Question
I am building some office furniture, very high end, and the customer has expressed to me that he does not want the hardware that has the plastic lip that installs over the top of the draw. Does anyone know where there is a good selection of hardware for file draws? Any help is appreciated.
Forum Responses
(Cabinetmaking Forum)
From contributor S:
I don't use a specific kind of "file drawer hardware" per se. Instead, we use a simple 1/8" x 1/2" aluminum bar (available at any hardware store) mounted in vertical slots 1/4" in from each side. Of course, you'll have to engineer the width of the drawer for hanging files, but you already knew that. One thing to keep in mind is clearance on the top for those little identity flags that stick out. It's a simple, clean look that's easy to adjust / modify. I don't know if this will work for your application, but it sure beats the usually clunky hardware you'll find at Staples.
I make mine from the .125"x.75" flat steel (zinc plated). I also cut a notch in the ends so that the drawer sides capture them. Be sure to file off any burrs so the ladies don’t cut their fingers.
Like the other guy said, you need to do a lay out for the drawer width and depth for the "Pendaflex" sliding file folders. Ask your client if they want lateral or front to back action.
Either way these beat plastic runners and the brass and black clips make for a quality look that gets the clients attention. The same flat steel rod when rabbeted into the leading edge of very long door and drawer faces prior to veneering or lamination will drastically cut down on cupping and warping.