How to Get a Drawer Out of a Metal Filing Cabinet

Getting stuck drawers out of metal filing cabinets is a common problem many office workers face. With some handy tips and tools, you can get those drawers sliding smoothly again in no time. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get a drawer out of a metal filing cabinet.

Understanding the Mechanism

Most metal filing cabinets have a similar sliding mechanism for the drawers. The drawer slides in and out on a track, which is usually made of rolled or extruded metal. Ball bearings between the drawer and the track reduce friction and enable smooth movement. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up on the tracks and prevent the drawers from sliding easily. The track can also become misaligned if the cabinet gets bumped or moved around frequently. Understanding how the slide mechanism works will help you better diagnose and fix stuck drawers.

Tools You Will Need

Gather the following tools before attempting to remove a stuck drawer:

• Flathead screwdriver
• WD-40 or other lubricating oil
• Flashlight
• Gloves for protection

Having these basic tools on hand will make taking out the drawer much easier. The flathead screwdriver can pry apart any sticky areas and WD-40 lubricates the tracks. The flashlight provides visibility inside the dark cabinet interior and gloves protect your hands from sharp metal edges.

Removing the Drawer Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to smoothly remove a stuck drawer:

1. Empty Out the Drawer

Take everything out of the stuck drawer first. Removing the contents eliminates excess weight, allowing you to pull out the drawer more easily.

2. Look for Obstructions

Inspect the drawer and track for any obstructions. Papers, pens or other items trapped under the drawer could be blocking it. Check for misalignments along the track as well.

3. Lubricate the Tracks

Spray lubricant such as WD-40 along the tracks on both sides. Reach into the cabinet to lubricate the internal tracks too. The lubricant will loosen up sticky spots.

4. Try Pulling Out the Drawer

With the tracks lubricated, try sliding the drawer out. Open and close it a few times to spread the lubricant thoroughly.

5. Locate Screws Along the Track

If the drawer still sticks, locate the small screws along the tracks that attach it. Usually, there are up to four screws on each side.

6. Loosen the Screws

Using your screwdriver, begin loosening the screws starting from the bottom. Do not remove them fully, just turn them 3-4 times counterclockwise.

7. Attempt to Remove the Drawer

Try pulling out the drawer again. Loosening the screws should release it from the tightened tracks.

8. Remove Remaining Screws

If needed, keep loosening screws along the tracks until the drawer slides out smoothly. Take out all the screws to fully detach it.

9. Clean the Tracks

With the drawer removed, shine a flashlight inside the cabinet. Clean out any dirt, debris or obstructions along the tracks using a vacuum hose or damp cloth.

10. Replace Drawer and Tighten Screws

Slide the drawer back into the freshly cleaned tracks and replace all the screws. Tighten them down fully to secure the drawer back into place.

And that’s it! With some handy tools and these step-by-step instructions, you can get those stubborn drawers sliding like new again. Regularly lubricating the tracks helps prevent sticking in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Metal File Cabinet Drawers

Here are answers to some common questions about dealing with stuck filing cabinet drawers:

How can I get a drawer unstuck without taking apart the tracks?

Try rocking or wiggling the drawer gently while pulling. Also, use arubber mallet or hammerwrapped in a towel to tap the sides and try knocking it loose. Lubricate tracks with WD-40 as well. Avoid excessive force.

What if the drawer is stuck all the way at the back?

Use a long, flat tool like a ruler to reach into the cabinet and push the internal rollers forward. You can also try pulling out adjacent drawers to access the stuck one from the side. Lubricate the back tracks too.

Why do metal filing cabinet drawers stick randomly?

Debris buildup, loose screws, misalignments, overloaded weight and lack of lubrication are common reasons. Sticking is often random since problems can occur unevenly on different areas of the tracks.

My file drawer is completely off its tracks, how can I fix this?

Take out all the screws to fully detach the drawer. Examine the tracks to realign any sections that got bent. You may need to straighten bent tracks with pliers. Clean the tracks then reseat drawer.

I lubricated but my file cabinet drawer is still stuck, what now?

Excess friction is likely the issue if lubricating tracks did not help. Remove the drawer to clean tracks thoroughly and replace any worn out, bent or damaged sections. Refasten drawer and test again.

How can I prevent my filing cabinet drawers from sticking?

Prevention is key! Keep tracks clean by vacuuming inside cabinets regularly. Lubricate every few months with a protectant like silicone spray. Do not overload drawers which strains the slides.

Summary

Dealing with stuck drawers in file cabinets is very common but luckily can be fixed with some basic DIY steps. The key things to remember are:

• Empty and inspect the stuck drawer to diagnose the issue
• Generously lubricate the tracks and contact points
• Loosen drawer screws in stages to release seized parts
• If needed, fully detach the drawer to clean and realign tracks
• Lubricate regularly and keep internal areas debris-free

With this comprehensive guide, you should now have the knowledge to get those frustrating drawers sliding freely again. Just take it slow, use the right tools and don’t force anything. With some perseverance your filing cabinet will be functioning smoothly once more!