|
File Cabinets
File cabinets are found in homes, offices,
and anywhere documents need to be stored
and an orderly manner. To decide on the best
file cabinet for your needs, you should take
into account the type of documents you will
be filing, your decor, and, of course, your
budget.
File cabinets come in two basic styles: the
traditional vertical cabinet and the lateral
(horizontal drawer) cabinet. A lateral file
cabinet is simply a vertical cabinet with
the drawer rotated 90 degrees, which allows
you easy access to files that would otherwise
be in the back of the drawer; however, this
configuration takes up more wall space than
a traditional vertical file.The other variations
are in the number of drawers (generally two
or four) and in the file width (legal and
letter-sized dimensions), although many cabinets
are designed to accommodate legal sized documents
by hanging them rotated 90 degrees; hence
many lateral files can actually be used as
shallow traditional legal sized file cabinets.
For such things as personnel files, financial
papers, wills, and other such important documents,
a "fireproof" file cabinet is the
best choice. These expensive cabinets are
lined with insulation and can withstand the
heat of fire and protect against water damage.
Look for UL Class 350 rating on the cabinet.
This means it can withstand heat of 1700
degrees for approximately one hour (hence,
they are really "fire resistant"
and not "fireproof"). Fireproof
file cabinets are quite heavy and can be
difficult to move.
Most file cabinets are made of metal. A reinforced
base and double-walled sides make for a sturdy
file cabinet that will hold up for many years.
Look for cabinets with sturdy drawer rolling
mechanisms to support the weight of a full
drawer.
Extras to consider:
- Many cabinets are also available with locks
for keeping important papers safe.
- If the cabinet is not going to be fastened
to the wall, look for an anti-tipping drawer
locking system that allows only one drawer
to be opened at a time.
-
For the executive office, file
cabinets also
come in wood to match the office
decor. These
cabinets are not as durable as
the steel
cabinets generally used in offices
and are
not recommended for high volume
use.
-
There are also small file cabinets
available
on wheels if file mobility
is important.
|
|
|
