Maximum solenoid life is achieved when the pull force required coincides as nearly as possible with the force generated by the solenoid. Solenoids which develop substantially more force than is required are subject to excessive hammering which eventually may cause mechanical failure. To improve mechanical life, the load must be in line with the plunger and side loads must be kept to a minimum. Mechanical life in DC solenoids will be increased with the addition of an anti-bottoming feature. There will be a slight reduction in force caused by an internal air gap when an anti-bottoming feature is included.