File cabinets with metal bars are a common fixture in many offices and homes. Over time, these file cabinets can become misaligned or start to sag, making it difficult to open and close the drawers smoothly. Adjusting the metal bars on a file cabinet is usually a quick and straightforward process that can be done in less than an hour with some basic tools.

Why Would the Metal Bars on a File Cabinet Need Adjusting?

There are a few common reasons the metal bars on a file cabinet may need some adjustment:

• General wear and tear – Metal bars can bend and warp slightly over time with repeated opening and closing of the drawers. This can make the drawers loose and misaligned.
• Overloaded drawers – If the drawers are overloaded with files, this added weight can cause the rails to sag over time. Too much weight stresses the rails and makes the drawers fit poorly.
• Moving the cabinet – When relocating a file cabinet, especially over uneven surfaces, the rails can get knocked out of alignment. Even if the cabinet looks square, the rails inside may have shifted.
• Loose fasteners – The bars are held in place by screws or rivets. If these become loose over time, it can affect the alignment.

Adjusting the bars helps realign the drawers to open and close smoothly once again. It also reduces friction and scraping that can damage files inside.

Gather the Needed Tools and Supplies

Adjusting file cabinet rails requires just a few basic tools and supplies:

• Phillips head screwdriver – This is needed to remove any screw or bolts that hold the bars in place. Have multiple sizes handy.
• Needle nose pliers – Helpful for adjusting stubborn or hard to reach connection points. Can also help hold bolts when re-tightening.
• Rubber mallet – Used for gently tapping metal bars and brackets back into proper position. Force may be needed in stubborn spots.
• Shims – Small wood or plastic shims can help level uneven spots by placing them under metal brackets.
• Lubricant – A lubricant like WD-40 helps metal pieces slide more freely when adjusting. Also reduces future wear and tear.
• Rags – For wiping down greasy lubricant and rail areas during and after adjustments.

Having these tools prepared ahead of time will make the adjustment process much easier.

Removing Drawers from the File Cabinet

In most cases, you will need to remove the drawers from the file cabinet rails in order to properly access and adjust the metal guide bars. Here are the general steps:

1. Empty the drawers – Remove all files and folders first to lighten the drawers you will be handling.
2. Locate rail release tabs – Rails will have small spring-loaded tabs that release the drawer from the rail. These are visible when drawer is extended.
3. Press tabs and lift drawer – Press both release tabs inward while lifting up slightly on drawer to slide it out.
4. Set drawer aside – Carefully set drawer aside in a safe location to avoid damage. Stack drawers evenly if removing multiple.
5. Label guides – If there are multiple drawers, label their guide bars so you can reinstall them in their original location.

With the drawers removed, you can now clearly see the metal guide bars that need adjustment.

Adjusting the File Cabinet Rails

Now that you can access the file cabinet’s inner rails, you can begin making adjustments:

1. Inspect Guide Bars

• Look for any obvious bending or damage to the guide bars. Bars should be straight and even.
• Note any spots where bars are connecting loosely.

2. Clean Guide Bars

• Wipe down bars with a rag to remove dirt, grease, and debris.
• Apply a lubricant like WD-40 to help pieces slide during adjustment.

3. Level and Straighten Bars

• Use a rubber mallet and pliers to gently tap bent bars back into proper shape and position.
• Place shims underneath brackets to level any sagging spots.
• Tighten any loose screws or rivets holding bars in place.

4. Align Rail Positions

• Ensure each set of rails lines up evenly from left to right.
• Make sure rails are parallel front to back so drawers do not scrape sides.
• Adjust rails so that drawers slide in and out smoothly without rubbing.

5. Reinstall Drawers

• Once rails are properly aligned, carefully reinstall each drawer by sliding back onto guides.
• Make sure release tabs fully engage. Drawer should open and close evenly without friction.
• Replace drawer contents and test slides with weight of files. Make final tweaks if needed.

Adjusting cabinet rails takes patience and care, but following these steps will help restore proper drawer function. If rails are severely damaged, replacement may be needed.

Adjusting Individual Metal Cross Bars

In addition to the rails, file cabinets also rely on individual metal cross bars in the back to properly align the drawers and support their weight. If these bars become bent or loose, it can also cause issues with sticking or sagging drawers. Here are tips for adjusting the cross bars:

Inspect All Cross Bars

• Examine each cross bar for damage and alignment. Bars should form a straight, even grid.

Tighten Screws and Bolts

• Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws or bolts that hold the bars in place. Don’t over-tighten.

Bend Bars Back Into Shape

• Use pliers and a rubber mallet to gently bend severely bent bars back into proper 90 degree angles.

Shim Uneven Bars

• Place plastic or wood shims underneath metal brackets to level any sagging bars.

Lubricate Glide Points

• Apply lubricant to the spots where drawer glides make contact with the bars to prevent scraping.

Proper alignment of both the front cabinet rails and the rear cross bars is key for getting file cabinet drawers working smoothly. Take the time to methodically adjust both sets of components.

Tightening Loose Rivets on File Cabinets

Many file cabinets use rivets rather than screws to hold the metal guide bars in place. Over time these can become loose. To tighten loose rivets:

Locate All Rivets

• Examine the joinery of metal components to locate all rivets. Look for loose fit or movement.

Tighten with Pliers

• Use needle nose pliers to grip the center pin of the rivet tight. Apply pressure to tighten.

Use Rivet Setting Tool

• For stubborn rivets, use a professional rivet setting tool. This presses and reforms the rivet.

Consider Replacing Rivets

• Badly damaged or deformed rivets may need to be drilled out and replaced with new rivets.

Keeping rivets snug will add stability and prevent the bars from shifting out of alignment.

Correcting File Cabinet Leaning or Rocking

In some cases, an entire file cabinet can lean or rock if the weight is not even. Here is how to fix:

Identify Uneven Legs

• Check each corner and look for legs that have more or less contact.

Shim Short Legs

• Place shims under any short legs that do not rest firmly on the floor.

Adjust Levelers

• Many cabinets have adjustable leveling feet that can be twisted to even the height.

Tighten Mounting Bolts

• Tighten any bolts that attach the legs to the cabinet body if loose.

Move Cabinet if Floor Uneven

• A severely uneven floor surface under the cabinet can also cause rocking. Try relocating the cabinet.

With all the legs sitting firmly on the floor, the cabinet will stand solidly without rocking. This prevents strain on the inner rails.

How to Prevent Future Metal Bar Misalignment

Once you have your file cabinet rails and bars properly aligned, there are some maintenance tips that can prevent issues recurring:

• Limit drawer capacity – Don’t overload drawers which puts force on the rails and bars.
• Open/close gently – Don’t jerk drawers open or closed. Open partially then gently pull fully open.
• Keep glides clean – Clean the glide points where drawers meet metal bars so they slide easily.
• Check tightness – Periodically check all connectors and tighten any that are loose. Tight hardware prevents warping.
• Level on flat surface – Keep the cabinet on a level, smooth surface. Uneven floors can warp body.
• Move carefully – When moving cabinet, lift fully so all weight isn’t on rails and bars.

Proper use and care will maximize the lifespan of your file cabinet rails and keep drawers sliding smoothly for years to come. But some warping or misalignment over time is inevitable. Following the steps outlined here will have your file cabinet rails realigned and restored in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adjusting File Cabinet Metal Bars

What if my file cabinet drawers won’t slide at all?

Drawers that are completely stuck usually just need a good cleaning and lubrication of the rails and glide points. Remove drawer to access rails. Clean any dirt or grease buildup. Apply a lubricant like WD40. Reinstall drawer and test slides. If still stuck, rails may be bent and need adjusting.

Should I replace bent metal bars instead of adjusting them?

In most cases, slightly bent bars can be successfully adjusted back into proper shape unless the metal is severely warped or damaged. Attempt adjusting first before replacing parts.

How do I realign rails that don’t match up between drawers?

If adjacent drawers have rails that don’t line up vertically, each set of rails can be adjusted up or down as needed. Loosen the rail screws, align rails evenly between drawers, then re-tighten screws once positioned correctly.

What should I do if the draws tilt downward in front?

Tilting drawer fronts are likely caused by sagging of the cross bars in the back. Tighten all connectors on the bars, shim any sagging spots, and bend the bars back into proper 90 degree angles to level the drawers.

My top drawer doesn’t fully close. What should I check?

If the top drawer has a gap when closed, most likely the upper rails are positioned too high. Loosen the screws on the top rails and slide them down slightly until the drawer fits snug when closed.

Why does my drawer scrape the sides of the cabinet opening?

Rails that are not horizontally parallel will cause drawers to rub the cabinet sides. Loosen rails and adjust their positions until centered in the opening. Make sure rear cross bars are also straight.

What if adjusting rails doesn’t fix sagging drawers?

For severe sagging not fixed by rail adjustment, the drawer bottoms themselves may be warped or deformed. Try swapping an unused, properly fitting drawer to confirm. If so, drawer replacement may be required.

Should I grease the slides and bars inside the cabinet?

Light lubrication can help, but too much grease attracts dirt and dust which can gunk up the slides. Wipe any excess oil or grease. Just a small amount of lubricant on glide points is best.

How can I get replacement parts for old file cabinet rails?

Check with the file cabinet manufacturer and provide the model number to order replacement rails, connectors, and hardware. For vintage cabinets, check industrial supply stores for generic parts.

Adjusting misaligned rails and bars may seem complicated, but takes just some simple tools and handyman skills. With a methodical approach, you can have your file cabinet drawers smoothly sliding once again. Just take your time and be careful not to over-bend the metal components.

Conclusion

Adjusting the metal bars and rails on a sagging or sticking file cabinet drawer is a straightforward DIY project. With some basic tools, lubricant, and a careful approach, the rails can be realigned and cross bars tightened to restore smooth operation. Just be sure to work methodically on one component at a time. Proper alignment along with preventive maintenance will then keep your file cabinet functioning properly for many years to come. Following the steps here will have you organizing your files again in no time!