How to Release File Cabinet Drawers

File cabinet drawer use side-mount runners with built-in safety locks to stop the drawer from falling out of the cabinet. This type of runner allows the drawer to extend completely out of the cabinet to allow easy access to files in the back of the drawer. Side-mount runners are capable of handling more weight than typical bottom-mount runners that you find on kitchen cabinets, thus safety locks are important. You don't need tools to release file cabinet doors from the cabinet. Do it with your fingers.

  1. Pull the drawer out of the cabinet until it stops.

  2. Place both hands on both sides of the drawer at the back where sides of the drawer runners connect to the sides of the cabinet. Look for a small horizontal lever on both sides where the two runners connect with each other. The lever should have two oval shaped tabs on the end of it. One oval-shaped tab will be near your body. The other oval-shaped tab will be nearest the cabinet.

  3. Push down on the oval-shaped tab near your body. Do both sides.

  4. Hold the tabs down with your fingers. Pull the drawer toward your body 3/4 inch. You should hear a small click as the drawer runners disengage from the cabinet runners on both sides.

  5. Grasp the drawer firmly with both hands. Be ready to support the weight. Pull the drawer out of the cabinet.

  6. Push the tab on the back, nearest the cabinet, to reinstall the drawer.

  7. Tip

    This procedure works on most side-mount runners used on kitchen cabinets the same way. If the drawer is heavily loaded, use an assistant to hold the drawer while you release the locks.


    If the drawer tips sideways, it means that one lock has not disengaged. Push the tab to release it, and remove the drawer. Most side-mount runners use the oval-shaped tabs. Others may have small rectangular tabs on the runners.