What is the cost of replacing the glides in a lateral 4 drawer filing cabinet?
Jun 13, 2025
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Hey there! As a supplier of Lateral 4 Drawer Filing Cabinets, I've gotten a ton of questions about the cost of replacing the glides in these cabinets. So, I thought I'd break it down for you in this blog post.
First off, let's talk about why you might need to replace the glides in the first place. Over time, the glides in a lateral 4 drawer filing cabinet can wear out due to regular use. You might notice that the drawers are starting to stick, are harder to open and close, or are making strange noises. These are all signs that the glides are on their way out and need to be replaced.
Now, the cost of replacing the glides can vary quite a bit depending on a few different factors. The type of glides you choose is a big one. There are different quality levels and materials available, and each comes with its own price tag.


Basic plastic glides are usually the cheapest option. They're easy to find and relatively simple to install. You can pick up a set of plastic glides for a lateral 4 drawer filing cabinet for around $10 - $30. However, they might not be as durable as other options. If you use your filing cabinet a lot, they could wear out faster and you might end up having to replace them again sooner.
On the other hand, metal glides, especially those made of high - quality steel, are more expensive but also more durable. A set of steel glides can cost anywhere from $50 - $150. These glides can handle more weight and are less likely to break or wear down quickly. They're a great option if you have heavy files in your cabinet or if you expect to use the cabinet for a long time.
Another factor that affects the cost is whether you install the glides yourself or hire someone to do it for you. If you're handy with tools and have some DIY experience, you can probably install the glides on your own. You'll just need to buy the glides and maybe a few basic tools like a screwdriver. This can save you a lot of money, as you won't have to pay for labor.
But if you're not comfortable with DIY projects, hiring a professional can be a good idea. The cost of labor for installing the glides can vary depending on where you live and the complexity of the job. On average, you might pay around $50 - $100 per hour for a handyman or a furniture repair person. The installation for a lateral 4 drawer filing cabinet might take a couple of hours, so you could be looking at an additional $100 - $200 in labor costs.
Let's say you go for the mid - range option of steel glides and decide to hire someone to install them. You're looking at a total cost of around $200 - $350. That includes the cost of the glides and the labor.
Now, I know all this talk about costs might make you wonder if it's worth it to replace the glides. In most cases, it definitely is. A lateral 4 drawer filing cabinet is a big investment, and replacing the glides can extend its lifespan significantly. Instead of having to buy a brand - new cabinet, which can cost several hundred dollars or more, spending a couple of hundred dollars on glide replacement can keep your existing cabinet in good working order.
If you're in the market for a new filing cabinet, we've got some great options. Check out our Steel Lateral Filing Cabinet, which is built to last and comes with high - quality glides. We also have a Lateral 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet for those who need less storage space, and a Vertical 3 Drawer Filing Cabinet for a different style.
Whether you're looking to replace the glides in your current cabinet or buy a new one, we're here to help. Our team has years of experience in the filing cabinet business and can answer any questions you have. If you're interested in learning more about our products or getting a quote for glide replacement, just reach out to us. We'd love to have a chat and help you find the best solution for your filing needs.
References:
- General knowledge from years of experience in the filing cabinet industry.
- Market research on prices of filing cabinet glides and installation services.
