Metal File Cabinet

From LoveToKnow Buy

Metal file cabinets are great for organizing and storing papers and documents. Buying one best suited for your needs should be no problem. There are a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes to choose from at an office superstore near you. Here are some buying tips to keep in mind when you make a purchase.

Measure your space first

Choose a spot in your home office where you’d like the file cabinet to go. Measure the space and record the numbers so you’ll have a guideline to work with when you go shopping.

Vertical or lateral?

There are two types of file cabinets on the market: vertical and lateral. For most people, a vertical file cabinet will do just fine. Most come with two to five drawers per cabinet, for storing both letter and legal-size files. A vertical file cabinet takes up very little floor space, having an average depth of 15 inches. A lateral file cabinet is longer, anywhere from 36-42 inches, and can store letter and legal-size files side-by-side.

Cabinet suspension

Check out the suspension system of every cabinet displayed at the office supply store. A suspension system is what holds files. Its strength and durability are key factors in making a purchase decision.

If your file cabinet will be used a lot, go with a suspension made of high grade steel that uses ball bearing rollers. This will ensure that the documents you store inside are well protected. File cabinets made of high quality steel are more resistant to wear and tear, and dings and dents. Ball bearing construction ensures your cabinet will open smoothly and easily.

Locking metal file cabinets for security

If you plan on storing highly sensitive materials, be sure you purchase a cabinet with a lock. Also look into a fire-resistant file cabinet. The cost of a fire-resistant cabinet is usually higher than that of a standard unit, but the added cost is well worth the it for your peace of mind.

Alternate metal file cabinet buy sources

If you‘re on a tight budget, check out thrift stores and weekly shopper publication listings for garage and estate sales for used file cabinets. Chances are you can find a file cabinet, with slight imperfections, that will fit your needs just fine. Office supply stores also carry seconds or slightly damaged units that will also do the job.