How to Remove Handles from Metal Filing Cabinets

Taking off the handles of a metal filing cabinet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done relatively easily. Handling removal allows for refinishing or painting the cabinet, replacing old hardware, or customizing the look. Follow this step-by-step guide to properly remove the handles from your metal filing cabinets.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before starting the handle removal process, make sure you have gathered all of the necessary materials:

• Screwdriver – You will need a Phillips head and/or flathead screwdriver to remove any screws holding the handles in place. Make sure you have the right sized screwdriver head to properly fit the screws.
• Wrench or pliers – This allows you to grip and twist off any threaded mounting posts or collars. Adjustable wrenches work best.
• Hammer – A light tap with a hammer may help loosen a stuck handle. Use care not to damage the cabinet.
• Lubricant (WD-40) – This can help loosen rusty or stuck screws and hardware. Apply a small amount and let it soak in before trying to unscrew.
• Drop cloth – Laying down a cloth will protect the floor and cabinet finish from damage as you work.
• Replacement hardware – Have any new screws or posts ready to reattach handles once removed.

Removing Screw-Mounted Handles

Many cabinet door and drawer handles are attached with visible screws on the outside of the door or drawer front. For these types of handles:

• Locate the screws – There may be screws on each end of the handle or concealed under small screw caps.
• Remove screw caps – Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop off any plastic screw caps covering the screw heads.
• Unscrew the handle – Use your screwdriver to remove the screws. Make sure to keep the screws for reinstallation later. Go slowly if screws are stuck.
• Detach the handle – Once the screws are out, gently pull the handle away from the door or drawer front to detach it.

Removing Threaded or Friction-Mounted Handles

Some handles have internal threaded posts that screw into the door or drawer front from the backside. This hardware is invisible from the outside. For interior threaded or friction fittings:

• Pry off end caps – Threaded handles may have small plastic end caps. Carefully pry these off with a flathead screwdriver.
• Twist off decorative collars – There may be decorative metal mounting collars covering the hardware base. Use pliers or a wrench to twist these counter-clockwise to detach them.
• Unscrew threaded posts – Use an adjustable wrench or locking pliers to grip and unscrew the mounting posts from the backside. Remove any washers as well.
• Pull handle away – With all hardware removed, the handle should easily detach from the front of the cabinet.

Using a Hammer to Looseno Stuck Handles

If handle screws or mounting posts are stuck or rusted in place, try tapping them with a hammer to break them free.

• Place a drop cloth on the floor or other surface under where you will be working to prevent damage.
• Position the stuck screw or post directly under the face of the hammer head.
• Firmly tap the top of the screw or post 2-3 times with the hammer. Apply moderate force, but take care not to strike hard enough to damage the hardware or cabinet.
• Try unscrewing or twisting the hardware again. Repeat the tapping if needed to loosen the bonding.
• Once loosened, fully unscrew or detach the handle as described above.

Cleaning and Prepping Filing Cabinet Doors

Once all hardware is removed and handles detached, some cleaning and prep work may be needed on the doors and drawers:

• Remove any old caulking or adhesive – Scrape away hardened glue or caulk that was used to seal around the handles. A putty knife works well for this.
• Sand away rust – Use fine grit sandpaper to remove any rust spots and smooth rough metal where handles were mounted.
• Clean surfaces – Wipe down the door and drawer fronts with a cleaner degreaser to remove dirt and oils.
• Fill screw holes – If not reusing original holes, fill any screw holes with wood filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth when dry.
• Lightly scuff surfaces – For painting or refinishing, use 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion.
• Wipe away dust – Use a tack cloth to remove any dust before painting or sealing.

The filing cabinet fronts are now prepped and ready for repainting, refinishing, or installing new handles.

Reattaching Filing Cabinet Handles

Once any refinishing work is complete, it’s time to install replacement handles and hardware. Make sure you have all necessary mounting posts, collars, screws, and washers before beginning reinstallation.

Aligning Handles

• Measure drawer/door fronts and mark hardware locations using a pencil.
• Place handles at marks to confirm positioning looks accurate before drilling holes or attaching hardware.
• For multiple drawers or doors, make sure spacing and alignment is even across all fronts.

Securing Threaded Post Handles

• Screw posts into back of drawer/door front using a wrench. Place any washers on before threading post into holes.
• Slide handle onto posts from front then replace any collars and screw them tight.
• Replace end caps by gently popping them onto the ends of the handles if applicable.

Replacing Screw-Mounted Handles

• Line handle up over original holes or new pilot holes you’ve drilled.
• Insert screws through holes in handle into the drawer/door front and tighten using screwdriver.
• Replace any screw caps by pressing them back into place if your hardware has them.

Testing Operation

• Once all hardware is tightened and secured, test opening and closing drawers and doors to make sure handles are functional and installed correctly.
• Make any adjustments needed to positioning or hardware tightness.

With a bit of time and effort, you can successfully remove handles from a metal filing cabinet and replace them with new updated hardware. Just use care when prying and tugging to avoid damaging the cabinetry. Patience and the right tools will allow those stuck screws and posts to come free. Take pride in revitalizing your filing cabinet with fresh new handles!

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Metal Filing Cabinet Handles

Removing old, worn handles from a filing cabinet may seem difficult but can be easily tackled with some tips on how to get the job done right. Here are answers to some of the most common questions on how to remove metal filing cabinet handles:

What tools do I need to remove metal filing cabinet handles?

You’ll need a Phillips head and/or flathead screwdriver, adjustable wrench or locking pliers, a hammer, WD-40 or other lubricant, and a putty knife or plastic pry tool. Make sure you have the right sized screwdriver for the screws.

How do I remove screws with stripped heads?

Try using a rubber band between the screwdriver and screw head to get a better grip. If that fails, use a Dremel to cut a straight line across the screw head and use a flathead screwdriver to back the screw out.

What if the handles won’t budge even after removing hardware?

Twist and rock the handle gently back and forth while pulling away from the door or drawer front. You can also try tapping it with a hammer or using a wood block to protect the cabinet finish. Heat from a hairdryer may help expand metal that’s stuck.

What’s the best way to remove old caulking around the handles?

Use a razor blade or putty knife to cut through the caulk seal. Then you can chip and scrape away any residue with the putty knife. Go slowly to avoid gouging the cabinet surface.

Why do I need to prep the filing cabinet doors after removing handles?

Prepping with sanding and cleaning allows for a smooth surface for repainting or staining. It also removes any rough edges, rust, or adhesive residue left behind from the old hardware. Proper prep leads to better looking finished results.

Should I drill new holes or reuse the old ones?

For the most seamless look, it’s best to reuse the existing screw holes if possible. If holes are damaged or you’re moving the handle location, drill new pilot holes for a secure fit. Make sure to fill old holes with wood filler if not using them.

How can I ensure my new handles are straight and evenly spaced?

Take precise measurements for each handle placement before drilling or attaching anything. Use a ruler and level to mark positions. Set the first handle, then space the rest based off its position.

Why do my new drawer handles feel loose?

Make sure you are using the correct replacement hardware. Also check that the mounting posts are threaded all the way into the drawer front or tightened sufficiently. Use washers if needed to take up extra space.

How do I reattach screw caps or end caps on handles?

For screw caps, simply press them back into the screw head holes using your fingers. End caps for threaded posts may just friction fit or snap into place. Be careful not to force them on too hard.

Conclusion

Removing handles from metal filing cabinets allows you to refinish, repaint, replace damaged hardware, or just change the style of your office furniture. While it may seem time consuming, the process is quite manageable with some basic tools and the techniques outlined above. Focus on taking screws, posts, and collars slowly and carefully. Be sure to properly prep the doors prior to applying any new finish. Reinstalling handles is all about accurate measurements and proper alignment. In just an afternoon, you can give those worn filing cabinets a brand new look!