped!
Thanks for posting this helpful and well made video! I have the exact same biometric pistol safe, and my gas spring has been nearly dead for a long time. Amazon, here I come!
You're most welcome. Another great addition to the fix is a better quality spring. I think someone had a good spring recommendation somewhere in the comments.
I fixed mine by replacing the spring with a generic longer spring from the hardware store. Works great now!
What spring did you use? I'd like to use that spring in combination with a new gas strut. Thank you.
@@Sir-Gerlad #138
@@PaulDo22 WHAT DO YOU MEAN #138 IS THAT A PART NUMBER AT HOME DEPOT.......THANKS
@@toads_ride845 I ended up using 2 springs with a washer between them and the safe works better than ever. Here's a link to the spring but you can get them at any Ace Hardware Store:
hillmangroup.com/us/en/Home-Solutions/Home-Accessories/Springs/Compression-Springs/Hillman-Compression-Spring/p/540413
how long is each spring that you used my original spring measures 1"
Thanks so much for the video...very concise and detailed. Mine didn't even open at all before changing the piston. Although I wish the new piston opened more, it opens for plenty of access like you mentioned.
I ordered the part and fixed my safe! Great video!
Lifesaver... Brother I have watched both videos and I used your link to purchase them. Hope you have it making you money at Amazon. Thank you for your video
So glad it helped! But no - I make NO money off any of this at all. I just did the video because I wanted to try and help others with the same problem that had vexed me so badly. :-)
@@brandonwatsonmedia I understand that. Well I speak for everyone here I feel you did a great thing and great video. Take care brother
@@MountaineerOutdoors Thank you and I appreciate you taking the time to post the kind words! 👍
You’re a lifesaver man, thank you!
People helping people! 👍
Thanks Brandon! this video was very helpful
Thank you, I’m glad it’s helping people. 👍
Thanks for the link and video.
Easy fix
No tools required you can unscrew the piston with your hand twist the top first then the bottom. Thanks for the link to the new piston.Edit you will have to apply pressure down and once the piston goes down a tad bit the top can be screwed in without unscrewing the bottom. This takes less than 3 minutes from removal to install.
Thank you Brandon for the informative video. I just replaced it and it works great.
Great tutorial and info. Got my strut from Amazon and installed it with ease. Thanks.
Just fixed mine. Thanks for this.
What size is the Piston in the video ?
These struts are advertised at 7 inches, but the exact measurement is 175mm.
@Brandon Watson Did you take those two black screws in back out or no ?
@@yankeesny28 If you are referring to the two black screws at the far left and right that secure the top door onto the safe, then no. What you see me do in the video is all you have to do to replace the strut (piston) for your safe.
@Brandon Watson Thank you sir. I appreciate that.
Worked great, thanks for posting!
You’re welcome!
Thank you! Ordered the parts, looks like an easy fix.
Much appreciated Brandon!! Problem solved!!!
Awesome! So glad to hear that!
Thank you good Sir I just fixed mine with your instruction. Cheers!
Awesome! I’m glad to hear the video helped you. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
thank you sir for making this video, i was at the edge of getting a new safe. Thank you :)
I know what you mean - I was right there too at one point! That’s exactly why I made the video in hopes that it might be helpful to others. Thank you. I hope it works out for you! 👍
Thank you for the video. It helped me alot.
Awesome to hear!
Brandon, I changed the gas strut out like you demonstrated with a strut I purchased from Amazon (manufacturer Vepagoo and advertised to work with a sentry biometric safe). Once a closed the safe with the new piston it would not open biometrically. It opens great with the key. Is this Vepagoo piston too pressurized to allow the safe to open without the key? When I try to open the safe with biometrics, I can hear a "click" but safe does not open at all. Anyone else have this issue?
Wow, that is strange 🧐. The strut’s only purpose is to force the lid to pop up. The action of unlocking the safe is done by the bolt in the safe’s base sliding out of the lid’s hasp ring. And that bolt movement is initiated by either the key or the actuator motor from the biometric function. I’m not sure why a strut would only work by only one unlocking method.
I looked up the strut I bought and it’s 30 pounds of pressure. The piston in your video is 18-20 pounds. I’m thinking the force is too much and not allowing the bolt to fully open. Using the key fully disengages the bolt. When I use the biometric you hear a “click” but the bolt never releases to spring open the lid. I just ordered the exact piston in your video and will try that one and report back. Thanks.
@@johnpostava2839 Ah, that actually makes total sense. The strut's poundage is so high that the actuator motor is not strong enough to release the bolt because of the pressure being applied to the lid, but the manual release with the key is strong enough to move the bolt. Thank you for posting this! I think it will help others with this same problem.
Yes, be sure to buy the right strut with the right amount of poundage/pressure (18-20 pounds). Too strong a strut may prohibit bolt from releasing the lid. @@brandonwatsonmedia
Has the new piston gone bad after you replace it on this video? (it’s been 4 years). I’m about to order a new one for my safe but still unsure if the Apexstone will give me a longer life than the factory one. Thanks for posting this clip!
Since that video - and the year after review video - I have still only had to replace one strut. The only issues I have are the struts getting sluggish to open if I haven’t opened one up in awhile. But that is the nature of these struts regardless of brand. I’m glad you found this useful - Thanks!
It makes sense. Thanks again.
Alright!!👍big help..thanks.😃
You are welcome!
Hi Brandon, can you tell me, how to program the Push Buttons ? It's not described properly in the manual. Thanks.
Really appreciate this video I almost went out and bought a new safe!!!!
Glad I could help! Also, check out some of the other comments that talk about upgrading the spring as well.
Wow...this was so helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Glad it was helpful!
Works great! Thanks man!
Awesome! You are welcome!
Awesome video!
Thank you for the Amazon link
You’re welcome - I hope it helps!
Thank you so much! Just finished my install! It opens like a shotgun
Awesome! So glad to hear it! 👍
Live saver dude! Thank you!
So glad to hear that!
When you go to the Amazon link, you have two options for 2 different struts. One is 80N and the other one says 8 inch… Which one am I supposed to buy to fix my century gun safe?
The 80N model is the one that I am using in the video. I provided that link to show that they now offered it in a 4 pack for a better discount. But the 80N in the 2 or 4 pack is the gas strut I used. With that said, the 8 inch option that I now see offered on that page is one that I was going to do a video on - as well as another brand that I have found - that may be closer to the original size that came with the SentrySafe. Thank you for pointing that out!
Added two compression springs 5/16" x 1-1/2" x .020" (7.94mm x 38.10mm x 0.50mm) on top of the original spring and it works perfectly. Popped open like it's brand new. Hope this helps.
Awesome feedback! Thank you for that.
@@brandonwatsonmedia new or just stacking more compression springs will help pop, but you end up with just an inch of opening . It is the strut that opens it after the first inch. new struts will open all the way. The spring does nothing after the first inch. The first inch is important. but to get full like new function you will need new strut. Also strong struts over 18 lbs, say 22 or 25 really snap it up without hanging up on solenoid, but if you go spring rout and just put in more springs or too strong a spring you can make it harder for solenoid driven latch to release at all. Too much spring from the coil spring will press to hard on release and bind it up.
Also you may wish to tell your viewers that replacing batteries once solinoid starts to sound slow or week is important. You can drill a tiny hole and bypass batteries with a wall wart, otherwise since there is a slight vampire draw you want to replace every six months used even lightly, and maybe every four months if used daily
Thanks for the video. First, I don’t like that is doesn’t open fully. This is an unacceptable risk in a self defense situation. There is a cheap fix however. Like many, I went to Amazon and purchased the same strut ($17/2) which is almost an inch shorter than the original (as you show in the video). This affects the full opening, which as I already said, was a no-go for me. Without researching if there is another strut of equal length, and since no one is working at Sentry Safe to get a replacement, my solution consists of two items, costing me less than $3: a coupling nut, size M6 x 1”; and, an M6 x 16 bolt that cost .89 cents. The coupling nut is size M6 x 1” and cost $1.69 (it was the shortest I could find) and an M6 x 16 bolt cost 89 cents. You can also use a set screw, but the shortest I found was M6 x 23 and cost $2.59 and I thought the set screw was too long for the project. I purchased both from Ace Hardware. First, install the coupling nut onto the lower end of the rod (the silver end, not the strut end). Then, cut off the the bolt head (in effect, making a set screw). File off the burr and install the cut end into the other end of the coupling nut. You might have to use some oomph to screw it in, thus cross-threading the bolt into the coupling- which is why I screwed the cut end of the bolt into the coupling nut and not into the nut that connects the rod into the (base) end of the safe. You now have an extension that will ensure your lid opens fully. Install the strut per the rest of the instructions. You will find that the strut is now just a hair longer than the original strut and will have to use very little finesse to get the strut end reassembled into the lid. But, it’s easy and once it’s assembled, it won’t hinder opening. Your lid now opens fully. If- IF- I get a little OCD, I might look to shortening the extension I made so the strut fits perfectly, but I’m not OCD enough, unless I find the hair-length affects opening. I have pictures and if I can figure out how to post them, I will. But, I think my explanation will work for most.
"I'm not OCD but here's how I got this to open 85 degrees instead of 82" lol I'm like that sometimes too so I get it... But realistically, I don't see how that extra inch really makes a difference (that's what she said etc)...
Also quick tip - whenever you're going to saw off the end of a threaded rod (bolt or otherwise), put the nut/coupler on FIRST and then unscrew it after you cut it - that will straighten the burred edge and make it easy to thread without having to file the end or give it "umph" and tear up the threads.
Awesome.....Exact same problem. Was gonna goto Sentry, Screw it,
Amazon Gas Strut to the Rescue
Thanks for a great repair video! Worked perfectly.
Awesome! Also, check out some of the other comments that talk about upgrading the spring as well. 👍
Thanks so much! Fixed it quick and works great!
Super helpful. Thanks !
So glad to hear it! 👍
Thanks for the link. Just a heads up though you don't have to unbolt/unscrew the strut to replace it in the future when you use the existing ends 😉. Thanks again
Exactly. No tools just unscrew the piston from the mounts by hand and insert new piston.
Great tip
I never found the link you said you were going to add of what the name the new piston etc. ?
It's in the Video Description area (may have to click the "Show More" to see it), but I'll include it here for convenience. "www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Outstanding, thank you!!!
Absolutely! You are most welcome.
Great video, thank you!
Thank you! I hope it helps. 👍
Thanks nice too know that there replaceable .
I replaced my springs with prime line products sp 9703 and they work perfectly. No binding or over pressure. The lid pops up 4-5 inches even with a bad gas strut.
Great info. Thanks for sharing that!
Im having trouble with mine not shutting. Womt latch
If your safe is completely empty and it is not latching, then it sounds like there is maybe an obstruction in the cavity area where the lid latch goes into, or there is a defect in the product itself. Otherwise, if you have items in the safe, it could be that they are too tall which would prevent the lid from going all the way down to close.
Thank you sir.
You are most welcome! 👍
This is great. Mine has never worked properly. Hoping a new strut will last, as I don't open my safe all that frequently.
TM I know that any strut will eventually start to wear out, but so far, this seems to be an easy and cost effective fix. Just note that it is recommended to open your safe every couple of days to help keep the strut active.
Mine unlocks but doesn't open at all, ordered the piston, Thanks for the video!
Thanks I’ve been trying to figure this out. Ordering the part today
No problem 👍
Solution works! Thanks.
How is the new gas strut holding up for you? Has it remained strong? Thanks for saving us all hours of time trying to find a good replacement part. I've contacted Sentry Safe many times about the arm under their warranty and they have never once responded, so essentially the product has no warranty...
You are most welcome - I hope it helps! I have been meaning to do a follow up video about how the replacements have worked out, but to quickly answer your question, yes they seem to still be functioning just fine a year later. *Opening the safe on a regular basis also helps. I have noticed that the price for two of these struts are now going about $20, but I still think they are worth the price.
Just ordered them from Amazon. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
@@brandonwatsonmedia Pressure was a lot more than factory tube but its great. Is it possible to dial pressure down?
I am no expert, but I will say no. I think the strut just has a set "compression ratio" of 18 pounds.
Man. My safe did this after a year or two. Ordered a new one and that one CAME wirh the problem! Just ordered the 2 pack of struts, guess I'll fix them both and sell one to make up some money.
I hear ya. It’s frustrating for sure. Hope this fix helps!
Excellent video. Thank you. I have the same problem. Sentry should fix this for FREE (keeping a small pry tool by my safe because the lid will not even clear the top of the safe). Absolutely CRAP design given the importance of the operator to open this gun same.
Brandon, out of curiosity did you try to lube the strut before replacing it? Which replacement struts did you purchase on Amazon? Thanks.
Yeah, I did try some Liquid Wrench Silicone spray, but it didn't help. The Gas Struts I used are the Apexstone 80N/18lb Gas Strut - the link is in the description at the bottom. Oh, and after you replace the struts, be sure to open your safe at least once a week to keep them working properly. 👍
Just got around to replacing the strut after the safe didn’t open at all. Took literally 5 minutes and now it opens fast and flawless. Thanks for the information and instruction.
Thank you!!
Can you tell me what the Apexstone part number in Amazon for my Sentry Safe MODEL QAP1BE?
The Amazon page says that the Apexstone part number is: AS-GS8N6012CMH. Here is the link to the struts on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good video brother!
Thank you! I hope it helps you and others out. 👍
Great video. Thanks.
Absolutely. I hope it helps!
thanks for this. 5 stars!
Looks like amazon doesn’t carry that spring anymore? Do you know if I could use another spring equivalent to that one?
Aw, man. Maybe this video has worked too well and wiped out the supply. I wish I had some experience with other struts, but this particular one is the only one I've tried. I'm sure there are other brands out there - just try to find ones that match the dimensions in the description of the one on Amazon. Perhaps it's just the COVID 19 issue that is disrupting the supply chain at the moment and they'll eventually be back.
Brandon Watson will do. Thank you
Can’t find the link for the amazon recommendation
It's at the bottom of the description. But here it is: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0156P6YVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is just one place I've found it, but don't hesitate to shop around to make sure the price is reasonable.
Will the 10inch struts work?
I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to that. The ones I used were 7 inch and the stock ones were probably closer to 7.5 to 8 inch (I just couldn't find one the exact length of the stock ones). But my initial thought would be no, because the distance between the bottom and top strut mounts would probably cause a 10 inch strut to stay mostly compressed in order to fit in there (if it even fit at all). If it did fit, I would be concerned that the strut's decompression capability would be diminished based on the safe's door limit of travel being only about 90 degrees. Again, just some initial thoughts, but if you try it and they work - definitely let everybody know!
I bought 8” struts and they work perfectly.
Thanks