Converting from hanging folers to manila folders

[apastuszak]

I have a file cabinet, front opening, that doesn’t have the slider in the back to allow me to use regular manila folders instead of hanging folders. I tossed the hanging folders out and started to reorganize, and I liked it MUCH BETTER without the hanging folders. David was definitely on the ball when it came to storing reference material in cabinets.

Problem is, I can’t keep the folders up. So, I went out and bought some Smead FasTab hanging folders. They have a tab built in. I like the FasTab way better than the Pendaflex cr*p. But I still prefer just plain manila folders.

Does anyone know of a conversion kit that can turn a hanging folder drawer into a manila folder drawer? I know they make plenty of kits to go the other way around…

Andy

[Brent]

Ah-ha! Yes, I had this problem.

Big question: Are the drawers of your filing cabinet flat?

If so, buy these magnetized metal dividers: http://www.organize-it-online.com/it...?cmpid=Froogle

If not, you'll have to buy new filing cabinets, unfortunately.

[apastuszak]

They're made of wood, so I don't think that will work for me. Damn good idea for a metal file cabinet, though....

I was actually at staples and looking at file cabinets and none of them had the slider in the back. They're all set up for hanging folders...

Andy

[dragynox]

I placed a simple bookend in my drawer.

[Brent]

Ah! Sorry, didn't realize your cabinets were made of wood.

Then, yes, the alternative is to stack up large books or empty boxes in the back or front. I've done this before, and it worked, though the drawers were much heavier and thus harder to operate.

[mikeobrien58]

Maybe in 2008 this is no longer necessary to say, but:

Keep magnets away from your computer's hard drive and any other magnetic media (floppies, zip drives, tapes, etc.) because magnets will erase them.

I personally would not have that magnetic file-divider anywhere near my workarea. Losing your primary hard-disk is a miserable, miserable experience... especially if you're one of the 99% of computer users who do not back-up regularly...

[sdhill]

If so, buy these magnetized metal dividers: http://www.organize-it-online.com/it...?cmpid=Froogle

Brent - thank you, thank you! Have been looking for something like this for a long time. Now to see if I can get them sent over the big blue Pacific....

Cheers

[apastuszak]

Well, I don't like any of the solutions proffered other than the magnetic one, which, sadly, is not an option in a wood desk and file cabinet.

So, I am going to stay with the Smead FasTabs.

If anyone is interested in them, here is a link to the product:

http://www.smead.com/Director.asp?NodeID=889

In general, I am finding I like Smead products better. They make a file folder with a very large tab on the end, called SuperTab. Very nice overall.

The FasTabs were on sale at Office Depot last week, buy 2 boxes get one free, so I now own 6 boxes. Too much of an investment to abandon now...

Andy

[kewms]

Maybe in 2008 this is no longer necessary to say, but:

Keep magnets away from your computer's hard drive and any other magnetic media (floppies, zip drives, tapes, etc.) because magnets will erase them.

An excellent reminder!

Magnets are fine around CDs and DVDs, so it's easy to forget that good old magnetic hard disks are still with us.

I don't know off the top of my head whether magnets will blank solid state drives (such as found in the MacBook Air, iPhone, etc.), but I'd be careful around such devices as well.

Katherine

[Sequoia2]

I too am looking for a good solution for a wood cabinet. I like the idea of the magnetic book ends. It would be pretty easy to put a piece of sheet metal in the bottom of the drawer that the book end can attach to. It could be glued or double back taped to the bottom of the drawer so that it does not move when you try to move the bookend. The metal plate should be easy to find at a home improvement store. It could even be strips of thinner bars set side by side. I am going to give this a try with the metal bookends I am using now. I think I can find some self-adhesive backed magnetic sheets that will stick to the bottom of them. As long as the surface area is big enough it should be strong enough.
Thanks for the spark of a potential solution for me.

Chuck