How to Take Drawers Out of a Metal Filing Cabinet

Introduction

Metal filing cabinets are common pieces of office furniture used to store documents and files. While durable, occasionally the drawers can become stuck or you may need to remove them completely to clean the cabinet or access the rails and rollers. Removing drawers from a metal filing cabinet is usually straightforward, but there are some techniques and tips to make the process easier.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about removing drawers from metal filing cabinets. We will go over the tools you need, different locking mechanisms, lubrication, troubleshooting stuck drawers, drawer removal, replacing drawers, and general filing cabinet maintenance. With the right approach and tools, you can smoothly take out and reinstall filing cabinet drawers.

Tools Needed

Removing drawers from a metal filing cabinet does not require any heavy duty tools. Here are the basic tools that are handy to have:

• Flathead screwdriver – This is useful for prying open lock tabs or any screwed-in drawer front panels. A medium size 6-8 inch standard screwdriver should suffice for most filing cabinets.
• Phillips head screwdriver – If there are any screws on drawer fronts, rails, or panels, you will need a Phillips screwdriver to remove them. Like the flathead, a medium size is recommended.
• Flashlight – For looking inside cabinets and seeing all the rails, rollers, and locking mechanisms clearly.
• Gloves – Gloves can protect your hands from sharp metal edges on the cabinet and provide better grip strength when pulling on stuck drawers.
• Lubricant – A non-staining lubricant like silicone spray can help loosen sticky drawers and keep the sliding mechanisms operating smoothly.
• Lock pick or paperclip – Only needed if dealing with a locked filing cabinet, a lock pick set or even just a bent paperclip can open simple tab locks.
• ** Hammer/mallet** – In rare cases where drawers are truly jammed, a few strategic hits with a rubber mallet can help jar them loose.
• Pliers – Like a hammer, pliers can provide extra leverage and gripping power for stubborn drawers that resist pulling out.

Those basic tools should provide plenty of options for taking drawers out of metal filing cabinets. For more complicated cabinets, power tools like a drill or Dremel rotary tool may be needed, but most standard office cabinet drawers can be removed with just manual hand tools.

Locking Mechanisms

Before attempting to remove drawers from a filing cabinet, you first need to unlock them if locked. There are a few common locking mechanisms found on metal filing cabinets:

Central Locking Bar

Many vertical filing cabinets have a central vertical locking bar that slides up and down to lock or unlock all drawers simultaneously. Simply use the provided key to turn the lock and slide the bar down to the unlocked position.

Individual Tab Locks

Some cabinets have small metal or plastic tabs on the drawer fronts that flip horizontally to lock each drawer independently. These can usually be pried open gently with a flathead screwdriver or lock pick.

Cam or Dial Locks

Higher end filing cabinets may have a rotary combination or dial lock on each drawer. These cantilever style locks will need to be rotated to the correct combo for the desired drawer to unlock.

External Padlocks

Occasionally cabinets have hasps installed so an external padlock can be used. The appropriate key or combination will be required to remove the padlock before accessing the drawers.

Once you have ensured all locks are disengaged, the drawers should be ready to pull out. If they still resist, don’t force them yet! Read on for tips on lubricating stuck drawers first.

Lubricating Sticky Drawers

Filing cabinet drawers slide in and out on built-in rails. Over time, dust and friction can cause the movement to become sticky. Before attempting to remove stuck drawers, try this lubrication technique:

1. Fully extend the stuck drawer if possible so you can access the back rails.
2. Use compressed air to blow out any debris or dust buildup on the rails and rollers.
3. Apply a silicone spray or lithium grease lubricant to the rails. Spray or wipe it directly onto the tracks.
4. Open and close the drawer several times to distribute the lubricant.
5. Try pulling the drawer out fully again. The lubricant should have freed up the sliding motion.

Lubricating first before forcibly tugging on stuck drawers helps protect the sensitive rails from damage. The lubricant also leaves behind a protective coating to help prevent future sticking.

Troubleshooting Completely Stuck Drawers

If lubricating the rails does not loosen up a stuck drawer, more aggressive troubleshooting is required. Here are some steps to try:

• Remove any screws or panels on the stuck drawer front and use a flashlight to look inside the cabinet. Check for any obstructions like fallen folders or items crammed into the rails.
• With the power disconnected, use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to gently pry the drawer forward while pulling carefully. This can help break it free.
• Use a rubber mallet or hammer with light, controlled taps on the drawer front or sides to jar it loose. Avoid hitting the rails or back of the cabinet.
• Rock the drawer gently side to side while pulling forward to disengage it from the sticking point. Don’t rock it violently to avoid damaging the rails.
• As a last resort, pull firmly and evenly on both sides of the drawer with pliers or slide a pry bar into the drawer side to lever upward. Excessive force risks denting the cabinet or breaking the drawers, so this should only be done if necessary and with protection against damage.

Be patient, use lubricant, and increase force gradually. With some diligent troubleshooting, even badly stuck drawers can be removed successfully. Calling in a professional filing cabinet repair service is recommended for any severely stuck cabinets before attempting risky DIY repairs.

Removing Drawers

Once unlocked and unstuck, filing cabinet drawers can be taken out fully. The process varies slightly for lateral (2-3 drawer) versus vertical (4-5 drawer) cabinets. Here are the main steps:

Lateral Cabinets

1. Extend the drawer fully towards you until resistance is felt.
2. Lift up on both sides of the extended drawer evenly until it releases from the ball bearing rails.
3. Pull the drawer all the way forward and out of the cabinet.

Vertical Cabinets

1. Extend the drawer fully open.
2. Push down the metal rails on each side of the drawer to unhook them from the ball bearings.
3. Lift the drawer up slightly to clear the rails and pull it out.

For deep vertical drawers, tilt the front upward as you pull since the back hangs down lower. Set removed drawers gently on a padded surface to avoid dents.

Cleaning and Maintenance

With the drawers removed, it is a perfect time to clean the interior of the filing cabinet and maintain the rails and slides. Recommended maintenance tips:

• Use a vacuum and microfiber cloths to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the empty cabinet interior.
• Wipe down the drawer rails with a light cleaner and apply more lubricant.
• Inspect glides, rollers, and locks for damage. Order replacements if needed.
• Look for loose screws or hardware that need tightening.
• Touch up any scratches on the cabinet paint for a like-new appearance.

Take advantage of the access to thoroughly clean and freshen up the filing cabinet. Proper maintenance helps extend the service life and ensures smooth operation.

Replacing Drawers

Once any cleaning or repairs are complete, you can put the drawers back into the filing cabinet. Reinstalling them takes a little care to get on the rails properly:

Lateral Cabinets

1. Angle the drawer front slightly downward and rest the rear glides on the back rails.
2. Slide the drawer back until the front drops fully onto the front rails.
3. Push the drawer closed gently to engage the ball bearings before opening it again.

Vertical Cabinets

1. Angle the drawer front upward slightly so the rear glides enter the back rails first.
2. Lower the tilted drawer front so the front glides align.
3. Close the drawer slowly to engage the rails. Be careful not to pinch your fingers!

Take it slowly, and don’t force the drawers onto the rails. If properly aligned, they will slide smoothly into place. Check that the drawers open and close properly after replacing.

FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about taking drawers out of metal filing cabinets:

How do I unlock a filing cabinet without a key?

For simple tab locks, insert a credit card, thin knife, or flathead screwdriver into the lock tab to turn the mechanism and unlock it. For combination locks, you may need to call a locksmith to have it opened professionally.

What lubricant is best for sticky drawers?

A dry PTFE (Teflon) spray or silicone lubricant work well for filing cabinets. Avoid wet, oily lubricants that can attract dust and grime later.

Can I lay a filing cabinet on its back to remove the drawers?

It is not recommended. The weight can warp the cabinet or damage the finish. Remove the drawers individually using the proper rail release steps instead.

My drawer is stuck half open. How do I fix it?

Try lubricating the rails and opening/closing it repeatedly to release it. If a document or folder is jammed in the rails, remove the drawer front panel and carefully extract the obstruction.

The rails are damaged. Where can I order replacement parts?

Many filing cabinet manufacturers sell replacement rails, rollers, and locks online. Bring the cabinet model or a damaged part to a hardware store to find similar generic replacements too.

Conclusion

Removing stuck filing cabinet drawers and properly extracting them from the rails without damage takes finesse. Following this guide on using the right tools, lubricating slides, and unlocking the locking mechanisms should allow you to successfully get drawers out of metal filing cabinets. Take care when removing and reinserting drawers to keep the rails aligned.

Regular filing cabinet maintenance helps reduce friction and sticking issues before they occur. But with some patience and the techniques outlined above, you can get those stubborn stuck drawers off the rails and smoothly opening and closing once again. Just take it slow and don’t force them!