Removing draws from metal office cabinets can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done smoothly and efficiently. Understanding the construction of metal cabinet drawers and using proper methods will allow you to remove them safely without damage. Let’s explore the steps involved in removing different types of metal office cabinet draws so you can refresh your workspace with ease.

Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting any drawer removal project, ensure you have gathered the necessary tools and materials:

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers – to remove drawer slides and handle screws
• WD-40 or other lubricant spray – to loosen sticky slides or screws
• Pliers or locking pliers – to pull out stubborn drawer slides or pins
• Flashlight – to see inside cabinet and locate attachment hardware
• Pry bar or putty knife – to pop out drawer clips or guides
• Gloves – to protect hands from sharp metal edges

Gathering these supplies will make removing any type of office drawer much simpler.

Removing File Cabinet Drawers

File cabinets often have full extension or telescoping slides that allow smooth, complete drawer access. To detach these drawers:

Step 1: Empty the Drawer

• Take everything out of the drawer before attempting removal. This lightens the drawer and avoids spilling contents during the process.

Step 2: Locate Mounting Screws and Remove Them

• File cabinet drawers are commonly held in place by screws on either side of the drawer body.
• Use a flashlight to peer into the cabinet and locate the slide screws, typically along the inner cabinet frame.
• Use a screwdriver to remove any visible mounting screws securing the slide. Removing these first allows the drawer to detach freely from the slide rails.

Step 3: Release the Slide Lever

• Telescoping drawer slides have lock levers to prevent accidental drawer removal while extended.
• Look for a small release tab or lever on either slide and gently press it in while pulling the drawer outward. This will unlock the slide and allow full drawer removal.

Step 4: Detach Drawer from Slides

• With all screws removed and the slides unlocked, gently pull the drawer out until it detaches from the slide rails. Be careful not to bend or warp the slides.
• You may need to wiggle it out gently to separate the drawer. Set it aside once fully removed.

Step 5: Remove Slide Rails

• With the drawer detached, you can now access and remove the slide rails from inside the cabinet frame. This may require additional screws to be removed.
• Carefully slide out and detach the rails, being cautious not to scratch the cabinet interior. Set aside hardware and slides to reuse or replace.

Step 6: Replace or Clean Slides

• With everything detached, you can now replace old slides with new ones or clean dusty slides before reattaching them when ready.

Proper file cabinet drawer removal takes patience but can refresh your workspace efficiently. Follow these steps closely to avoid damaging contents or the cabinet itself.

Removing Lateral File Cabinet Drawers

Lateral file cabinets contain drawers that open parallel to the cabinet body rather than outward. Removing these drawers involves a slightly different approach:

Step 1: Empty Drawer and Remove Front Handle

• Take out all contents from the lateral drawer and set the handle aside by removing the mounting screws. This gives you full access to the drawer box.

Step 2: Locate Drawer Clip Anchors

• Open the drawer fully and look inside the cabinet for small bent metal drawer clips anchoring it in place on either side.

Step 3: Remove Clip Screws or Pop Off Clips

• Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the bent metal drawer clips in place.
• If no screws are visible, you may be able to gently pry/pop the clips off the drawer box with a flathead screwdriver. Apply even pressure.

Step 4: Lubricate Slides

• Spray the slides on each side with a lubricant like WD-40 to allow smooth drawer removal once unclipped.

Step 5: Remove Drawer

• With clips detached and slides lubricated, gently pull the drawer horizontally off the slides, taking care not to bend or distort the slide rails.

Step 6: Detach Slide Rails

• Any screws securing the slides can now be accessed and removed with the drawer fully out, allowing full detachment of slide hardware from the inner cabinet frame.

Step 7: Clean and Replace Hardware

• Give slide rails a thorough cleaning before reattaching with drawer clips and screws in reverse order. Rehang the handle.

With the proper tools and techniques, lateral file cabinet drawers can be removed safely for cleaning or replacement purposes. Focus on fully releasing any drawer clips before attempting to pull it horizontally off the slide rails.

Removing Wooden Desk or Dresser Drawers

Wooden drawers in desks, dressers and other furniture are commonly set on basic side-mounted slides or glide tracks. Removing them involves:

Step 1: Empty Drawer Contents

• Clear out all items to lighten the drawer and avoid spilling anything during removal.

Step 2: Remove Lower Drawer Face

• The decorative facade on the drawer front is often held by screws underneath or on the inside of the drawer.
• Carefully remove these screws set into the slides to detach only the front panel.

Step 3: Lubricate Slides

• Spray drawer slides with a dry lubricant on either side to allow easy movement.

Step 4: Release Drawer Sides

• Look for small lever arms or tabs where the drawer sides join the slides. Gently press in or down to release the drawer sides from the slide rails.

Step 5: Remove Drawer

• Once unclipped, gently pull the drawer straight out to fully detach it from the dresser or desk. Use smooth motions to avoid scratching wood surfaces.
• For stubborn drawers, grasp both sides and pull evenly. Never yank only one side.

Step 6: Detach Slide Rails

• With the drawer removed, use a screwdriver to detach slide rails and hardware from the interior furniture frame for cleaning or replacement.

Simple furniture drawers only require releasing retaining clips and a gentle pull to remove safely. Always lubricate and use smooth motions to avoid scraping wood or bending metal slides.

Removing Office Desk Pedestal Drawers

Many office desks contain wider pedestal drawers on rollers or ball-bearing slides below the main desktop. Removing these involves:

Step 1: Clear Drawer Contents

• Empty the pedestal drawer fully so there is no risk of spilling items during removal and to lighten the drawer itself.

Step 2: Remove Front Drawer Face

• Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the decorative drawer front screwed onto the underlying slides. Remove slowly to avoid splits.

Step 3: Lubricate Rollers

• If equipped with wheel/roller slides, spray lubricant on the wheels and track to ensure smooth, easy movement.

Step 4: Release Drawer Sides

• Look for small levers or clips where the drawer body joins the slide rails. Gently press in to unclip the drawer sides.

Step 5: Remove Drawer

• Once all retaining clips have been released, pull the drawer evenly straight out from the desk pedestal base. Use care not to bend slides.
• For heavy drawers, it may help to have a second person to assist with smooth removal.

Step 6: Detach Slides

• With the drawer taken out, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove any hardware and detach slides from the inner desk frame for cleaning or replacement purposes.

Office pedestal drawers simply require releasing all side retainers and pulling evenly. Having a helper assists with heavy metal full-extension drawer slides to prevent bending.

Removing Kitchen Drawers

Kitchen cabinets also contain mounted drawers to organize cooking tools that must be removed properly:

Step 1: Clear Drawer Contents

• Take out all cutlery, utensils and items from the kitchen drawer before attempting removal to prevent spilling.

Step 2: Remove Drawer Front

• The decorative drawer front is often screwed into sides or slides from underneath. Use a screwdriver to detach fronts by removing screws.

Step 3: Release Side Clips

• Look for small plastic clips or levers where the drawer sides meet the slide rails. Gently press in on them to release the sides from the slides.

Step 4: Lubricate Slides

• Spray drawer slides with dry lubricant to ensure smooth operation when pulling the drawer free.

Step 5: Remove Drawer

• With clips released and slides lubricated, carefully pull the drawer fully out, using even pressure. Take care not to bend slides or chip kitchen cabinetry.

Step 6: Detach Slides

• With the drawer removed, use a screwdriver to detach slides from the cabinet interior for cleaning or replacement before reattaching.

Kitchen drawer removal is easiest with two people to handle heavy drawer fronts and avoid damaging slides or scratching cabinet interiors when taking out fully.

Removing Locking Office Drawers

Some office furniture contains locking drawers secured with keys. Removing these locked drawers involves a couple extra steps:

Step 1: Unlock the Drawer

• Use the proper key to unlock the central drawer lock before attempting removal. Forcing the drawer without unlocking can damage the lock mechanism.

Step 2: Remove Contents

• Empty the drawer fully once unlocked to lighten it and avoid spilling anything during the process.

Step 3: Release Side Clips

• Press in any plastic drawer retainers on the side to detach it from slide rails once unlocked.

Step 4: Lubricate Slides

• Apply dry lubricant spray to the slides to allow smooth operation.

Step 5: Disconnect Lock Plug

• The lock cylinder usually has a plug that joins it to the rear of the drawer front. Unscrew this to fully detach the lock.

Step 6: Remove Drawer

• With everything detached, evenly pull the drawer out from the furniture body, taking care not to bend slides.

Locked office drawers just require a couple extra steps of unlocking and removing the lock plug. Take care when handling the lock mechanism to avoid damage.

Removing Metal Shelving Unit Drawers

Metal shelving carts or units often have small mounted drawers. Removing them involves:

Step 1: Empty Drawer

• Take out all contents to lighten the drawer and prevent spilling items during removal.

Step 2: Remove Lower Drawer Face

• Use a flathead screwdriver to detach any decorative drawer front by removing the screws on the underside.

Step 3: Release Side Clips

• Look for bent metal clips or plastic levers where the drawer sides meet the slides. Press in gently to release.

Step 4: Lubricate Slides

• Use WD-40 or similar dry lubricant on the slides to allow the drawer to move smoothly when detached.

Step 5: Remove Drawer

• Once all clips have been released, carefully pull the drawer fully out in a straight, even motion to avoid damaging the slides.

Step 6: Detach Slides

• Use a Phillips screwdriver to detach slides from the metal shelving for cleaning or replacement as needed.

The small drawers on metal carts use similar side clip fasteners and slide rails as other types. Focus on releasing retainers fully before pulling out.

Troubleshooting Sticky Drawer Removal

Removing stuck or sticky drawers can be frustrating. Here are some troubleshooting tips if you encounter resistance:

Lubricate Bind Points

• Spray any rubbing points between the drawer and cabinet with dry lubricant. WD-40 works well.

Tap Stuck Drawers

• Use a rubber mallet and small wood block to gently tap stuck drawers side-to-side to break them free.

Use Locking Pliers

• Locking pliers clamped onto the drawer side gives better grip and leverage for stubborn drawers. Pull slowly.

Loosen Screws

• Slightly loosen any screws on slides or handles. This provides “wiggle room” to maneuver a stuck drawer.

Lift While Pulling

• Have someone lift up slightly on the drawer as you pull outward to take the weight off sticky slide points.

Pry Retaining Clips

• Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry and loosen any stuck drawer retaining clips before pulling.

With the proper lubrication, leverage techniques, and screw adjustments, even the stickiest stuck drawer can be removed successfully without damage.

Conclusion

Removing draws from any type of metal office cabinet or furniture can be done smoothly once you understand how the slides, retainers, and hardware connect. Having the proper tools on hand will make disassembly easier. Always take care when pulling on drawers to avoid bending metal slides or scratching wooden surfaces. Follow these detailed steps to safely detach draws from lateral file cabinets, desks, dressers, kitchens, and more. With some patience and gentle technique, refreshing your home office or workspace can be a simple DIY project!

FAQs About Removing Draws from Metal Office Cabinets

Removing draws from metal office cabinets may seem complicated but can be straightforward with the right approach. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How do I remove stuck file cabinet drawers?

Stuck file cabinet drawers can often be removed by lubricating slides, loosening screws slightly, gently tapping sides with a mallet, or using locking pliers for extra leverage on stubborn drawers. Avoid pulling aggressively on just one side.

What tool do I need to take out lateral file cabinet drawers?

A flathead screwdriver can be used to detach the bent metal drawer clips anchoring lateral cabinet drawers in place once unscrewed. Prying carefully under the clip can pop it off if no screws are visible.

How do I detach the drawer fronts on a desk or dresser?

Look for small screws securing decorative drawer fronts in place on the underside or inside slides. Use a screwdriver to carefully detach these fronts by removing their screws before pulling out the drawer box fully.

Why are my desk pedestal drawers getting stuck?

Over time desk pedestal drawers can become sticky on the slide rails. Lubricating rollers with WD-40 and making sure drawer side clips are fully released can help remove them smoothly without damage.

Can I reuse old drawer slides when replacing cabinets?

In many cases, sturdy metal or wooden drawer slides and rails can be thoroughly cleaned and reused in new cabinetry. However, replacing damaged or worn slides ensures the smoothest drawer operation.

How do I detach stubborn kitchen drawer fronts?

Difficult kitchen drawer fronts often have screws driven deep into the slides to hold them in place. Use care when removing their screws, and hire a handyperson if fronts feel too precarious to take off yourself.

By understanding how office furniture drawers connect and detach, you can remove them properly for cleaning and maintenance. Focus on releasing all hidden clips before attempting to pull drawers out.