How could I add a shelf to this filing cabinet?

Whitney
by Whitney
Hello!
I was wondering if anyone has ever added a shelf to a filing cabinet or could give me some insight on how to. This is my brother's project and he wants to add a shelf where the top drawer is and keep the bottom drawer. Any info is appreciated!
Thanks for reading!
  4 answers
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Oct 20, 2016
    A lot will depend on location of drawer slide and if he wants a permanent shelf or one that slides out. You should see a small roller either on the inside track or the drawer. It may be possible to remove that part of the drawer and attach it to a new piece of wood. Need to match the size of that slide to thickness of new shelf. Check with local hardware and may be able to find a replacement slide to attach to the shelf. Ends up being like the "drawer" you see on some computer stands where keyboard goes. Add a piece across back and sides to keep stuff from falling off or getting into slide and messing it up; just a small lip should be enough.
  • RichandTammy Whiteside RichandTammy Whiteside on Oct 21, 2016
    If this is the type of filing cabinet that I believe it to be by looking at the handles then you should be able pry the front of the drawer off with a heavy duty screwdriver or something similar. Affix a piece of wood to the top and them to the front of that drawer (it's like 2-3" high). Not only will he have a shelf but it will be a shelf that you can slide out! You can also just affix a piece of wood to the front of the drawer and then you'll have not just a shelf but a shelf that things won't fall out of. You will probably need to paint the inside of the cabinet to match either the remaining drawer or the frame color. Warning: These cabinets tip very easily with the top drawer open. If you don't want the drawer to slide, hit the slide with a bit of construction adhesive or screw through an existing whole in the slide mechanism to hold it in place before you put the wood on the front of the cabinet. Now that we're talking about this, I'm half tempted to try this myself, lol. Good luck!
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Oct 21, 2016
    RichandTammy's reply is simpler than mine and easier to do too. I was rebuilding rather than adjusting. If tipping over is a problem you could add an L bracket to top rear and attach it to wall or remove drawer and drill through back to place a screw. Either way it would have to go through to the wall stud.
  • Whitney Whitney on Oct 21, 2016
    Thank you both! I'll let him read your suggestions and let him decided! I think he wants to add a hidden compartment so we may have to improvise your suggestions but this is definitely a great start!
    • See 1 previous
    • Whitney Whitney on Oct 21, 2016
      Lol yes very James Bondish! I will definitely have him do this! Thank you.