Purchasing Resources for File Cabinets

File Cabinets Key Terms

Get organized with file cabinets key terms
By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor Beeline Editing Services Despite years of talk and wishful thinking around the "paperless office," there continues to be as much paper as ever -- which is great news for the file cabinet. Although they still primarily serve their original purpose of storing and organizing important papers, they have come a long way in terms of style, design and functionality. Today there are a number of options when it comes to file cabinets, and with those options come a handful of good-to-know terms.
 

Vertical file

A vertical file is what most people would think of as the traditional file cabinet. They typically have two to five drawers, hold files from front to back and take up very little wall space.
Try: Take a look at the brief description of vertical files at Ergo in Demand, and see how they compare to lateral files.

Lateral file

A lateral file is wider than a vertical file and is designed for files to be stored either front to back or side-by-side. Lateral files generally hold about 30% more files than a standard vertical file.
Try: Learn exactly what a lateral file is and get help deciding whether lateral is the method that will best meet your filing needs at Wise Geek.

Side tab

Side tab file cabinets are used primarily in situations where quick and convenient access is key, such as in the healthcare industry. They are a great way to store files that are used on a daily basis.
Try: Read the educational and informative article on side tab file cabinets at Filing Cabinetz.

Roll files

Roll files are designed to be used with files that are rolled up or stored in tubes. They are available in both horizontal and vertical formats and typically have casters for mobility.
Try: An explanatory article at Just Filing Cabinets sheds an educational light on roll files, complete with pictures.

Counterweighted drawers

Counterweighted drawers and internal locking mechanisms are safety features in many mid- to high-priced file cabinets. These features prevent the file cabinet from tipping over if the user attempts to open too many drawers at one time.
Try: Entrepreneur.com offers a detailed guide to choosing and using file cabinets, which includes the importance of safety features such as counterweighted drawers.

Fire resistant

Fire resistant file cabinets protect documents with their ability to maintain an inside temperature of less than 350 degrees for an hour, even in a 1700-degree fire.
Try: Read up on fire resistant file cabinets at Rapid Alarm, which explains that no file cabinet is 100% fireproof.