How to Remove Metal File Cabinet Drawers

Introduction

Metal file cabinets are a staple in many offices and homes for storing important documents and files. While sturdy and secure, the drawers on these cabinets can sometimes become stuck or difficult to open over time with use. Removing the drawers on a metal file cabinet is usually a quick process that can be done in a few simple steps.

Being able to remove file cabinet drawers easily allows you to fully clean the drawers, replace broken parts or hardware, or reorganize the cabinet. With some basic tools and the right technique, you can detach even very stubborn drawers without damage. Read on for a complete guide on how to remove both vertical and lateral metal file cabinet drawers safely and efficiently.

Gather the Necessary Tools

Removing file cabinet drawers requires just a few basic tools that you may already have at home:

• Flathead screwdriver – This is used to pry off drawer fronts or remove lock screws. Choose a sturdy medium-large flathead screwdriver.
• Phillips screwdriver – To remove mounting screws on drawer slides. A #2 Phillips head is standard.
• Needle nose pliers – Helpful for removing stuck pins or pulling out stuck drawer slides.
• Hammer/mallet – Sometimes needed to tap drawers loose if stuck. Use a rubber mallet if available to avoid marring.
• WD-40 lubricant – This can help loosen stubborn, stuck slides or pins.

Make sure you have these standard tools on hand before attempting to remove file cabinet drawers. Taking a few minutes to gather the right equipment will make the process much easier.

Removing Vertical File Drawers

Vertical file cabinets have drawers that extend out the front to access files. Here are the steps to remove vertical hanging file drawers:

1. Empty the Drawer Contents

The first step is to empty out all files, folders, and contents of the drawer you want to remove. This makes the drawer lighter and easier to handle.

Be sure to keep file contents organized so putting back into the cabinet is easy. Label hanging folders if needed to stay organized.

2. Remove the Drawer Front

Most vertical drawers have a separate decorative drawer front that is removable. The drawer front snaps or screws into the underlying drawer box.

First try gently pulling and wiggling the drawer front to pop it off. Drawer fronts usually have plastic or metal tabs that release the front.

If it does not pop off easily, look inside the drawer for lock screws to remove on each side. Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the lock screws and remove the drawer front.

Use a screwdriver to remove any lock down screws to detach a stubborn drawer front.

3. Release the Drawer Slides

With the drawer front removed, you’ll see the slides and frame that allow the drawer to slide in and out.

To detach the drawer, you first need to release the slides. Look for lock tabs or levers on each slide. Move the levers to the unlocked position.

There will be an unlocked lever on the outer slide on the cabinet, and another lever inside on the inner slide on the drawer itself. Release both levers.

Make sure to unlock the slide lock levers on both the cabinet frame and drawer slide.

4. Remove the Drawer

With the slide levers unlocked, you can now fully remove the drawer.

Pull the drawer out all the way and lift up slightly to disengage it from the slide rails. Be careful not to bend the slides.

The drawer should now detach completely from the cabinet frame. Store it safely aside while you have the cabinet open.

5. Detach Drawer Slides (Optional)

To fully remove the slides themselves, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws mounting the slides to the cabinet frame.

Usually there are just 2 screws per slide. Detaching the slides allows full access to the cabinet interior for thorough cleaning or repairs.

Label the slides left/right and reattach in the same orientation. Make sure the slide locks are facing out and not inverted.

6. Reattach Drawer Front and Replace Drawer

When ready to reinstall the drawer, simply reverse the steps:

• Attach drawer slides if previously removed.
• Align the drawer box on the unlocked slides and push closed.
• Lock the inner and outer slide levers.
• Replace the drawer front and tighten any screws or tabs.

Check that the reinstalled drawer opens and closes smoothly on the slides before filling it. Add drawer contents back in an organized fashion.

Removing Lateral File Drawers

Lateral file cabinets have longer drawers that extend out the side for access. Follow these steps to remove lateral file drawers:

1. Empty Drawer and Remove Front Panel

As with vertical drawers, take everything out of the lateral drawer before removal. Try to keep contents organized.

Detach any decorative drawer front if present. Lateral fronts may pry off or require lock screw removal like vertical fronts.

Empty the contents before removing a lateral file cabinet drawer.

2. Access Slides and Release Locks

With the drawer front removed, you’ll see several slide rails that allow the drawer to roll out smoothly.

Look for lock levers or tabs on each slide and move them to the unlocked position. Both the outer slides on the cabinet and inner slides on the drawer box need unlocking.

3. Disconnect Drawer from Slides

Once unlocked, you can now detach the drawer box from the slides. Lateral drawers are often heavier, so use care when removing.

Grip the drawer box securely with two hands and lift up slightly to disengage the roller pins from the slide rails. Pull the drawer box out the rest of the way.

4. Remove Slides (Optional)

To take out the slides themselves, remove the mounting screws along the length of each slide rail. There are usually several screws per slide to detach completely.

As with vertical cabinets, labeling left/right slides prevents mixing them up when reinstalling. Set screws and slides aside carefully.

5. Reattach and Check

Reverse the process to reinstall lateral drawers:

• Attach slides if fully removed using the original screw holes.
• Align drawer box on unlocked slide rails, push closed.
• Lock all slide levers again for safety.
• Replace the decorative drawer front and tighten in place.

Carefully open and close the reinstalled drawer to confirm smooth operation before filling with contents again.

Tips for Stubborn Drawers

With heavy use over many years, file cabinet drawers can sometimes become stuck in place and resist removal. Here are some tips for dealing with stubborn drawers:

• Lubricate slides – A light application of WD-40 or similar lubricant can help loosen stuck slides and allow the drawer to release. Re-lubricate regularly.
• Tap or rock drawer – Gentle taps with a rubber mallet or carefully rocking the drawer side-to-side can help break it free if stuck due to swelling or friction.
• Try repetitive opening/closing – Repeatedly opening and closing the drawer can help wear down sticking points allowing it to come loose.
• Check for damage – Inspect slides closely and look for any bent metal, broken weld points, or damaged rollers that could prevent smooth operation.
• Replace damaged hardware – If slides or rollers are damaged beyond repair, new drawer slide hardware kits are inexpensive and widely available.

With patience and care, even the most stubborn file cabinet drawers can usually be removed successfully. Proper ongoing lubrication and replacing worn parts as needed will help prevent sticking drawers.

FAQs About Removing File Cabinet Drawers

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about removing file cabinet drawers:

How do I remove a file cabinet drawer that is stuck?

• Try lubricating the slides and rails with WD-40 and opening/closing the drawer repeatedly to wear down sticking points. Gently tap or rock the drawer side-to-side while pulling outward. Inspect for damage or broken weld points on slides.

What tool do I need to take off a file cabinet drawer front?

• A flathead screwdriver can be used to pry off drawer fronts or remove any small lock down screws. Wiggle the drawer front while pulling gently to pop off snap-on fronts.

What kind of screws hold file cabinet slides in place?

• Most file cabinet slides use standard Phillips head screws. #6 or #8 size screws approximately 1/2″ in length are common. Make sure to label left/right when removing.

How do I unlock vertical file cabinet drawer slides?

• Look for small lock levers or tabs near the rear of each slide. Move both the outer slide lever (on cabinet frame) and the inner slide lever (on drawer) to the unlocked position before removing the drawer.

Should I lubricate the file cabinet slides and drawer rails?

• Yes, periodically applying a light lubricant like WD-40 or silicone spray can help keep slides moving smoothly and prevent sticking or squeaking. Avoid over-lubricating.

Can I replace just the broken file cabinet slide instead of the whole system?

• Usually the slide system has to be replaced as a set for proper alignment and smooth travel. Replacement slide kits for file cabinets are inexpensive and easy to install.

How do I reinstall file cabinet drawers properly?

• Always make sure slide lock levers are unlocked before replacing the drawer. With slides and drawer aligned, push the drawer closed to engage the rollers before locking levers again. Check that the drawer opens and closes smoothly.

Conclusion

Removing file cabinet drawers is a quick process that everyone should know how to do properly. With minimal tools like a flathead screwdriver, pliers, and hammer, the drawers can be detached easily when needed for cleaning, repairs, or reorganization.

Be sure to take safety precautions like removing contents before drawer removal and moving laterally extended drawers with care. Following the detailed steps outlined above for both vertical and lateral filing cabinets will allow you to successfully remove even stuck drawers.

Regular slide lubrication and replacing worn drawer hardware promptly will keep your filing cabinets operating smoothly for decades. Knowing how to safely remove file drawers gives you full access to thoroughly organize and optimize your vital file storage system.