Introduction
Lateral file cabinets with monorail drawer slides are a common fixture in many offices and workspace environments. While incredibly useful for storing files, binders, and other items, over time the monorail drawer slides can become misaligned or jammed with debris, preventing smooth operation. Fortunately, with some basic tools and mechanical aptitude, the monorail drawers on lateral file cabinets can be easily removed for cleaning and realignment. This allows the file cabinet to glide smoothly once again.
Gather Necessary Tools
Removing the monorail drawers on a lateral file cabinet is a straightforward process, but having the right tools makes the task easier. The necessary tools include:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Flashlight
- Lubricant like WD-40
Before starting, make sure you have these tools on hand. The screwdrivers are needed to remove screws securing the monorail and drawer. The pliers help grip and adjust the monorail tracks. A flashlight illuminates inside the cabinet. Lubricant loosens sticky slides.
Remove Drawer from Cabinet
With tools gathered, you can now start the monorail drawer removal process:
- Open the stuck drawer completely. Provide full access to the monorail.
- Locate small screws at corners of drawer. On each side there will be screws securing it.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove screws. Slowly unscrew them and place aside.
- Slide drawer off monorail tracks. Pull straight back once unsecured.
With the drawer removed you can now access the monorail slides inside the cabinet.
Clean Monorail Slides
The monorail slides themselves are often the culprit of stuck drawers. Follow these steps to clean and align:
- Vacuum inside cabinet and wipe down slides. Remove built up debris.
- Inspect rollers and lubricate as needed. WD-40 helps free sticky rollers.
- Straighten any bent sections of monorail. Pliers allow you to adjust track alignment.
- Confirm drawer glides smoothly once cleaned. Test drawer reinstallation.
Thorough cleaning and realignment of the monorails should make the drawer slide smoothly again.
Reinstall Drawer
The last step is to simply reinstall the drawer:
- Slide drawer back onto monorail tracks. Ensure proper alignment.
- Secure drawer with screws on both sides. Tighten completely.
- Test drawer operation. Open and close several times.
When secured and operating correctly, your lateral file cabinet monorail drawer is fixed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Monorail Drawers
Here are some common questions about removing monorail drawers on lateral file cabinets:
How do I know if my file cabinet has monorail slides?
Look inside the cabinet when a drawer is open. If there are metal rails that extend back and the drawer glides on wheels, it is a monorail system.
What causes the monorail drawers to jam?
Built-up debris, unaligned tracks, and sticky rollers are common culprits of stuck monorail drawers. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
Should I lubricate the tracks when reinstalling the drawer?
Yes, using a lubricant like WD-40 helps keep the rollers and slide moving smoothly after cleaning.
Can I replace monorail slides instead of cleaning the old ones?
Replacement monorail slide kits are available. But cleaning and realigning original hardware often works just as well.
Are there risks with removing file cabinet drawers myself?
If done properly, monorail drawer removal is straightforward. But take care not to damage rollers and hardware during the process.
How can I prevent monorail drawers from sticking again?
Regular cleaning of debris inside the cabinet and lubricating rollers helps prevent future sticking and jamming issues.
Conclusion
Jammed monorail drawers on lateral file cabinets are annoying but easily fixable. With some basic tools and mechanical aptitude, the drawer slides can be detached, cleaned, realigned and reinstalled in smooth working order. Just be sure to work methodically, pay attention to slide alignment, and properly lubricate components during reinstallation. A few preventive maintenance steps can then help keep your monorail drawers sliding smoothly for the long term.