Abstract: An add-on mechanical support assembly is used for supporting failed gas struts or as a safety device in combination with operational gas struts. The support assembly includes a generally tubular support having a slot extending lengthwise. The tubular support has different lengths on different sides. An upper end on a shorter side is used for engaging part of the cylinder of a gas strut in order to block the gas strut from retraction. An upper end of the longer side provides a thumb tab area such that one may push the support out of its blocking position without placing ones hand or fingers in a position where one might be pinched by the retraction of the piston rod of the gas strut to within the gas cylinder. A slotted tab extends downwardly from the bottom of the support and allows a screw to attach a locking block or collar with split ends to the piston rod of the gas strut. Breakaway sections are used on the support to allow adjustment for different lengths.