Metal Storage Cabinet

Metal storage cabinets are an efficient and secure way to organize tools, documents, supplies, and more in your home, garage, office, workshop, or other spaces. With sturdy steel construction, adjustable shelving, and a variety of sizes and styles available, metal cabinets offer versatility, durability, and strength. This comprehensive guide will explore the many benefits of metal storage cabinets and provide helpful information on how to select the right one to suit your needs.

An Introduction to Metal Storage Cabinets

Metal storage cabinets first grew in popularity for industrial and commercial use in the early 20th century. The advent of pressed steel allowed manufacturers to produce sturdy cabinets with standardized parts at a low cost. Metal cabinets offered fire-resistant storage and security compared to wooden alternatives.

Today, metal cabinets are a storage staple found in many settings from auto repair shops to office complexes and even homes. Metal storage cabinets provide safe, durable and customizable storage for almost any application.

Some of the key benefits of metal storage cabinets include:

• Durability – Metal cabinets are extremely sturdy and built to last for years of heavy daily use. Steel resists dents, corrosion, termites, fire and more.
• Security – Contents are kept secure from unauthorized access. Locking mechanisms on doors keep valuables protected.
• Fire resistance – Metal construction won’t burn or feed a fire like wood cabinets. Vital records and tools are kept safe.
• Customizability – Adjustable shelving, drawers and a range of sizes allow cabinets to be customized to store anything efficiently.
• Versatility – Cabinet styles suitable for the garage, office, workshop, laundry room, pantry, and more. Ideal for commercial or residential use.

With proper selection and care, a quality metal cabinet can serve almost any storage purpose for decades to come. Keep reading to learn more about choosing and using metal storage cabinets for optimal utility.

Choosing the Right Metal Storage Cabinet

Several factors should be considered when selecting a metal storage cabinet to ensure it meets your needs:

Cabinet Construction

Focus on all-steel construction with gauge ratings of 18 to 22 gauge for optimal durability. Avoid thinner steel prone to dents. Check for strong welded joints. Look for reinforcements like boxed rear panels. Quality doors will have venting, stiffeners and secure hinges.

Cabinet Size

Consider the space available and what you need to store. Common widths are 36″, 42″, 48″ and 60″. Heights often range from 60″ to 90″. Look for matching or modular cabinets that can be combined. Measure to verify dimensions.

Door Type

Doors come as solid, windowed for visibility, louvred for ventilation or locking. Multiple doors offer easy interior access. Look for full-extension slides for easy access on drawers.

Shelving

Adjustable shelves on multiple increments allow versatility. Solid shelves hold more weight than slatted. Optional drawers provide compartmentalized storage.

Locking Mechanisms

Look for sturdy, aligned locking bars, cylinders or handles. Many have provisions for padlocks. Multi-point locks enhance security on larger cabinets.

Finishes and Coatings

Powder coated and baked enamel finishes resist chemicals, humidity and scratches. Stainless steel provides ultimate durability for caustic environments.

Weight Capacity

Cabinets have weight limits ranging from several hundred pounds to over a thousand for extra heavy duty models. Factor in the weight of what you intend to store.

Other Considerations

Look for cabinets meeting ANSI/BHMA standards. Electric models have lighting, power strips and ventilation. Mobile cabinets have wheels. ADA-compliant cabinets have specialized handles and features for accessibility.

Matching your metal storage cabinet design to its intended use will maximize utility. Contact manufacturers to discuss specific storage needs in detail. Never compromise on structural quality and durability.

Types of Metal Storage Cabinets

Many metal cabinet styles are available to suit nearly any storage application:

Industrial Storage Cabinets

Large, double wall welded steel cabinets provide the ultimate secure commercial/industrial storage. Built to withstand forklift use. Ideal for chemical storage, maintenance supplies, equipment, compressed gas cylinders and more. Often have spill containment features.

Garage Cabinets

Ruggedly built cabinets designed specifically for garage use. Features include durable finishes, ventilation, and organization accessories tailored towards storing tools, hardware, fluids, sporting goods and automotive accessories neatly and accessibly.

Lateral File Cabinets

Used most often in offices. Feature wide and shallow dimensions for storage alongside desks and workstations. Come as 2, 3 or 4-drawer models typically 30″ deep. Used primarily for letter or legal size files. Stackable units are available.

Tool Storage Cabinets

Designed with metal pegboards, shelves with deep lips, and customized drawer inserts for optimal tool organization. Lockable doors keep valuable tools secure. Models with extra large sliding drawers allow access to large power tools.

Network Server Cabinets

Specialized enclosures which hold IT network servers and telecom equipment. Features include mounting rails, heavy duty construction, ventilation, cooling systems and cable management. Designed for protection, accessibility and optimized airflow.

Safety Cabinets

Provide fire-resistant, spill-proof storage of flammables, chemicals, solvents and other hazardous materials. Require ventilation of vapors. Models come in undercounter, wall mount or freestanding styles in various material sizes.

Medical Cabinets

Specialized metal cabinets for healthcare environments used to securely organize medicine, pharmaceuticals, medical tools, linens, records and supplies. Stainless steel construction allows easy disinfecting.

Wardrobe & Custodial Cabinets

Used for storage of personal belongings, janitorial & sanitation supplies, uniforms, linens and other institutional and commercial applications. Often made with lighter gauge steel for economy.

As evidenced above, metal cabinets can be customized to safely and efficiently organize virtually anything. Careful shopping ensures you select the right cabinet for your needs.

Using Metal Storage Cabinets for Home Use

Metal storage cabinets have many applications throughout the home. Here are some of the most popular uses:

• Garage – For tools, hardware, fluids, sports gear, automotive accessories. Cabinets keep things organized and secured off the floor.
• Laundry room – Freestanding or wall mount cabinets provide neat storage for laundry essentials. Detergents, supplies and linens can be stored together conveniently.
• Workshop – In home workshops, cabinets allow you to stow all your building supplies, small hardware, adhesives, parts, materials and hand tools conveniently together.
• Pantry – Floor or wall mounted food pantry cabinets create lots of organized shelf space for dry goods. A great alternative to walk-in pantries.
• Mudroom – Near entryways, metal lockers and cubbies allow neat storage of outerwear, shoes, umbrellas, hats, and sports equipment conveniently by the door.
• Bathroom – Medicine cabinets, towel cabinets and under sink cabinets neatly organize toiletries, first aid and other bathroom essentials.
• Bedroom – Standalone wardrobe cabinets allow organized clothing and linen storage, often with a hanging rod and shelves. Takes up less room than typical closets.
• Home Office – Lateral file cabinets allow professional-grade filing of records, documents and supplies. Locking models secure sensitive information.
• Outdoors – Weather-resistant outdoor cabinets provide secure outdoor storage of garden tools and equipment, pool supplies, outdoor grills, patio furniture cushions and more.

Look for cabinets with finishes and features designed for your intended application. For example, outdoor cabinets require rustproof and waterproofing features. With some creativity, metal cabinets can provide versatile storage in virtually any room throughout your home.

Tips for Using Metal Storage Cabinets

Follow these guidelines when using metal storage cabinets for optimal utility and longevity:

• Anchor freestanding cabinets to the wall or floor whenever possible to prevent tipping. This also provides extra security.
• Avoid overloading shelves, drawers or cabinet capacity weight ratings. Distribute weight evenly for best performance.
• Keep cabinets locked whenever hazardous materials, valuables or dangerous tools are stored inside. Use padlocks for extra security when needed.
• Clean painted cabinet surfaces periodically with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. Stainless steel cabinets can be cleaned more aggressively.
• Look for cabinets with ducting provisions if flammable solvents or chemicals will be stored. Proper ventilation is critical.
• Install cabinets in protected indoor locations away from moisture, extreme temps or humidity whenever possible. Outdoor models are specially made to withstand these exposures.
• Level cabinets to prevent doors and drawers from binding. Shim or adjust base trim as needed.
• Lubricate sliding drawer components periodically. Keep ridged surfaces free of material buildup and debris.
• Avoid locating cabinets near heat sources. Leave ample ventilation space around cabinets where required.
• Choose thermoplastic, EDPM or other durable gasket materials when exposure to chemicals, water, solvents or temperature extremes will occur.

With proper care, your quality metal cabinets will provide a lifetime of reliable and secure storage that keeps items safe yet easily accessible when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Storage Cabinets

What are the most popular sizes of metal storage cabinets?

The most commonly purchased sizes are 36″ or 42″ wide units in heights ranging from 60″ to 90″. Larger cabinets are often around 60″ wide. Standard depths are 18″ to 24″. Mini storage lockers, wardrobes and network racks have more specialized dimensions.

What kind of locks do metal cabinets have?

Standard key locks, combination dial locks, electronic locks, multi-point latching bars or padlock hasps are common. File cabinet locks allow access to only one drawer at a time. Tool cabinet locks typically have master keyed access with removable cylinder cores.

How much weight can metal storage cabinets hold?

Light duty residential cabinets hold 100-300 lbs per shelf. Commercial cabinets are available supporting 500+ lbs per shelf and 2000+ lbs overall capacity. Always verify capacity before overloading.

What are metal storage cabinets made of?

Most are made from cold rolled sheet steel ranging from 20 gauge to 16 gauge thickness. Sturdier cabinets use processed steel plate. Stainless steel is also used. Steel alloys vary to provide optimal durability. Welded joints are common.

Can you paint metal storage cabinets?

Yes, properly prepared steel cabinet surfaces can be repainted using a bonding primer and enamel topcoat formulated for metal. Scuff the surface, remove oils, clean and lightly sand before painting. Outdoor cabinet paints resist rust.

Should you keep flammable liquids in a metal cabinet?

Only specially designed flammable safety cabinets should be used to store hazardous chemicals, solvents and combustible liquids. General purpose cabinets lack the necessary ventilation and spill containment features to store flammables safely.

How are metal storage cabinets anchored?

Cabinets are commonly anchored to walls with bolts through the back panel or top. Floor anchoring uses corner floor anchor brackets. Both prevent tip overs and enhance security. Anchoring is highly recommended whenever feasible.

What are metal storage cabinets used for?

Common uses include storage of tools, supplies, equipment, commercial and industrial inventory, office files and records, IT and network equipment, hazardous chemicals, personal protective equipment, uniforms, sanitation items, medical supplies and much more.

How do you organize a metal storage cabinet?

Consider your most-used items and place them at the front and in easy to access areas. Place hazardous or valuable items in locked compartments. Label shelves and bins. Use drawer organizers and trays to compartmentalize small items. Keep inventory lists.

Conclusion

Metal storage cabinets provide secure, durable and customizable storage for commercial, industrial and residential use. Carefully select cabinets suited for your specific storage needs based on size, construction, security level and features required. Properly anchored and maintained steel cabinets will provide a lifetime of protection for your valuables.

Invest in high-quality metal cabinets from reputable manufacturers that stand behind their products. Consider buying commercial grade cabinets even for home use due its sturdy construction. With the right metal storage cabinets implemented in your spaces, you can achieve organization and productivity gains thanks to tremendously improved storage efficiency.