How to Get Drawers Out of a Metal Filing Cabinet

Getting stuck drawers out of a metal filing cabinet can be frustrating, but with a few simple tips, you can remove them with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get those drawers sliding smoothly again.

Inspect the Drawer Slides

The first step is to inspect the drawer slides, which are the mechanisms that allow the drawer to slide in and out. Look for any debris, damage, or misalignment that could be obstructing the drawer’s movement.

Signs of Trouble

• Debris inside the slide rails – Look inside the cabinet for any dirt, dust, or office supplies that may have fallen into the slides. Even a small amount of debris can jam up the works.
• Bent or damaged slides – Look to see if the slides are bent out of shape or have any cracked welds or broken pieces. This can throw off the alignment and cause the drawer to catch.
• Loose screws – Check that all the screws are tightened properly. Loose slides will cause misalignment.
• Off-track rollers – Modern drawer slides have little rollers inside. See if those are broken or have fallen out of place.

Try Lubricating the Slides

If the slides look clean and intact, the next step is lubricating them. This reduces friction so the drawers can slide freely.

What Lubricant to Use

• White lithium grease – Available at any hardware store, this is ideal for lubricating metal drawer slides. Spray or wipe a light coat inside the slide rails.
• Graphite powder – The powdered lubricant works well on drawer slides. Apply a light dusting inside the rails.
• Bar soap – Rubbing a bar of soap along the rails can work in a pinch. The soap’s waxy nature helps lubricate the slides.

Where to Apply Lubricant

Focus lubrication along the inner slide rails, but keep it light. Too much grease or powder can become gummy and compound the issue. A thin coat is all you need.

Remove the Stuck Drawer

If lubrication alone doesn’t free the stuck drawer, it’s time to remove it completely from the cabinet.

Step 1 – Empty the Drawer

Remove all contents from the stuck drawer so it’s lighter and easier to handle. This also prevents spilling anything as you work to remove it.

Step 2 – Detach the Cabinet Side

The drawer slides are attached to the cabinet with screws. Remove those so the cabinet side comes free. This gives you better access to the slides.

Step 3 – Release the Slides

There are small plastic clips that hold each slide attached to the drawer. Carefully pop those out so the slide detaches from the drawer.

Step 4 – Remove the Drawer

With the slides detached, the drawer should slide right out. If it’s still stuck, gently rock it side to side while pulling outward.

Repair or Replace the Slides

With the drawer removed, now you can better see what’s wrong with the slides. Assess whether you can fix the existing slides or need to install new ones.

Fixing the Slides

If the issue is something simple like debris or minor damage, you may be able to clean and straighten the slides to reuse them.

When to Replace

If the slides are badly bent, the rollers are cracked, or pieces are broken or missing, it’s best to replace them. Purchase drawer slides designed specifically for filing cabinets.

Reinstall the Drawer

Once you have functioning slides, the last step is reinstalling the drawer into the filing cabinet.

Step 1 – Attach Slides

Fasten one slide to the drawer and the other to the cabinet side, ensuring they align properly.

Step 2 – Insert Drawer

Place the drawer on the open cabinet slides and push it in slowly while aligning the open slide into the other.

Step 3 – Test Movement

Push the drawer in and out a few times to test that the slides are working smoothly before reattaching it permanently inside the cabinet.

Step 4 – Secure Cabinet Side

Once the drawer operates correctly, screw the cabinet side back into place to secure everything tightly.

Tips for Preventing Future Sticking

Here are some tips for keeping your filing cabinet drawers operating smoothly long-term:

• Keep cabinet interiors clean of dust and office clutter
• Periodically lubricate the slide rails as preventive maintenance
• Open and close drawers gently to avoid jarring the slides
• Ensure heavier contents are distributed evenly so weight isn’t overly unbalanced
• Consider installing higher-capacity drawer slides if storing very heavy files
• Adjust drawer alignments if they gradually become off track

With proper inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and repairs when needed, you can keep your filing cabinet drawers sliding like new despite years of use. Just follow these steps to free stuck drawers and prevent frustrating jams.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Drawers Out of Metal Filing Cabinets

What is the easiest way to get a stuck drawer unstuck?

The easiest method is usually to lubricate the drawer slides. Applying a light coating of a dry lubricant like graphite powder or white lithium grease can help loosen up stuck slides. Be sure to lubricate the inner slide rails thoroughly.

Can I use WD-40 to lubricate stuck filing cabinet drawers?

WD-40 is not an ideal lubricant for metal drawer slides. It can act as a solvent to remove grease and buildup, but it doesn’t last long as an ongoing lubricant. Stick to graphite powder or white lithium grease for the best results.

What should I do if lubrication doesn’t free up the stuck drawer?

If lubricating the slides doesn’t work, the next step is removing the drawer completely to thoroughly clean and examine the slides. Check for any debris or damage preventing movement. You may need to repair or replace damaged slide parts.

How do I realign a filing cabinet drawer that’s off track?

Start by detaching the slides from the drawer and cabinet side walls. Then reseat them, ensuring the sliding rails are straight and properly aligned. You may need to gently bend any sections that are off track. Lubricate before reinstalling the drawer.

Why do file cabinet drawers seem to get stuck more as the cabinet ages?

Over many years of use, slide lubrication can wear off, dust and particles can accumulate, and the constant opening and closing motion can gradually bend slides out of shape. Taking preventive steps goes a long way.

What’s the best way to remove a drawer that seems really jammed?

Removing the cabinet side panel gives you the clearance to maneuver the drawer. Gently rock it back and forth while pulling outward. Don’t yank too hard as you could bend the slides. Taking your time helps prevent damage.

Should I replace all the slides or just the broken one?

It’s best to replace slides in pairs to keep everything balanced. If one is worn out enough to need replacing, the other is likely not far behind. New matched slides ensure smooth movement.

Are there any filing cabinet lubricants I should avoid?

Thick greases like petroleum jelly are too gummy and sticky for narrow slide rails. Avoid household oils like olive oil as well, as these can attract dirt over time. Stick to dry lubricants like powdered graphite for long-lasting slickness.

How often should I lubricate my filing cabinet drawers?

A good rule of thumb is to lubricate them 2-3 times per year if you use the drawers regularly. If your office is dusty or you use them constantly, lubricating every 2-3 months helps keep things operating smoothly.