Casters on a Lateral File??

[foamer01]

Would like to hear opinions and thoughts on putting casters on a 5 drawer lateral file. They are steelcase brand and have what feels like a lot of counter balance weight. If I put my heavy stuff in the bottom and work my way up, would you think I am asking for problems by putting casters on these units? I would hate to have these files tip over. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[Journaler]

I just bought a file cabinet to store tools/junk as well, so I'm curious to see what others have to say about this.

 

[Rated ///M]

Shouldn't be much of a problem if you keep your heaviest stuff at the bottom. I would weld up a cradle for the bottom rather than attaching the casters directly to the cabinet. Then you can just pick the cabinet up and set it in a angle iron cradle.

When you're done with the cabinet, the cradle is still useable too!

 

[Steevo]

There is someone here on GJ that has a wall of them, sitting on cheap HF moving dollies like these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

 

[CHADD]

I have similar thing going on. Im using 36" wide 5 drawer file cabinets to store tools.

still organizing with them.

Making an angle frame around the bottom. Or a wood frame. Then mounting casters or self leveling feet.

They hold all my powertools, cordelss and corded. Even the kits in storage boxes.

Jacks on bottom

I have a drawer for spare tools

But, mainly looking at a frame with 3" casters.

 

[Journaler]

CHADD, without the casters, do you have a problem with condensation? My setup is identical to yours, and with all the rain we've been getting, I noticed some droplets of moisture forming on the bottom drawer.

 

[CHADD]

Not currently. Mine are kept in the basement right now. No garage. But I am worried about that come this summer when i have a garage. Need everything off the floor for easy access of cleaning. So, if i dont do casters. At least going to do adjustable feet. Just some washers welded to some bolts.

 

[tornadocaster]

The cradle is the best idea because you can move the caster further outboard. But there are usually 4 levelling feet built in with a 1/4" thread that you can use.
If you can widen the casters like this ikea cabinet in my office, it reduces the chance of tipping.

The reason is if you place the caster directly under something narrow like a file cabinet, when the swivel caster is "leading" under the cabinet the center of support now is a few inches inboard which makes it more tippy than normal.

Also use the biggest wheel you can so it reduces the chance of a cabinet "tripping" over even the smallest obstacle like a screw or crack.
Cheers
Gio

 

[Journaler]

Yeah, may have to dig around for some long-ish scrap angle.

 

[DieselDent]

I have a 3 drawer with casters on it for my welding set up. I keep the scrap steel in the bottom, tools in the middle and in the top gloves, helmats and leathers. The 110v welder and plasma are on top and I made a rack on the back for the tank and long pieces of scrap. Rolls around great and has never attempted to tip because of the weight in the bottom and the rear.

 

[LutzTD]

I would be worried about what happens when you have the swivel caster pointed in and opening a heavy drawer, seems like a tip hazard to me.

 

[RedVise]

I am using a short lateral file bolted a piece of plywood to the bottom before attaching castors. I would think those tall file cabinets will flex a lot more than tool box when being moved, but once in place should be OK.

Brian L.

 

[CHADD]

I know mine flexes a lot. unleveled floors wont allow the drawer to open correctly. no matter how much weight is in them.

 

[kbs2244]

I second the HF moving dolly idea.
They are cheaper than the casters alone.
If you use two with a spreader bridging them you will spread out the inevitable overweight you are going to put in the cabinets.
They are well built, but were engineered for being full of paper not steel.

 

[CHADD]

I thought about using the HF dolly's before. But would need some type of lock to make them not roll. The floor I have my cabinets on, are not level. They slope for drainage in a basement.

 

[CHADD]

I have a $7.99 coupon for these.

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

Then connect 2 of them together with 2x 1x4's.

 

[CHADD]

I have a $7.99 coupon for these.

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

Then connect 2 of them together with 2x 1x4's.

also would need to make them slightly deeper. to prevent it from wanting to tip.