These are similar to the rigid in tension locking springs with oil on both sides of the piston. However, in the case of a rigid in compression spring the oil is contained in the closed end of the tube and a floating piston retains the gas in the nose bearing end chamber. When a compressive load is applied to the locked rod, the oil between the piston and the closed end of the tube will not compress and the rod cannot move. On the other hand, when a tensile force is applied the gas in the nose bearing will compress permitting a small amount of movement but again, since the oil in the closed end cannot expand the movement is significantly less than a flexible locking gas spring.

Standard design: Release valves are not available for standard rigid in compression gas springs. Due to their construction and the need to provide some lubrication to the rod seal, rigid in compression locking springs can only be used with the rod pointing down.

High oil fill design: A gas spring built as a flexible locking spring with a high oil fill and an oil chamber will provide a fully rigid in compression function should this be required. Applications include operating, massage and veterinary tables and wheel chair recline and support systems amongst many others.