Filing cabinets are indispensable office furniture for storing and organizing files. Most filing cabinets have one or more pairs of metal rails inside the drawers. These rails help folders slide smoothly in the drawers and ensure that folders can be placed, and moved in and out correctly. But some models are designed without rails. Don't worry, this article will tell you how to solve it.

Understanding filing cabinet rails

What are filing cabinet rails?

Filing cabinet rails refer to metal tracks or brackets used to support and guide the sliding of folders inside the filing cabinet so that folders or hook-type folders can slide and hang smoothly in the cabinet.

In most filing cabinets, rails are metal tracks, and folders with hanging tags are placed along these tracks. Users can take files according to the tags without being scattered or stacked.

Filing cabinets without rails are prone to stacking and looseness of folders, requiring a more creative and flexible approach.

The role of filing cabinet rails:

Guide the sliding of folders: Ensure they can slide smoothly and smoothly in the drawer to prevent them from shifting or getting stuck.

Supporting folders: The file cabinet rail supports the folders, especially hook-type folders.

Improve organization: The rails can effectively organize and arrange the folders to prevent them from being randomly stacked.

Advantages of filing cabinet rails:

Smooth use experience: The file cabinet rails are reasonably designed, and the folders slide smoothly, which can improve the user's experience.

Improve space utilization: The folders are neatly arranged, which improves the space utilization of the file cabinet.

Increase file security: Folders are not easy to shift or fall, which can reduce the risk of damage due to improper storage.

Durability: High-quality metal rails are sturdy and durable, not easy to deform, and can be used for a long time.

Why don't filing cabinets have rails?

Generally, to save production costs, consumers need to determine whether the product has rails when purchasing, so as not to affect subsequent use. Typically, source manufacturers like Dongzhixin provide customized services and can customize the production of filing cabinets (with/without rails) according to your needs.

How to use a filing cabinet without rails​?

If the filing cabinet you purchased does not have rails, you can use the following methods:

1. Hanging rods

The hanging rod is installed on the inner wall of the file cabinet, and the hooks of the folders can be hung directly on the rod without the need for a dedicated track.

Pros: simple installation, low cost, and no complex track system is required.

Disadvantages: slightly poor smoothness, easy to loosen or fall off.

2. Adjustable Dividers

If the filing cabinet design is more open, adjustable dividers can replace traditional rails. These dividers can create multiple layers within a drawer to help keep folders or documents organized.

Although they do not have the sliding function of tracks, they help partition the files and prevent them from sliding around.

Pros: The space layout can be customized, high flexibility, and suitable for a variety of file types.

Disadvantages: Folders cannot slide, and partitions need to be installed precisely.

3. Buy filing cabinet rails

Purchase the right size and cost-effective rails through the online platform, and install them correctly according to the installation video provided by the seller. Don't worry, the installation process is easy.

4. DIY

Use cardboard to make containers, label each container for easy identification, and classify files even without rails.

5. Use File Boxes or Trays

Without rails to hold file folders, you can use small file boxes or trays to keep documents organized within the drawers. These boxes can serve as a form of compartmentalization, allowing you to group files by category, date, or type. Simply place the boxes or trays within the drawer and stack them neatly for easy access.

Choose boxes that fit snugly inside the cabinet so that they don’t shift around when you open or close the drawers.

FAQ

Q1: What types of files can be filing cabinets without rails to be used to store them?

Filing cabinets without rails are suitable for storing various types of documents, including but not limited to:

Ordinary documents (such as contracts, reports, bills, etc.)
Folders, file boxes, and file bags
Small items (such as stationery, electronic equipment accessories)

Any type of document can be stored as long as it can be effectively separated and organized.

Q2: Are filing cabinets without rails cheaper?

Yes. You can use existing household items (such as boxes or trays) instead of rail systems to reduce costs.

Q3: How to install filing cabinet rails?

The steps to install filing cabinet rails usually include:

Confirm the location: According to the filing cabinet design, determine where the rails should be installed. Usually on the sides or bottom of the drawer.

Measure the spacing: If the rails are adjustable, make sure the spacing of the rails is appropriate for the size of the folders you will use.

Fix the rails: Use screws or other fixing accessories to firmly install the rails into the filing cabinet, making sure they can bear the weight of the folders and remain stable.

When installing the rails, it is best to refer to the instructions provided by the filing cabinet manufacturer to ensure proper installation.

Q4: How to solve the problem of filing cabinet rails?

Common rail failure problems and solutions:

Rail stuck: Check if there is any foreign object blocking it, clean it and check if the rail is damaged.

Rail loose or falling off: Check if the fixing screws are loose, re-tighten or replace the fixing accessories.

Folders cannot slide smoothly: Check if the rails are worn or deformed, and replace the rails if necessary.

Q5: Are the filing cabinet rails suitable for all file cabinets?

Not all file cabinets support standard rails. Before purchasing rails, it is best to confirm the type and design of the file cabinet to ensure that the rails are compatible with the file cabinet.

Q6: Do filing cabinet rails require regular maintenance?

Filing cabinet rails require certain regular maintenance, especially for office environments with high frequency of use. Regularly check if the rails are loose, worn or blocked, and clean and lubricate them in time to extend the service life of the rails and ensure that the folders slide smoothly.

Q7: How to prevent file confusion?

Use labels and color coding to easily identify different categories of files.

Q8: How to choose a filing cabinet that suits your needs?

When choosing a suitable filing cabinet, you should consider the following factors:

Storage needs: Determine the size and partitioning of the cabinet based on the number and type of files.

Space constraints: Choose the size of the filing cabinet based on the space available in the office environment.

Budget: Choose the appropriate filing cabinet type based on your budget, whether additional organizing accessories are needed, etc.