Lateral File Instructions
Table Of Contents
- There are three areas to look at first when solving problems with lateral files. Those areas are Leveling, Locking, and Loading. About 95% of all lateral file issues are related to leveling. We will cover some of the most common issues that occur with th
- LEVELING- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- LOCKING- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- LOADING- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- DRAWER REMOVAL
Lateral Troubleshooting Guide
QUESTIONS & ANSWER
S
Files & Storage
There are three areas to look at first when solving problems with lateral files. Those areas are
Leveling, Locking, and Loading. About 95% of all lateral file issues are related to leveling. We
will cover some of the most common issues that occur with these files.
LEVELING- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Most people think of leveling as making something completely even or straight. That is
not quite true when it comes to leveling a lateral file. In “Lateral Lingo” Leveling is being
sure the unit is even from left to right. However the unit, when properly installed, is ¼” to
1/8” higher in the front than in the back. Some issues to consider when installing the unit:
Is the unit being installed on carpet? Old or new?
Is the unit being installed on tile?
Is the floor level?
How was the lateral file loaded?
Leveling Test
A good test to see if your lateral file is leveled properly (“leveled” from front to
back) is to place a round pen or pencil on the top front edge of the file. It the pen
rolls to the back, the unit is installed correctly. If it stays in place or rolls off the
front edge, the unit is not leveled correctly from front to back. The first solution to
try is leveling the unit from front to back. Follow the leveling instructions included
at the end of this document.
PROBLEM: Drawer sticks about two-thirds of the way open.
1. Check to see if the unit is level from front to back. See Leveling test at the
beginning of this document.
2. Be certain that all the drawers are completely closed.
3. It is possible that the interlock mechanism has ridden up the interlock ramp and is
catching on the drawer slide. Close all drawers and be sure the unit is leveled.
4. Be certain there are no papers or other stored materials that are getting caught in
the drawer.
5. If the drawers still will not fully close, contact your purchasing dealer.
PROBLEM: Drawers do not align
1. Check to see if the unit is level from front to back. See Leveling test at the
beginning of this document.
2. If the drawers still do not align, contact your purchasing dealer.
Created: 10/24/03 Lateral File- Troubleshooting Guide The HON Company
Rev 1.0 PAGE 1 OF 8 800.336.8398 / www.hon.com