A hydraulic damper includes a cylinder containing a hydraulic fluid and a piston affixed to a piston rod that extends out from one end of the cylinder through an end cap seal and that divides the cylinder into two chambers. The piston includes a port extending longitudinally through it where the port defines a valve seat. Inserted in the port is a spring-loaded valve member having a central bore extending longitudinally through it of a selected diameter that sets the rate of extension and return of the piston rod during use.