Removing a filing cabinet handle typically involves accessing and unscrewing the fasteners that hold it in place, often from the inside of the cabinet drawer.
To remove a filing cabinet handle, you generally need to access the back of the handle mechanism, usually from the inside of the drawer. The handle is secured by screws or other fasteners that attach an inside plate or mechanism to the handle on the outside.
Steps to Remove Filing Cabinet Handles
Based on common methods and the provided reference, the process often involves the following steps:
- Locate the Fasteners: Open the filing cabinet drawer and look on the inside face of the drawer front, behind where the handle is located on the outside. You should find screws or other hardware holding the handle assembly.
- Unscrew the Screws: According to the reference, you will want to unscrew the screws that attach the inside faceplate to the handle on the outside. These screws are the primary fasteners holding the handle in place.
- Use a screwdriver that fits the type of screw heads (e.g., Phillips, flathead).
- Hold the outside handle steady while unscrewing if necessary.
- Remove the Outside Handle: Unscrewing the screws from the inside faceplate will allow the handle on the outside to be removed. Once the screws are out, the handle should detach easily from the drawer front. Removing the handle will likely expose the file card and button mechanism on the inside.
- Address File Card Holder/Mechanism (if applicable): After the handle is removed, you may need to further disassemble parts of the mechanism, such as a file card holder. The reference notes that you can use your pliers to straighten the tabs of the file card holder and it will come out easily.
By following these steps, focusing on the fasteners accessible from the inside of the drawer, you can effectively remove the filing cabinet handle. Always ensure you have the correct tools, such as the right screwdriver and pliers, for the job.
