Building A Drawer with Bars For Hanging File Folders

I’m still making slow progress on my new office.  I finally finished building the two cabinets with hanging file folder drawers that will hold up the two ends of the future countertop.  The drawers are 24″ deep with full extension glides so one could store a LOT of folders if they needed.

How to build a hanging file folder drawer

You can build a new drawer or use an existing drawer if it’s the right size.  If building a new drawer, you can follow my simple drawer tutorial but adjust the size to accommodate the files.   I built my drawer 14″ wide by 10″ deep.  When planning your cabinet, make sure to leave 1″ clearance above the top of the file drawer so the hanging file tabs will clear the faceframe or drawer above the files.

I purchased the metal bars at Home Depot.  They’re about 1/8″ thick and 3/4″ tall and came in 3′ lengths.

I marked the top of the drawer box where the center of the bar needed to sit.  The bars will sit 12 1/4″ apart.

 

I set up my table saw so the blade would cut about 1/2″ deep (I wanted the bar to sit a bit higher than my drawer) and adjusted the fence so the blade lined up with my mark.

Then I ran my drawer box all the way through so it cut a slit in the front and back parts of the drawer.  Flipped it around and cut slits in the other side.  Obviously the drawer box is sitting on the table upside down –so the slits are being cut into the top of the drawer.

Check to make sure your bar fits in your cut.

Cut the bar to length with a hacksaw and then rub it on sandpaper to smooth it out so there aren’t any sharp edges.

You may have to glue or nail a block on the back of the drawer to keep the bar from sliding back.  The drawer front will hold it in place in the front.  My bars are tight (I used a rubber mallet to ease them in so I don’t think there will be any movement but if your bar is slightly thinner or cut is wider you may need a block).

 

Just for fun, I wanted to paint my bars with a bright color.  I cut slits in some scrap wood to hold the bars upright while I sprayed them.

Wes thought the bright yellow bars were odd but I like ’em.  He can sand the paint off of his if he wants to bring them back to plain ole’ metal.  😉

If you liked this post, you might find other helpful posts in my “Cabinet Making Tips” gallery.