How to Put Casters on a Metal File Cabinet
What You’ll Need
- Metal file cabinet
- 4 casters (with brakes for stability)
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Wrench
- Caster cups or mounting plates
- Screws
Preparing the File Cabinet
Before installing the casters, make sure the file cabinet is empty. Remove all contents and drawers to have full access to the bottom of the cabinet. This will make it easier to drill holes and mount the casters.
Lay the file cabinet on its back horizontally on a flat, stable surface. Use a blanket or towel to prevent scratches and damage to the cabinet.
Marking the Holes
Most casters will come with a mounting plate or caster cups. These have pre-drilled holes for screws which need to be transferred to the bottom of the cabinet.
Place the caster cups/plates in each corner on the underside of the cabinet. Make sure they are spaced equally from the edges.
Use a pencil to mark the pre-drilled screw holes. This is where you will drill holes into the bottom of the cabinet. Remove the caster cups/plates after marking.
Drilling the Holes
Using a power drill with the appropriate drill bit, drill holes into the file cabinet bottom at each marked spot.
- For wood cabinets, use a 3/16” drill bit and drill about 1/2” deep.
- For metal cabinets, use a 1/8” drill bit and drill through the bottom sheet metal.
Drill straight down, keeping the drill perpendicular to the surface. Take care to not puncture through if it’s a thin metal bottom.
Installing the Casters
Place the caster cup or mounting plate over the drilled holes and insert screws through the pre-drilled holes.
Use a wrench to tighten the screws fully to secure the casters tightly. Do not overtighten as this can strip the threads.
Repeat this process for all 4 casters in each corner of the underside. Make sure the brakes are facing the front if installing locking casters.
Testing for Stability
With the casters installed, carefully flip the file cabinet right side up. Make sure it feels stable and sits level on the casters.
Gently roll it back and forth to test the wheel motion. Engage the locking brakes on the casters to keep it stationary when required.
Load the drawers back up with contents to test if the weight is distributed properly on the casters. The cabinet shouldn’t tip from side-to-side.
Congratulations, you can now easily move around your metal file cabinet by rolling it on the casters! The wheels enable multi-directional motion for convenient accessibility. Lock the brakes when you need the cabinet to stay stationary.
FAQs about Installing Casters on File Cabinets
How much weight can casters hold on a file cabinet?
Look for casters with a weight capacity of at least 100-150 lbs each for adequate strength. Nylon or rubber wheels can handle more weight than plastic.
Should all the casters have brakes?
Having 2 lockable casters diagonally across from each other provides the best stability. More than 2 brakes may make it harder to steer.
Can I install casters on wood or laminate file cabinets?
Yes, follow the same instructions but use shorter wood screws. Make pilot holes first if going into hardwood.
What size casters should I get for file cabinets?
2-3 inch diameter wheels are common for file cabinets. Larger wheels work better for rolling over thresholds and uneven surfaces.
How do I stop the cabinet from swiveling on casters?
Fixed non-swivel casters only move back and forth in a straight line. Or you can look for casters with a swivel lock.
What tools do I need to install casters?
A power drill, drill bits, pencil, wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and protective gear like gloves and eyewear.
Conclusion
Adding casters is an easy DIY project to improve mobility for any metal file cabinet. With the right tools and hardware, you can install casters in the underside corners to make your file storage rollable. Just take care to drill the holes accurately, use sturdy brackets and screws, and test for stability and clearance. The casters will provide effortless multi-directional wheeled motion so you can conveniently access your files. Maintaining proper weight distribution will keep the rolling cabinet stable, steady, and prevent tipping.
