Abstract: There is described a method of controlling a long-stroke, hydraulic operating cylinder (1), in particular a screw-down cylinder for an edging stand, where the piston (4), to which a load can be applied at both ends, and which can be locked hydraulically along its stroke (s) in various working positions, is abruptly loaded with an external force after it has been locked. To create advantageous method conditions, it is proposed that the piston (4) be locked under a hydraulic pressure chosen in dependence on the respective working position, which hydraulic pressure decreases along the stroke (s) against the direction of action of the external force.