How to Remove Drawers from an Old Metal Filing Cabinet
Introduction
Old metal filing cabinets can be useful for storing documents and files, but over time the drawers may become stuck or damaged. Removing the drawers can allow you to repair, replace, or clean them so the filing cabinet can be fully functional again. The process involves unscrewing rails, dislodging stuck components, and maneuvering the drawer out carefully to avoid damage. With some time and effort, you can get those old filing cabinet drawers sliding like new again.
Supplies Needed
Before starting the drawer removal process, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- WD-40 or other lubricant spray
- Gloves for protection
- Flashlight to see inside cabinet
- Hammer or mallet
- Block of wood or other soft surface
Having these supplies ready will make the process much easier. The screwdrivers will be used for removing screws, WD-40 can help loosen stuck components, gloves protect your hands, the flashlight provides visibility, the hammer/mallet can help free stuck drawers, and the wood blocks prevent damage as you work the drawers free.
Disconnecting Drawer Slides
Filing cabinet drawers use slides, commonly called rails or runners, that allow them to slide in and out of the cabinet smoothly. The first step in removing drawers is detaching them from these slide mechanisms.
Unscrew Rails from Drawer
On either side of the drawer you want to remove, you’ll see two rails screwed into the sides. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the rails from the drawer sides. Set the screws aside in a safe place so you can reuse them later.
Detach Ball Bearings
Look inside the drawer slides you just unscrewed. Many slides have ball bearings on them to help the drawer glide smoothly. Detach these ball bearing housings from the slides so they can be cleaned and re-lubricated later.
Unscrew Slides from Cabinet
With the drawer detached on one side, you can now access the screws holding the slide into the filing cabinet frame. Carefully unscrew the slide from the side of the cabinet. Repeat this process for the other slide.
With both slides detached from the drawer and cabinet, you can now fully separate the drawer from the slide mechanisms.
Removing Stuck Drawers
Sometimes old filing cabinet drawers become stuck inside the cabinet and won’t slide out normally. Here are some methods for freeing stuck drawers:
Lubricate With WD-40
Spray lubricant like WD-40 into the drawer slide mechanisms while trying to carefully pull the drawer open. The lubricant can help release stuck components.
Tap with Hammer and Block
Place a wood block against the front of the stuck drawer and gently tap with a hammer. This can help jar it loose. Be careful not to damage the drawer front.
Twist and Wiggle
Grab the drawer front and try twisting it side to side while pulling. The wiggling motion while pulling sometimes helps release stuck drawers.
Bend Cabinet Sides
As a last resort, bend the side panels of the cabinet outward slightly to release pressure on the drawer. Take care not to bend too far or you may damage the cabinet.
With some combination of these techniques, you should be able to finally pull the stuck drawer fully out.
Removing the Drawer
Once unstuck, here are the final steps for fully removing drawers:
Extend Slides
Make sure the slide rails are extended as far as they will go. This gives you the most room to maneuver the drawer.
Lift and Twist
Carefully lift up the drawer, tilting and twisting it to get the slides out of the cabinet frame. Take your time and be cautious during this step.
Set it Aside
With the drawer fully detached from the cabinet, set it aside in a safe location while you work on the other drawers. Be careful not to bend or warp the drawer.
Follow these steps for each drawer you need to remove. Keep all hardware organized and cataloged so re-installation goes smoothly.
Cleaning Drawers and Slides
Now that you’ve removed the drawers, it’s a perfect opportunity to clean them thoroughly. Here are some tips:
- Remove any contents or debris from inside drawers
- Wipe down outside of drawers with all-purpose cleaner
- Clean inside slides by wiping or using compressed air
- Lubricate slides with WD-40 or silicone spray
- Use degreaser to clean any oily or grimy build up
- Gently sand drawer sides if needed to smooth gliding
Proper cleaning of the drawers and slides helps extend their usable life and keeps everything functioning smoothly.
Replacing Damaged Components
If certain parts like the slides or drawer fronts are too damaged or worn out, you may need to replace them. Here are some tips:
- Take measurements so you get the properly sized replacement parts
- Buy compatible metal drawer slides from hardware stores
- Check thrift stores or salvage yards for used drawer fronts
- Look for manufacturers that still supply original replacement parts
- Use wood filler or putty if only minor repairs are needed
Replacing severely damaged components is preferable over trying to reuse broken ones. Get the measurements right and find quality replacement parts.
Re-installing Drawers
Once everything is cleaned up and repaired, you’re ready to put the drawers back:
Insert slides into cabinet
Holding the extended slides at an angle, insert them into the cabinet rails on both sides.
Attach drawer slides
Line up the drawer slides and screw them back into the drawer sides. Replace any detached ball bearings.
Insert drawer
Tilt the drawer to insert the slides into the extended cabinet rails on both sides. Twist it into place.
Test sliding action
Push the drawer in and out to test the sliding action. The motion should be smooth and easy. If not, adjust the slides as needed.
Replace screws
Assuming the drawer is gliding properly, re-tighten any loose slider screws into the cabinet and drawer.
Test each drawer again after re-installation to ensure proper sliding function before loading anything into it. Taking the time to remove drawers correctly will allow you to refresh old metal filing cabinets.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common troubleshooting tips in case you run into issues:
Drawer fronts sagging
- Tighten/replace loose joints and screws
- Add brackets on sides for more support
Drawers jamming halfway
- Make sure drawer is straight, adjust as needed
- Lubricate slides and wipe away debris
- Replace warped/damaged slides
Too much resistance opening
- Lubricate slides and ball bearings
- Loosen slide screws that are too tight
- Check for obstruction inside cabinet
Too loose and sliding out
- Tighten slide screws
- Adjust slides to be fully engaged
- Replace worn/damaged slides
Squeaking noises
- Lubricate contact points with WD-40
- Tighten/replace loose fasteners
- Replace warped/binding components
Preventative Maintenance
Here are some tips to keep your filing cabinets operating smoothly:
- Use drawer liners to prevent contents scratching
- Open/close drawers gently without slamming
- Keep cabinet level and on solid flooring
- Periodically lubricate slides with silicone spray
- Wipe down exterior cabinet surfaces
- Avoid overloading drawers which strains slides
With some ongoing preventative maintenance, your filing cabinet drawers will continue sliding smoothly for years to come.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY drawer removal is possible in many cases, it’s best to call a professional for help if:
- Drawers are jammed due to major damage or rust
- Realignment of bent cabinet frames is needed
- Ball bearings are damaged and internal slide repair is required
- Cabinet is extremely heavy or awkward to move safely
A professional may have specialized tools and expertise to handle major filing cabinet repairs efficiently.
Conclusion
Removing stuck or broken drawers from an old metal filing cabinet can be challenging, but is completely doable with some time and effort. The key steps are detaching the slides, lubricating stuck parts, carefully maneuvering the drawer out, cleaning/repairing components, and properly re-installing everything. Preventative maintenance like regular lubrication can prevent many problems. Calling a professional repair service is a good option if drawers are severely jammed, misaligned, or otherwise damaged. With some perseverance and the right techniques, those stubborn drawers can slide like new again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Filing Cabinet Drawers
What tools do I need to remove filing cabinet drawers?
You’ll need basic tools like a Phillips head screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, lubricant spray like WD-40, gloves, a flashlight, and possibly a hammer or mallet and block of scrap wood. Having the right tools makes drawer removal much easier.
How do I detach the slides from the drawer?
Look for Phillips head screws on the sides of the drawer holding the slide rails in place. Carefully unscrew them and detach the slides from the drawer sides. Pay attention to how they fit together for proper re-installation later.
What if my filing cabinet drawer is stuck inside?
Try lightly tapping on the drawer front with a hammer and block of wood. Spray lubricant on the slides, wiggle the drawer, and bend the cabinet sides slightly outward if needed to release a stuck drawer. Move carefully to avoid damage.
How do I clean old filing cabinet drawers?
Use all-purpose cleaner and degreaser to thoroughly clean the drawer exterior and interior slides. Remove any debris. Then lubricate slides and ball bearings with a product like WD-40 or silicone spray to re-lubricate everything.
Where can I buy replacement parts for filing cabinet drawers?
Many hardware stores sell replacement drawer slides, fronts, and pulls that match standard filing cabinet sizes. Or you can find used parts at thrift stores, salvage companies, or online. Some manufacturer’s sell replacement parts as well.
Should I hire a professional for filing cabinet repair?
If drawers are severely stuck or misaligned, or if the cabinet is overly heavy and difficult to maneuver, calling a professional repair service can be a good option. They have the expertise and tools to efficiently handle major repairs.
How can I stop my drawers from getting stuck again?
Use drawer liners so contents don’t scrape and bind. Open and close gently. Keep the cabinet on solid, level flooring. Periodically lubricate slides and wipe surfaces clean. Avoid overloading drawers. With regular preventative maintenance, drawers will function smoothly.
