How to Insert a Drawer into a Metal File Cabinet
Inserting a new drawer into a metal file cabinet can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it can be done successfully by most DIYers. A metal file cabinet allows you to neatly organize documents, files, and other paperwork. Over time, as your paperwork expands, you may find the need to add an additional drawer to your existing cabinet to accommodate the extra storage needs. Rather than buying a whole new file cabinet, inserting a new drawer is an affordable and environmentally-friendly way to expand your storage. This article will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from measuring your cabinet to installing drawer slides and inserting the new drawer. With some basic DIY skills and the right guidance, you’ll have that new file cabinet drawer installed in no time!
Selecting the Right Drawer
The first step is to determine what size drawer you need. Carefully measure the height, width, and depth of your existing cabinet drawers. It is important to select a replacement drawer that matches the dimensions of your current drawers as closely as possible for proper fit and function. Consider things like:
- Height – The new drawer should be the same height as your existing drawers, from the top of the drawer side to the bottom.
- Width – Measure the width between the drawer side panels. The new drawer needs to fit in the existing drawer opening.
- Depth – Check the depth from the drawer front to back. Match this depth or go slightly smaller if needed.
When selecting a new drawer, opt for the same solid metal construction as your original drawers, rather than a thinner or cheaper material which could lead to misalignment issues down the road. Also ensure the drawer front style and handle placement matches your existing drawer layout.
Once you’ve identified the proper sized drawer, purchase it from a hardware store or online supplier. Some filing cabinets use custom proprietary drawer sizes, so you may need to contact the original manufacturer if you can’t find an exact match.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Hardware
Inserting a new drawer requires a few specialty tools and hardware items. Before starting, gather the following:
Tools:
- Drill with standard drill bits
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Carpenter’s level
- Pencil or marker
Hardware:
- Drawer slides – These allow the drawer to smoothly open and close. Get slides that match the ones pre-installed in your cabinet.
- Drawer slide screws – To secure slides to the drawer and cabinet body.
- Cabinet rails – Horizontal rails may need to be added inside the cabinet to attach the drawer slides.
- Rail screws
- Washers
Make sure you have all the necessary tools and hardware on hand before beginning the installation. Safety glasses and work gloves are also recommended.
Remove Existing Drawer(s)
Before installing the new drawer, start by removing any existing drawers that are positioned below where you plan to add the new one. Removing the lower drawers creates the needed access to attach drawer slides and rails inside the cabinet body.
To remove drawers:
- Pull the drawer completely out.
- Locate the plastic or metal locking tabs on either side and push down to release the drawer from the slides.
- Carefully lift the drawer up and off the extended slides. Set aside.
- Push the slides back into the cabinet and repeat steps for any remaining lower drawers.
Now the lower portion of the cabinet interior is accessible and ready for installing the required hardware.
Install New Cabinet Rails
Most standard file cabinets have pre-installed metal rails along the sides that allow mounting of the drawer slide brackets. If adding a new middle drawer, new rails may need to be installed to provide an anchor point for the slide installation.
To add cabinet rails:
- Measure up from the bottom of the cabinet to position the rail location. Mark with a pencil.
- Place the metal rail aligned to the height mark and hold in position.
- Pre-drill holes in the rail and through the cabinet side.
- Attach the rail with screws on each end and midpoint. Don’t fully tighten yet.
- Use a carpenter’s level to ensure the rail is perfectly straight.
- Tighten all rail screws completely.
- Repeat the process to install a second rail on the opposite cabinet side.
Installing new cabinet rails provides for a sturdy slide installation.
Mount the Drawer Slides
With the cabinet rails installed, it’s time to mount the drawer slides. Proper alignment of the slides is crucial for smooth drawer operation.
There are two main types of slides – side mount or center mount. Follow the steps below for your specific slide type:
Side Mount Slides
- Hold one slide against the cabinet rail, with the slide positioned exactly at the height for the new drawer. Mark locations for screws.
- Pre-drill holes for slide screws in the marked locations.
- Attach one slide bracket securely to the cabinet rail, ensuring it can slide freely once screwed in.
- Repeat to install the second slide bracket on the opposite cabinet rail.
- Extend the slides fully from the cabinet body.
- Align each slide end flush to the side of the new drawer. The slider portions should fit just inside the drawer rim.
- Mark screw holes on the drawer side.
- Pre-drill the holes.
- Attach each slide to the drawer side with screws.
- Test that the drawer opens and closes smoothly once attached to slides. Make any needed adjustments.
Center Mount Slides
- Determine and mark the exact center point on the back of the new drawer.
- Align the center of the slides to this mark, with slide ends extending to both sides of the drawer.
- Mark the screw holes on the drawer back.
- Pre-drill screw holes.
- Attach center of slide securely to drawer back.
- Fully extend slides and press brackets against cabinet rails.
- Mark holes for screws on rails. Pre-drill.
- Attach slide brackets to cabinet rails.
- Test full extension and closure of the new drawer on the slides. Adjust until operating smoothly.
With the slides perfectly positioned and attached, you’re ready to install the drawer into the cabinet.
Insert the Drawer
The final step is to place the new drawer onto the extended slides in the file cabinet. Take care aligning the drawer properly to avoid jamming.
- Extend the slides fully from the cabinet opening.
- Carefully lift and align the new drawer onto the extended slides. The drawer sides should fit just inside the slider portions.
- Slowly push the drawer closed, ensuring it is moving straight on both sides.
- Open the drawer fully again and check for any binding or rubbing. Adjust slides if needed.
- Once operating smoothly, close the drawer completely until you hear the locking tabs click into place.
- Open the drawer once more to confirm proper alignment and full extension.
- Reinstall any existing lower drawers that were initially removed.
With the drawer operating correctly on its slides, the installation is complete! Load up your new storage drawer with files and enjoy the expanded organizational capacity. Just be cautious not to overload the drawer as weight limits vary.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you encounter any problems with your new drawer installation, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Drawer won’t close completely – Make sure slides are perfectly straight and aligned. Binding can prevent full closure.
- Drawer won’t stay closed – Check that the locking tabs are fully engaged. If bent or damaged, they may need replacement.
- Drawer rubs cabinet side – Slides may need adjustment to center the drawer. Ensure drawer box is square.
- Difficult to open – Apply lubricant to slides. Look for obstructions or dirt buildup.
- Noisy operation – Lubricate slide runners with silicone spray. Adjust for proper slide alignment.
- Uneven drawer front – Loosen screws and adjust drawer front for proper alignment.
With a little finessing during install, your new drawer should operate smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inserting Drawers in File Cabinets
Adding new drawers to your existing filing cabinets can be confusing. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I know what size drawer I need?
Carefully measure the height, width, and depth of your current drawers. New drawers should match as closely as possible for proper fit.
What tools do I need?
You’ll need basic DIY tools – drill, screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, level, etc. A pencil and safety gear are also recommended.
What type of drawer slides should I use?
Look for slides made specifically for file cabinet drawers. Ball-bearing full extension slides are best.
How are drawer slides installed?
Mount one slide bracket on each side at the exact drawer height. Extend slides and attach the other bracket to the drawer sides.
How do I ensure proper alignment?
Take care pre-drilling screw holes for the slides and use a level to keep rails straight. Test for smooth operation.
What if my cabinet doesn’t have rails?
You can install new rails following the measurements of your existing ones. Attach securely to cabinet interior before mounting slides.
How much weight can file cabinet drawers hold?
Weight capacities vary, but are often 75-100 lbs. Don’t overload or the slides can bend or detach over time.
How do I fix a sticky drawer?
Look for dirt buildup on the slides and clean. Lubricating with silicone spray can also help loosen sticky drawers.
Is adding a drawer something a DIYer can do?
With good DIY skills and proper pre-planning, most homeowners can tackle installing a new file cabinet drawer on their own. Just take it slow!
Conclusion
Adding extra storage to your filing cabinet by installing a new drawer is a reasonably straightforward DIY project. With some simple preparation and the right tools on hand, you can successfully complete the installation in just an afternoon. Carefully measuring for drawer size, mounting the slides, and aligning everything properly are key steps for smooth operation. If challenges arise, there are troubleshooting tips to get your new drawer functioning perfectly. Just take your time and follow the instructions closely. Before you know it, you’ll have a custom organized storage solution with expanded capacity right where you need it!
