Adjustable Cabinet Options

Some people are under the impression that filing cabinets need to be height specific. This is not always the case. File cabinets can be height specific or they can be height adjusted.

When a file cabinet is height adjustable, it has an interior pivot and a track that are secured by screws and latches. The more secure the track, the less likely the drawer will fall out. A ladder can be used to raise and lower the cabinet without the use of tools or a ladder.

On the other hand, if a cabinet has only horizontal track, it is normally height adjustable. The tracks hold the door on the cabinet's bottom. There is a portion at the top that locks in place, which provides a way to secure the door. On some models, the tracks are included with the cabinet.

The cabinet can be mounted in many ways, including via hook, peg, or rack type. Rack type mounting requires the use of a roller system to raise and lower the cabinet when the track needs to be raised or lowered. Mounting can be either vertical or horizontal.

Vertical mounting places the cabinet on four brackets secured to the wall. Horizontal mounting places the cabinet on three brackets. Usually the cabinet is built so that it can be raised off the floor when the track is on the lowest position.

When you are looking for a cabinet with both horizontal and vertical mounting options, consider that some companies offer both styles of cabinet. If you have a desk that is taller than your file cabinet and uses a number of drawers, you will find that a horizontal mounting option may be more beneficial. This will allow you to open one drawer and have a clear view of the documents stored in the other drawers.

For larger desks that need to use drawers more than two or three at a time, a vertical mounting option can be beneficial. You will have the ability to have your files under your computer and have a clear view of them when you are working on the desktop.

To help determine the best type of cabinet for your file cabinet, consider the amount of open space available in the cabinet. You also need to consider the location of your files and what other accessories you will be using the cabinet for. For example, a top-mounted cabinet may be used for a desk, but it may also be used as a filing cabinet.

A top mounted file cabinet is mounted to the top of the cabinet. It will be supported by a few studs and brackets, and the cabinet door can open up to a number of drawers and closets. Usually the file drawer arrangement is at the top of the cabinet, below the top drawers.

If you are buying a cabinet with a height adjustment feature, then look for units that come with hardware for adjusting the height. Some manufacturers provide an adjustable vertical and horizontal track, which allows you to adjust the cabinet height depending on the height of the desk top. Some manufacturers allow you to add extra height via the track.

If you do not want to adjust the cabinet heights, then you will need to purchase a unit that has a height adjustment mechanism. It is generally hidden within the cabinet track and has a locking mechanism to secure the track in place. A screw, lock nut, or bolt should be used to lock the track into place, and then adjust the height in accordance with the number of inches required to change the height of the cabinet.

Another option is to add a locking door to the cabinet. For this option, you would have to purchase a cabinet with a locking mechanism. The standard locking doors have casters and a latch, and you would need to use a key to open the door.