Steel
Steel is the most popular metal used to construct file cabinets. There are different types of steel used:
Cold Rolled Steel
This is the most common type of steel used for file cabinets. It is durable, affordable, and provides decent protection against fire. Cold rolled steel comes in various gauges like 20, 22, and 24 gauges. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker and heavier steel.
Benefits:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Fire resistant to a certain degree
Limitations:
- Prone to denting
- Not as strong as hot rolled steel
Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel is thicker and stronger than cold rolled steel. It is heavy and provides very good fire resistance. The common gauges are 16 and 18.
Benefits:
- Very strong and durable
- Excellent fire resistance
Limitations:
- Heavy in weight
- Expensive
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel file cabinets have a sleek and modern look. The metal contains chromium which makes it resistant to stains and rust. It provides durability along with stylish looks.
Benefits:
- Highly durable
- Stain resistant
- Stylish look
Limitations:
- Expensive
- Lower fire resistance
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal sometimes used in making file cabinets. It is prone to denting but is affordable and easy to move around.
Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to move around
Limitations:
- Not very durable
- Prone to denting
- Low fire resistance
Metal Thickness
The thickness or gauge of the metal impacts the quality, weight, and price of file cabinets. Lower gauge numbers denote thicker metal. Here is an overview:
- 20 gauge: Offers decent durability at an affordable cost. Common for home and home-office use.
- 18 gauge: Provides better durability and fire-resistance. Recommended for busy offices.
- 16 gauge: Very durable and dent-resistant. Ideal for storing valuable documents and records.
- 14 gauge: Extremely strong and fire-resistant. Used for storing sensitive documents that need high security. Expensive option.
Construction of Quality File Cabinets
High-quality file cabinets are not just about the type of metal used but also how they are constructed:
- Full extension slides allow easy access to files at the back of the drawer.
- Ball bearing slides make opening and closing the drawers smooth and effortless.
- Safety interlock system allows only one drawer to be opened at a time for stability.
- Reinforced drawers with stiffeners prevent sagging under the weight of files.
- Adjustable leveling glides provide stability on uneven floors.
Fire Resistance Ratings
An important specification to check is the fire resistance rating. This indicates how long the cabinet can withstand fire before failing. Here are some common ratings:
- Type 2-hour: Can withstand fire for 2 hours
- Type 1-hour: Can withstand fire for 1 hour
- Type 30-minutes: Can withstand fire for 30 minutes
Higher gauge steel cabinets generally have better fire ratings.
Key Takeaways on Metals for File Cabinets
- Cold rolled and hot rolled steel are the most common. Stainless steel and aluminum are also options.
- Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker and heavier metal. 20 and 22 gauge cold rolled steel are commonly used.
- Stainless steel provides stylish looks but lower fire resistance. Aluminum is lightweight but prone to dents.
- Construction features like full extension slides and interlock system enhance quality.
- Check the fire resistance rating before buying. 1-hour and 2-hour ratings are recommended for business use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge steel is best for file cabinets?
20 or 22 gauge cold rolled steel provides decent durability for home and home office use. 18 and 16 gauge hot rolled steel are excellent choices for high-traffic business settings needing heavy-duty construction.
What metal is most fireproof?
Steel provides very good fire resistance, especially thicker hot rolled steel in 16 or 18 gauge. Stainless steel file cabinets may look sleek but usually have lower fire ratings than cold rolled or hot rolled steel.
Are stainless steel file cabinets better?
Stainless steel has a stylish modern look and is resistant to stains. However, it is expensive and has lower fire resistance compared to cold rolled and hot rolled steel. It can be a good choice if looks are a priority and fire rating is less important.
Should I get a 2-hour fire rated file cabinet?
A minimum 1-hour fire rating is recommended for businesses to protect important documents. Upgrading to 2-hour fire rated cabinets provides extra security in the event of a major fire. They are a smart investment for businesses that store irreplaceable or highly sensitive documents.
How thick should the steel be for file cabinets?
For home use, 20 or 22 gauge steel provides adequate durability. For office use with heavy file loads, 18 or 16 gauge steel is recommended for extra strength and fire resistance. Lockbars inside the drawers should also be sufficiently thick – at least 16 gauge.
Conclusion
In summary, steel is the top choice for file cabinet construction, with cold rolled and hot rolled steel being most popular. Thicker steel provides better durability but is heavier and more costly. Stainless steel offers stylish looks while aluminum is lightweight but prone to dents. An important thing to check is the fire rating, with 1-hour and 2-hour ratings recommended for businesses. Quality features like full extension slides, ball bearing runners, and adjustable leveling glides also enhance functionality. Considering your specific needs about strength, fire safety, weight, and aesthetics will help choose the ideal metal and gauge for long-lasting file cabinets.