Adding casters to metal file cabinets is an easy and affordable way to make them more mobile and easier to move around. Casters can transform stationary file cabinets into rolling storage that can be conveniently relocated as needed. This simple upgrade brings a lot of functionality and flexibility to traditional metal filing cabinets.
Introduction
Metal file cabinets are ubiquitous in both homes and offices for their durability, security, and storage capacity. However, their heavy and stationary nature also makes them cumbersome to move around. Installing casters is an easy DIY project that adds mobility to file cabinets so they can be rolled to wherever they need to be positioned.
Casters allow you to quickly relocate file cabinets between rooms or reorient workspace layouts with minimal heavy lifting. They also enable easier cleaning access all around and behind file cabinets. Overall, casters make metal file cabinets more versatile and convenient for a variety of storage needs and space configurations.
This guide will walk through the complete process of adding casters to metal file cabinets. We will cover:
- Benefits of Adding Casters
- Shopping Considerations for Casters
- Tools and Materials Needed
- Cabinet Preparation
- Caster Installation Steps
- Usage and Maintenance Tips
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully install casters and start enjoying the many advantages of mobilizing stationary metal file cabinets.
Benefits of Adding Casters
Installing casters brings many helpful benefits:
Increased Mobility
Casters enable rolling file cabinets from place to place rather than having to lift them. This allows repositioning cabinets as needed for:
- Reconfiguring office or workspace layouts
- Moving cabinets in and out for cleaning access
- Rolling cabinets aside for maintenance access to walls or flooring behind them
Easier Cleaning
With casters, file cabinets can be moved to sweep and mop underneath them. It is also easier to vacuum behind rolling cabinets.
Flexible Storage
Being able to relocate file cabinets makes it simpler to rearrange storage as needs change. File cabinets on casters can be moved to accommodate:
- New workflow layouts
- Changing departmental spaces
- Office reconfigurations
- Reorganized home spaces
Convenient Relocation
Casters allow quickly rolling file cabinets to new locations or different rooms as required. This facilitates:
- Moving cabinets between home office spaces
- Transporting cabinets to different departments or floors
- Rolling cabinets into and out of storage spaces
Minimal Lifting
With casters installed, heavy filing cabinets no longer need to be physically lifted and carried. The casters allow rolling even heavy loads with minimal effort.
Improved Accessibility
The mobility of file cabinets on casters makes for easier access from more angles, improving ergonomics.
Safe Movement
Properly installed casters provide stable mobility so cabinets can be rolled safely without tipping.
So in summary, adding casters to stationary metal file cabinets tremendously improves their convenience, flexibility and functionality.
Shopping Considerations for Casters
Several types and sizes of casters are available for file cabinet installation. Consider the following when selecting appropriate casters:
Types of Casters
- Rigid casters – These simple casters are fixed. They roll in a straight line and don’t swivel or turn. Rigid casters are best for lightweight cabinets that only need forward and backward movement in straight lines.
- Swivel casters – These casters can rotate a full 360 degrees, providing maximum maneuverability. Swivel casters allow rolling cabinets in any direction and around corners. This type is best for heavier filing cabinets.
- Braked casters – These have an activated brake that locks the wheel to prevent accidental movement of the cabinet. Braked casters are advisable for file cabinets housing important documents.
Weight Capacity
Consider the size and weight of the filing cabinets and choose casters accordingly with an adequate weight load rating. Standard casters support 100 to 150 lbs each while heavier duty casters can handle 200 lbs or more per caster.
Materials
Casters are constructed from different materials:
- Nylon casters are lightweight and suitable for basic tasks.
- Polyurethane casters are durable, quiet rolling, and non-marring.
- Rubber casters also provide a smooth roll with non-marking wheels.
- Cast iron casters are the most heavy duty.
Select casters with non-marring wheels if protecting finished floors.
Mounting Plate
Some casters include a mounting plate, while others require separate purchase of plates. The included or separate plates attach to the cabinet and the casters then attach to the plates.
Dimensions
Take measurements to ensure the casters will properly fit the file cabinets. The most common caster sizes are 2” to 3”. Larger casters may be needed for heavier cabinets.
Quantity Needed
Purchase a set of 4 casters for each file cabinet, or more if very heavy. Using the same size and type of casters on each cabinet provides even rolling.
With measurements and weight capacity in mind, select quality casters suited for rolling file cabinet loads.
Tools and Materials Needed
Casters are simple to install on most standard metal file cabinets. Gather these required tools and materials before starting:
Tools
- Tape measure
- Electric drill with bits
- Wrench for caster hardware
- Screwdriver
- Safety glasses
Materials
- Caster kit with 4 casters sized for cabinet
- Optional caster plates if not included with casters
- Appropriate screws for connecting casters
- Wood blocks or shims to secure casters
The wood blocks will be used as stabilizers while attaching the casters. Select blocks about 2 inches thick so the cabinet will sit level. The size should allow the blocks to fit underneath the spots where casters will be installed.
Cabinet Preparation
Take these steps to prepare the file cabinets before installing casters:
Empty the Cabinets
Remove all contents to make the cabinets lighter for caster installation. This also prevents items inside from shifting around.
Check for Level
Verify the cabinet sits level and stable when empty. If not, adjust the leveling feet until even and steady. The casters must attach to a level base.
Protect the Finish
Place strips of cardboard, felt, or other material underneath the spots where the casters will go to prevent scratching the cabinet finish during installation.
Mark Caster Layout
Measure and mark with pencil where each caster will attach. There are two common layouts:
Diagonal pattern: Mark the four caster positions outlining a diamond shape on the bottom of the cabinet. This provides the most stability.
Rectangular pattern: Mark forming a rectangle using the four corners of the cabinet base. A centered rectangle offers the most support.
Allow 2 to 3 inches from cabinet edges for proper support. Ensure the layout positions the cabinet weight evenly.
The cabinet is now prepped and ready for installing the casters.
Caster Installation Steps
With all preparations complete, follow these steps to attach casters to metal file cabinets:
Attach Mounting Plates
If the casters include separate mounting plates, attach these first by:
- Setting plates at marked locations underneath the cabinet.
- Drilling pilot holes through the plates into the cabinet bottom.
- Using appropriate screws to securely fasten the plates.
Place Cabinets on Blocks
Position the prepared wood blocks under the marked caster locations. Carefully set the cabinet onto the blocks. This elevates the base to work underneath.
Attach Casters
If using casters with integrated mounting plates, place them directly under the marked positions. Then:
- Drill pilot holes for each caster, going through the plate up into the file cabinet bottom.
- Use screws sized for the caster hardware to attach them securely.
- Tighten all screws fully once each caster is in position.
- Verify the casters sit square and even.
Adjust Cabinet Level
Check that the cabinet is level on all the casters. If needed, place thin shims under casters to evenly level the cabinet.
Install Remaining Casters
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to install the casters on the other marked locations. Check for even contact and full engagement of all casters with the floor.
Recheck Tightness
Examine all caster mountings and hardware and tighten any loose screws. This ensures sturdy attachments.
The cabinet should now roll smoothly on all four casters with its weight equally distributed.
Usage and Maintenance Tips
Here are helpful usage and maintenance guidelines for casters on metal file cabinets:
Load Capacity
Do not exceed the weight limit of the casters. Overloading can damage them.
Rolling Surfaces
Check that surfaces are clear along the paths where rolling loaded cabinets. Remove any items or debris that could block casters.
Traveling Speeds
Always roll cabinets at a slow, controlled speed to avoid tipping or collisions. Do not race loaded cabinets.
Changing Directions
Pivot turns slowly when changing direction. Give space for casters to properly realign.
Uneven Floors
Use care when rolling over cracks, thresholds, gaps, or uneven spots. Go slow and steady.
Propping Doors
File cabinet doors should be propped fully open when rolling the units to prevent abrupt shifts in weight if doors swing open.
Brakes
Always set the brakes on braked casters when the cabinet is not being moved.
Inspecting Casters
Periodically check that all casters spin freely and have no cracks or loose screws. Replace any damaged casters promptly.
Cleaning
Wipe casters with a damp cloth to remove dirt, debris, and lint that can impede rolling.
By following these guidelines, the casters will keep file cabinets rolling smoothly for years of maximized mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many common questions arise regarding adding casters to metal file cabinets:
Are casters hard to install?
No, installing casters is actually a very simple process. All it requires is basic tools, following some measurements, drilling pilot holes, and attaching the casters with screws. Complete DIY beginners can handle this project.
Do I need special tools?
You likely already have the basic tools needed like a drill, screwdriver, and wrench. The only other items required are a tape measure, wood blocks, screws for the caster hardware, and safety glasses.
Where is the best place to buy casters?
Casters designed specifically for file cabinets are available at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers. Search for file cabinet casters or office furniture casters. Purchase a set of 4 casters with weight ratings appropriate for the cabinets.
How much weight can casters hold?
Most quality casters suitable for file cabinets can handle 100 to 200+ pounds each. Measure your loaded cabinets and choose casters accordingly that collectively meet or exceed the total weight.
Should all the casters match?
For easiest rolling, all the casters on a cabinet should match in style, size, weight capacity and features like swiveling or braking. Mixing casters can lead to uneven rolling.
Will casters scratch my floor?
Quality casters have wheels made from non-marring materials like rubber, polyurethane, or nylon that protect floors. The weight of loaded rolling cabinets still requires being careful of scratches from debris stuck in the casters. Keep both floors and casters free of grit.
Can I retrofit casters on used file cabinets?
Yes, installing casters works the same on used file cabinets. Just thoroughly clean the cabinet bottom first and check that it sits level without wobbling before attaching casters.
Will casters make my cabinets harder to tip over?
Properly installed casters should not make cabinets less stable. However, always load cabinets evenly and use care when rolling them to minimize tipping risks. Take turns slowly.
Should I oil the wheels?
Casters are designed not to require lubrication. Standard oil attracts dirt and debris that can clog or gum up caster wheels.
So in summary, adding casters is an easy upgrade to improve functionality of any metal file cabinets. Follow the steps here to install casters and enjoy your filing cabinets’ newfound mobility.
Conclusion
Installing casters on stationary metal file cabinets provides tremendous benefits by making them mobile and more convenient. This affordable DIY project can be completed using basic tools and widely available caster hardware designed for file cabinets.
With quality casters properly installed using the steps here, it is simple to convert any heavy, stationary file cabinets into rolling storage. The casters enable easily relocating file cabinets around rooms or offices as needs change. Having your files on the move is a big boost to productivity, accessibility, and versatility.
Casters add safety as well since file drawers should be opened slowly and with care to avoid tip overs. With the cabinets now on wheels, be sure to engage any brakes in order to keep them securely in place when parked. But otherwise enjoy the new freedom of motion and added functionality casters provide your traditional metal file cabinets.