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
PROBLEM: The drawer will not shut all the way. It stops about 1”-2”
from closing
1. Be certain there are no papers or other stored materials that are getting caught in
the drawer.
2. Check the catch clips to see if either of them is bent. These are the “J” shaped clips
on the left and right sides of the front of the cabinet. (Visible when the drawers are
open.)
3. If the catch clip is bent, bend it back into place. The catch clip needs to fit into the
slot for it on the back of the drawer front.
4. If the drawers still will not fully close, contact your purchasing dealer.
PROBLEM: One side of the drawer will not release.
1. Check to see if the unit is level from front to back. See Leveling test at the
beginning of this document.
2. Check the catch clips to see if either of them is bent. These are the “J” shaped clips
on the left and right sides of the front of the cabinet. (Visible when the drawers are
open.)
3. If the catch clip is bent, bend it back into place. The catch clip needs to fit into the
slot for it on the back of the drawer front.
4. A bent lock bar could also cause the problem. If the lock bar is bent, bend it back
to the original position.
5. If the drawers still will not fully close, contact your purchasing dealer.
LOCKING- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM: Keys locked in the cabinet or lost.
Locking problems can sometimes occur in lateral files. To unlock a lateral file when you
do not have the keys:
1. Get two letter openers or putty knives.
2. Place them in the space between the drawer and the lateral case. (Just above the
lock bar tabs, about 2/3’s of the way down the face of the drawer.)
3. Using equal pressure push down on both sides forcing the lock bars down.
4. Have a second person pull the drawer open while you are still pushing down on the
lockbars. The drawer should open about halfway. You can then remove the keys
and unlock the file.
5. CAUTION!! Damage to the unit or locking system may occur using this method.
Use it only in the event of an emergency.
Created: 10/24/03 Lateral File- Troubleshooting Guide The HON Company
Rev 1.0 PAGE 2 OF 8 800.336.8398 / www.hon.com