Are Drawers Removable in a Metal Filing Cabinet?

Whether filing cabinets have removable drawers is an important consideration for many reasons. Removable drawers provide flexibility in use, make cleaning and maintenance easier, and enable customization options. This article provides a detailed look at drawer removability in metal filing cabinets.

An Introduction to Drawer Removability

The majority of metal filing cabinets have drawers that are designed to be fully removable. This allows the drawers to be taken out completely for a variety of purposes:

• Cleaning and Maintenance – Taking drawers fully out makes it easier to clean the interior of the cabinet and the drawers themselves. Dust and debris can be wiped away more thoroughly.
• Customization – With removable drawers, the interior configuration of the cabinet can be customized by rearranging or swapping out drawers of different sizes.
• Accessibility – Full removal enables easier access to contents at the very back of drawers. Papers and files can be reached more readily.
• Transport – Removed drawers are lighter to carry and can make moving offices simpler. Just take out all the drawers in a cabinet and transport them separately from the main housing.

So for most metal filing cabinets, removable drawers are a standard and highly useful feature. But there are some exceptions, as discussed next.

Types of Drawer Construction

Metal filing cabinets typically have drawers constructed in one of three ways:

1. Full Extension Drawer Slides

The most common type is full extension drawer slides. This mechanism allows each drawer to be pulled completely out and removed from the cabinet. Drawers glide smoothly on ball bearing rollers. This offers maximum accessibility.

2. Friction Slide Drawers

Some metal cabinets have basic friction slide drawers. These drawers do not extend fully and are not meant to be removed. They simply slide in and out on rubbed rails. Friction slide is a less expensive construction method but lacks the benefits of full access.

3. Permanently Affixed Drawers

Rarely, metal filing cabinets have drawers that are riveted or welded permanently into the case. These are uncommon and found mainly in fireproof/waterproof security cabinets or government/military use. Permanent drawers provide added security but forfeit accessibility.

So in summary, removable drawers are standard for the vast majority of common office filing cabinets with full extension slides. But some budget or security models utilize alternative constructions that do not allow drawer removal.

Advantages of Removable Drawers

The ability to take drawers fully out of a metal filing cabinet offers some key advantages:

• Easier Access to Contents – With the drawer removed, paperwork can be accessed from the top rather than just the front opening. This enables better reach to the back of the drawer.
• More Thorough Cleaning – Detached drawers can be wiped down on all sides, including the underside rollers. The interior cabinet can be dusted and vacuumed more completely.
• Custom Sizing – Drawer configurations can be changed around by switching sizes between upper and lower sections of the cabinet. Any size mismatches can be corrected.
• Space for Large Items – With all drawers removed, large binders, artwork, or other oversized items can be stored using the full open interior of the cabinet.
• Rearrangements and Moving – Contents can be transferred between drawers, offices, or buildings much more easily when drawers are separate portable units rather than fixed compartments.

So removable drawers create flexibility and access that fixed drawers do not allow.

Considerations When Removing Drawers

While having removable drawers in metal filing cabinets offers clear benefits, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Empty the drawer fully before attempting removal. Contents can fall out of an open underside if the drawer is pulled out while still loaded.
• Be careful not to tip or invert the drawer when carrying it outside of the cabinet. Loose items may spill out from the slides or rear opening without the surrounding enclosure.
• Each drawer will have an associated locking bar that must be dislodged from the locking mechanism before pulling the drawer free. This is usually a release tab or sliding latch on the drawer housing.
• Expect some resistance when initially sliding a heavily loaded drawer out. Move carefully to avoid tipping. The drawer may require two people for removal.
• Do not roll cabinet drawers on the floor or rough surfaces once removed. This can damage the slides and runners along the bottom.

With proper precautions, removable drawers provide excellent access and customizability. Just be sure to handle them carefully when taking advantage of their removability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about drawer removability in metal filing cabinets:

Are all metal filing cabinet drawers removable?

Most are removable, but some low-cost or fireproof models have fixed friction slide or permanently welded drawers instead. Full extension sliding mechanisms generally allow for complete removal.

How do I remove a stuck drawer?

Check that locking bars are disengaged. Try gently rocking the drawer back and forth while pulling outward. Have a second person pull on the opposite end to distribute force. The drawer may just need some coaxing due to a heavily loaded rear.

Can I rearrange drawers between sections?

Yes, most removable drawers allow for rearrangement between upper and lower sections of a cabinet. Just be sure to place larger drawers on the bottom for stability.

What is the weight capacity for an empty drawer?

Drawers themselves typically have a weight capacity of 25-50 lbs. But when used in the cabinet, the section height and extension slides determine the maximum recommended load per drawer. Refer to the manufacturer specifications.

How do I clean drawer rollers and slides?

Fully remove the drawer and wipe down the slide rails and ball bearings with a clean soft cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners. Lubricate them periodically with a silicone spray for smooth gliding.

Conclusion

Having removable drawers in metal filing cabinets provides major benefits for accessibility, cleaning, customizations, and rearrangements. While not all metal cabinets offer full extension removable drawers, the vast majority do. This feature enables excellent access and flexibility for organizing contents. Just be sure to handle detached drawers carefully and follow all manufacturer guidance. With the right removable drawer filing cabinet, you can optimize storage and access for all your important documents and records.