Installing wheels on metal file cabinets can make them much easier to move and reposition. With just a few tools and materials, it’s a relatively straightforward process that most DIYers can handle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps and considerations for adding wheels to any type of metal filing cabinet.
Choosing the Right Wheels
The first step is selecting the right set of wheels for your filing cabinet. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:
Wheel Size
- The wheel diameter is important for determining the final height of your cabinet. Standard wheel sizes range from 2-5 inches.
- For most metal filing cabinets, 3 or 4-inch casters will work well without making the cabinet too tall.
- Large 5-inch wheels may lift the cabinet awkwardly high off the ground. On the other hand, small 2-inch casters sit very low and are hard to roll.
- Measure the height of your existing cabinet to help choose a wheel size that keeps it at a comfortable working height.
Wheel Type
- Rigid casters: These work best on most hard, even flooring like concrete, tile or wood. The wheels don’t swivel but roll smoothly in a straight line.
- Swivel casters: These have a rotating wheel mount that allows rolling in any direction. Choose these if you need to frequently change direction.
- Locking casters: These have a brake to keep the wheel from moving. Locks allow you to keep the filing cabinet securely in place.
Weight Capacity
- File cabinets can get very heavy when loaded up. Select casters that can comfortably support the full weight.
- For medium-sized metal filing cabinets, look for wheels rated for at least 150-200 lbs each. Bigger casters can handle 300 lbs or more.
- Choose a caster set meant for hard floors or carpeting depending on where your cabinet will be.
Materials
- Nylon, rubber, polyurethane or plastic wheels roll smoothly and quietly. Pneumatic casters have air-filled tires that absorb bumps.
- Metal or forged steel wheels are very durable for heavy loads. Just be aware they roll loudly on hard floors.
- Ball bearing casters tend to be higher-quality for easier rolling.
Gathering Tools and Materials
Installing casters takes just a few common DIY tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Power drill with Phillips head driver bit
- Tape measure
- Level
- Adjustable wrench
- Needle nose pliers (optional)
Materials
- Caster wheel set (4 casters)
- 16 wood screws (approx. 1.5-2 inches long)
- Washers to fit screw size
How to Attach Casters to a File Cabinet
Follow these steps to add wheels to any standard metal filing cabinet:
Step 1: Flip Cabinet Upside Down
- Clear a large open space on the floor and carefully turn the cabinet upside down.
- For safety, it’s best to have two people flip the cabinet slowly and gently.
Step 2: Mark Caster Positions
- Measure the depth and width of the cabinet’s bottom surface. Mark the center point.
- From the center, measure out towards each corner and mark the spots for caster installation.
- Space the casters evenly to distribute weight. Make sure the marks are inward from corners to avoid overhang.
Step 3: Detach Baseboards If Needed
- Some filing cabinets have fixed wooden baseboards along the bottom edges.
- Remove these before installing wheels to access the bottom metal frame. Usually they are screwed on and can be easily detached and reattached later.
Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes
- At each wheel mark, drill a pilot hole into the metal bottom. Make holes slightly smaller than the screws.
- Drilling pilots first makes attaching the casters easier and prevents stripping the screws.
Step 5: Attach Casters with Screws
- Line up each caster baseplate over the pilot holes.
- Use one washer and wood screw per caster hole to attach them securely.
- Make sure the wheels are oriented in the right direction – rigid casters should face front and back. Swivel casters can go in the corners.
- Use pliers to hold caster stems while tightening screws if needed.
Step 6: Reattach Baseboards If Needed
- With the wheels installed, carefully flip the cabinet right side up again.
- Reattach any baseboard trim pieces using the original hardware.
Step 7: Adjust if Necessary
- Once upright, check that the cabinet sits level and all four wheels make full contact with the floor.
- If not, detach the casters and use washers as shims to adjust their height until properly leveled.
That’s all there is to it! With a set of rolling casters installed, you can now easily move your filing cabinet around your workspace.
Wheel Positioning Tips
Properly positioning the wheels on the bottom of the cabinet makes mobility much easier. Here are some tips:
- Set the casters back from the front and side edges so they don’t stick out past the base when rolling.
- Make sure the front wheels are aligned so the cabinet rolls straight rather than zig-zagging.
- Put rigid casters on front and back and swiveling ones on the sides if needed for maneuverability.
- Angling the wheels slightly outward at the front helps stability when rolling.
- Having all four wheels make full contact ensures the cabinet’s weight is evenly distributed.
Choosing Alternatives to Casters
While caster wheels are the most popular option, there are a few other ways to add mobility to a filing cabinet:
Furniture Sliders
- Affix flat sliding disks to the bottom of the cabinet instead of rolling casters.
- Sliders allow you to slide heavy objects rather than rolling.
- These work best on smooth floors and with lightweight filing cabinets.
Furniture Movers
- Specialized dollies have flat platforms that slide under the cabinet’s base.
- The movers lift the entire cabinet slightly off the ground for moving it around.
- Look for ones with swivel casters and rubber pads to grip and protect the cabinet and floor.
Safety Tips for Moving File Cabinets
Once equipped with wheels, always follow these safety precautions when relocating your filing cabinet:
- Clear a wide, straight path before attempting to roll the cabinet.
- Tilt the cabinet slightly and push slowly and gently rather than forcing it.
- Don’t try to move a fully-loaded heavy cabinet by yourself – get help.
- Set the wheel brakes to prevent rolling when the cabinet is stationary.
- Avoid pushing the cabinet over uneven surfaces like thresholds or cracks.
- Make sure hands and feet are away from the underside when lowering the cabinet down.
- Take care not to tip the cabinet by pushing too fast or at an angle.
- Only open drawers once the cabinet is in its new position to avoid tipping risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wheels should I get?
For standard four- to five-drawer file cabinets, 3 or 4-inch wheels are recommended. Measure your specific cabinet height and choose casters that will maintain a comfortable working level.
Where exactly should I position the wheels?
Mark the caster positions at the halfway point along each bottom surface edge, spacing them evenly. Place the marks a few inches inward from the edges so the wheels don’t extend beyond the base.
Do I need any special tools?
A basic drill, tape measure, screws and wrench are all that’s needed. Just make sure the drill bits are the appropriate size for your chosen screws. Using a level helps ensure the cabinet sits evenly.
How many wheels do I need per cabinet?
Install four caster wheels – one at each corner. This evenly distributes the weight for smoother rolling. Having only two or three wheels can make the cabinet unsteady and prone to tipping.
Can the file cabinet still open properly?
Yes, casters only raise the cabinet minimally off the floor so the drawers have plenty of clearance to open without obstruction. Apply brakes on the wheels when drawers are extended to prevent accidental closing.
Should I get swivel, rigid, or locking wheels?
For most filing cabinets, a combination works well. Put locking rigid casters on the front and fixed or swivel ones on the back for easy maneuverability. Locks prevent rolling when stationary.
Is this easy to do myself?
Installing casters is a very straightforward DIY project. With just basic tools, supplies, and following the step-by-step process, most people can attach wheels to a file cabinet without any special skills or experience required.
Can I pull out or detach the drawers while installing?
You can, but it’s safest to do the work with drawers attached and cabinet empty. Remove contents so it’s lighter, then carefully flip the entire piece over. This avoids damage to drawers or spilling contents during the process.
How much weight can the wheels hold?
Check the weight rating on your selected casters, and choose ones designed for hard flooring if that’s where your cabinet sits. For medium to large metal file cabinets, look for a rating of at least 150 lbs per caster wheel.
Conclusion
Adding caster wheels is an easy upgrade that makes everyday use of a file cabinet much more convenient. Sturdy wheels allow you to reposition the furniture with minimal effort. Just be sure to get good quality casters properly sized and positioned for smooth and safe rolling. Follow the steps outlined above for attaching wheels successfully and safely moving your filing cabinet anytime needed.