How to Update a Metal File Cabinet

Updating a metal file cabinet can breathe new life into an old piece of office furniture and help improve your organization and productivity. With some simple cleaning, maintenance, and easy DIY upgrades, you can refresh your file cabinet and get many more years of use out of it.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Metal File Cabinet

Keeping your metal file cabinet clean and maintained is the first step toward updating it. Here are some tips for sprucing up your file cabinet:

Remove everything from the drawer and clean it out. Take out all files, folders and contents. Remove any loose paper clips, staples or other items. Vacuum out any dirt, dust or debris that has collected in the drawers.

Clean the exterior surfaces. Wipe down the outside of the cabinet with a mild cleaner or just soap and water. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Pay attention to handles and any hardware.

Use a file cabinet cleaner on the drawers. Spray a dedicated file cabinet cleaning product inside each drawer to remove grime and disinfect. Steel wool can help remove stubborn stains.

Lubricate the drawer glides. Apply a lubricant like WD-40 to any roller bars or slides to keep drawers opening and closing smoothly.

Tighten hardware and inspect mechanics. Tighten any loose screws or fasteners. Test that drawers open fully and roll correctly. Adjust or replace any damaged hardware.

Organize contents effectively when replacing. Invest in new folders, dividers or labels to best arrange contents for easy access. Purge any unnecessary paperwork.

Simple DIY Upgrades for Metal File Cabinets

Once your file cabinet is clean and well-maintained, there are easy DIY upgrades you can do to improve its appearance and function:

Add new drawer pulls or knobs. Install updated drawer pulls for a fresh look. Opt for pulls that complement your décor. Use a drill to remove old hardware and install the new pulls.

Paint or re-finish the exterior. Use spray paint or wood stain to change the color and refresh worn exterior surfaces. Lightly sand before painting. Apply 2-3 thin coats for best coverage.

Add casters for mobility. Install casters to the bottom of the cabinet so you can easily move it around. Measure carefully before drilling pilot holes for caster hardware.

Insert drawer organizers. Customize drawers with removable organizers like file sorters, tiered trays or dividers. Opt for organizers suited for hanging files or letter size files.

Label drawers. Use removable or peel-and-stick labels to mark drawer contents. Keep labels neat and descriptive.

Add number or letter tabs. Adhere number or letter tabs along the top edge of drawers to designate contents for each. Keep organized with a label key.

Line drawers. Use liner paper or contact paper to coat the inside of drawers and conceal scuffs or stains. Opt for liners with some texture to help prevent contents sliding.

Handling Metal File Cabinet Updates

When tackling updates to a metal file cabinet, keep these pointers in mind:

• Work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning, painting or applying new finishes. Follow all product safety precautions.
• Measure carefully before drilling or installing any new hardware like drawer pulls or casters.
• Use a label maker or labels with an adhesive that is easily removable without leaving residue.
• Choose paint and finishes suited for use on metal surfaces. Properly prep and prime the cabinets before painting.
• Test that drawers still open fully after adding new glides, liners or organizers. Adjust contents to avoid over-filling.
• Maintain organization inside the updated file cabinet to realize the most benefit from your improvements. Purge unneeded files and keep a filing system.

Get More Years out of a Metal File Cabinet

Don’t be quick to replace an outdated looking, worn metal file cabinet. With some DIY cleaning, maintenance and simple upgrades, you can give new life to your existing file cabinets. A few improvements can make the cabinet more attractive, functional and tailored to your space, allowing you to get the most out of this office essential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Updating Metal File Cabinets

How do I give my file cabinet a fresh look?

Some easy ways to give a metal file cabinet a fresh new look include adding new hardware like drawer pulls or knobs, painting or refinishing the outside, attaching number/letter tabs to drawers, replacing worn drawer slides, or adding casters for mobility.

What is the best way to clean the inside of file cabinet drawers?

Use a dedicated file cabinet cleaning spray inside the drawers to cut through grime. Allow to sit briefly then wipe clean. For tough stains, a mild abrasive like steel wool can help scrub away stubborn dirt and discoloration.

What type of paint should be used on a metal file cabinet?

Look for spray paints made specifically for metal surfaces when repainting a metal file cabinet. Make sure to properly prepare the surface by sanding lightly before primer and paint. Enamel or epoxy paints work well and provide a durable, scratch-resistant finish.

Should I lubricate the slides on my file cabinet drawers?

Yes, lubricating the slides and glides on your file drawers can help contents operate smoothly. Wipe away any dirt, then apply a light lubricant like WD-40 to the roller bars and points where drawers slide. Re-lubricate periodically.

What are some organizational tools that can help upgrade a file cabinet?

Consider adding drawer organizers like file sorters, accordion file folders, hanging folders, dividers and trays. Also use labels, tabs and an up-to-date filing system to keep contents neatly organized.

How can I make my file cabinet more mobile?

Install casters on the bottom of the file cabinet to make it mobile. Measure carefully before drilling pilot holes and attaching the casters according to the hardware specs. Locking casters are useful to keep the cabinet in place once rolled into position.

Should I replace my old worn out file cabinets or try refurbishing them?

With some DIY cleaning, maintenance, and minor upgrades, you can often extend the life of your existing metal file cabinets vs. replacing them. Unless the cabinets are severely damaged, you can likely refresh them at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Conclusion

Updating tired, old metal file cabinets is an easy and affordable way to refresh your office space. With thorough cleaning, some DIY upgrades like new hardware or a coat of paint, and keeping contents neatly organized, you can maximize the life of your existing file storage. The small project of refurbishing your file cabinets can make a big visual impact and leave your office feeling rejuvenated.