How to Remove Drawers from HON Metal File Cabinet

Introduction

A metal file cabinet with drawers is a common fixture in many offices and homes. The durable HON brand of metal file cabinets are built to last for years of heavy use and provide secure storage for important files and documents. However, there may come a time when you need to remove the drawers from a HON metal file cabinet for cleaning, repair or replacement. Removing drawers from a metal file cabinet can be tricky if you don’t know the proper techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the complete process of removing drawers from HON metal file cabinets. We will cover the tools you need, the step-by-step instructions for sliding and stationary drawers, safety tips, and techniques for avoiding damage. With the help of this guide, you will be able to successfully remove drawers from your HON metal file cabinet.

Gather the Proper Tools

Before attempting to remove drawers from your HON metal file cabinet, make sure you have gathered the proper tools:

• Flathead screwdriver – This is needed to remove any drawer slides or housing screws. Make sure the tip is not worn down.
• Phillips head screwdriver – Also used for removing screws on the drawer slides or housing.
• Flashlight – Helpful for looking inside the cabinet to see all the components.
• Gloves – Protect your hands from sharp edges on the metal. Leather gloves provide the best grip.
• Paper or cardboard – Place this under the drawer as a precaution when prying it out.
• Pry bar – A long, flat bar is ideal to carefully pry the drawer from the slide if needed.
• Lubricant – A lubricant like WD-40 can help loosen a stuck drawer from the slides.

Having these basic tools on hand will make removing the HON file cabinet drawers much easier and safer. It’s also a good idea to lay down some protective floor coverings like cardboard or a mat before starting in case parts or tools are dropped.

Removing Sliding Drawers

Most HON metal file cabinets have drawers that slide in and out on some type of rail system. Here are step-by-step instructions for properly removing sliding drawers:

1. Empty the Drawer

Completely empty the drawer of all contents before attempting removal. This makes the drawer lighter and prevents items from falling out or getting damaged.

2. Extend the Drawer

Pull the drawer out as far as it will go. Look inside the cabinet to see where the sliding rails are attached.

3. Release the Slides

Look for small plastic clips or lever locks along the slide rails. These need to be disengaged before the drawer can be lifted up and out. Releasing them may require pressing in on a tab or flipping up a lever.

4. Lift Up the Drawer

With the slide locks released, gently lift up the entire drawer. It should unhook from the slide rails. Be careful not to bend or twist the drawer as you remove it.

5. Detach the Slides

Once removed, the drawer slides may stay attached to the drawer itself. Unscrew these from the side of the drawer if needed.

6. Remove Drawer Stops

Some HON cabinets have plastic or metal stops on the inside that prevent pulling the drawers completely out. Remove these with a screwdriver if they get in the way of replacing the drawer.

7. Clean and Lubricate

With the drawer removed, clean the empty space and slide rails. Apply new lubricant to help the drawer glide smoothly when replaced.

Follow these steps carefully in order on each sliding drawer in your HON metal file cabinet to remove them safely without damage. Take notes or pictures of how the slides are configured to make re-installing the drawers easier.

Removing Stationary Drawers

Some HON file cabinets have simple stationary drawers without slides that just rest inside the housing. Follow these steps to remove stationary drawers:

1. Empty and Pull Out

As with sliding models, first empty the drawer completely and pull it out as far as it will go.

2. Lift Up Evenly

Grip both sides of the drawer and lift straight up with even pressure. Wiggling it from side to side can help break the seal and release it.

3. Add Protection

Place some cardboard, mats or other protection on the floor under the drawer. This is for when you set it down after removal.

4. Disconnect Any Runners

Some stationary drawers may have small plastic runners on the bottom that fit into floor channels. These can stay attached or be removed with a screwdriver.

5. Clean the Empty Space

With the stationary drawer removed, wipe out the inside of the cabinet where it was located. Remove any dirt, debris or grime that has accumulated.

Stationary drawers without slides don’t have as many steps for removal. Just take care not to bend or warp the drawer sides when lifting it straight up and out of the metal housing.

Tips for Avoiding Damage

When removing drawers from a HON metal file cabinet, there are some important tips to follow to avoid damaging the drawers, slides or cabinet:

• Go slowly and don’t force anything. If a drawer feels stuck, try lubricating the slides first.
• Don’t bend or twist the drawer itself. Always lift straight up evenly on both sides.
• Label the slide positions and locations so you know how to reinstall them properly later.
• Pad the bottom of the cabinet interior before lowering a drawer back in, to prevent scratching.
• Do not pry on or stress the drawer fronts or handles, which can break off.
• Be careful of sharp metal edges both inside the cabinet and on the drawers. Use gloves.
• Do not lift or move the entire cabinet with the drawers removed, as this can bend and warp it.

Following these precautions carefully when removing drawers from your HON metal file cabinet will help ensure no damage occurs. Take your time and the process will go smoothly.

Reinstalling the Drawers

Once you have finished your task of cleaning, repairing or replacing components, you will need to reinstall the drawers. Follow these tips for proper reinstallation:

• Refer to any labels, photos or notes you made about how the slides were positioned and oriented.
• Make sure lubricated slide rails are clean and free of excess lubricants before replacing drawers.
• Align the drawer sides evenly over the slide rails and make sure the slide releases are properly engaged before pushing in.
• Slowly close stationary drawers to make sure they are aligned correctly and not scraping or scratching.
• Open and close sliding drawers multiple times once installed to verify smooth operation. Adjust slides if needed.
• Replace any drawer stops or limiters previously removed. Test that the drawers do not pull out too far when opened.

Take it slowly when reinstalling drawers. It may take some adjustments to get sliding mechanisms realigned properly. If a drawer feels stuck or drags, don’t force it. Remove it and reinstall again. With care, your HON file cabinet drawers will once again operate smoothly.

Preventing Future Problems

To help keep your HON metal file cabinet working properly for many years, implement these maintenance practices:

• Lubricate slide mechanisms periodically as recommended by the manufacturer. This prevents sticking.
• Open and close drawers gently. Don’t let them slam closed.
• Avoid overloading drawers which can loosen slides and housings.
• Clean drawer exteriors with gentle cleaners and polish to maintain the finish.
• Tighten any loose screws on slides or casters as soon as noticed.
• Adjust alignment if drawers begin scraping walls or rubbing together.
• Level cabinets properly and lock casters in place so the unit doesn’t shift out of position over time.

With regular care and maintenance, your quality HON file cabinet and drawers will stay in good functioning order. But if you ever need to remove the drawers again, this guide covers the complete process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing HON File Cabinet Drawers

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about removing drawers from HON metal file cabinets:

How can I get the drawer unstuck from the slides?

If a stuck drawer won’t lift off the slides, try lubricating the slide rails with a product like WD-40. Tap gently along the sides with a hammer. Pry carefully underneath to pop it loose.

Do I need any special tools?

A basic set of screwdrivers, flashlight, lubricant, pry bar and work gloves are all that is required. The proper tool makes removal much easier.

Can I remove the housing or rails from the cabinet?

The drawer slides and housing are usually riveted in and not designed for removal. You can remove guide rails in stationary models if needed.

How do I ensure the drawers go back in correctly?

Take detailed notes on the position of fixed and moving portions of each slide. Also note which direction the release levers face.

What if a slide or drawer gets bent during removal?

Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Do not try to reuse bent drawer components as this will cause problems.

Is it ok to move the cabinet with the drawers removed?

No, moving the cabinet without the drawers can bend and warp the metal. Only move it when fully assembled.

Removing drawers from a high-quality HON metal file cabinet is a process that requires proper technique and care. Following the steps in this guide will allow you to safely detach sliding and stationary drawers without incurring any damage. Regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your cabinet functioning smoothly for many years. With the right tools and knowledge, you can remove and reinstall drawers from your HON file cabinets whenever necessary.

Conclusion

Removing drawers from metal file cabinets is often required in order to properly clean, repair or replace components. HON produces quality metal file cabinets with drawers that are built to be durable but can still be tricky to detach. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the complete process for safely removing both sliding and stationary drawers from HON metal file cabinets.

The key steps include gathering the proper tools, disengaging any slide locks, lifting drawers straight up and out, removing attached slides, and cleaning the empty space. Reinstalling drawers just requires care and attention to how the slides are oriented. Following the tips on preventing damage, proper maintenance, and frequently asked questions provides additional help on successfully removing drawers from HON metal file cabinets without complication. With the techniques covered here, you can now confidently detach and reinstall drawers when needed.