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The best filing cabinet depends on your available space, document volume and how frequently files need to be accessed. Vertical filing cabinets are a good choice where floor space is limited, while lateral filing cabinets provide wider drawers and can make larger filing systems easier to organise. For most commercial offices, look for lockable steel construction, full-extension runners and an anti-tilt mechanism for added durability and safety.
Capacity varies depending on the number and size of drawers, as well as the type of suspension files being used. Standard V-bottom suspension files typically accommodate around 15 mm of documents per file, while expanding files may hold 30–50 mm. Larger 3- and 4-drawer filing cabinets are therefore better suited to businesses with substantial paper records.
First, check the lock barrel for a key or lock code and identify the cabinet's brand or model. Replacement keys are available for many Australian filing cabinet brands and can often be cut using this code without replacing the entire lock. If a replacement key isn't available, contact the cabinet supplier or a locksmith about replacing the locking barrel rather than forcing the cabinet open.
A standard filing cabinet lock is useful for controlling everyday access to office documents, particularly when one central lock secures all drawers. However, it should generally be considered an access-control measure rather than high-security protection. For highly confidential or valuable records, consider cabinets with higher-security locking systems or purpose-built secure document storage.
Consider the cabinet size, number of drawers, file format, construction, locking system, drawer runners, load capacity and safety features. In Australian workplaces, it is also important to check whether the cabinet accepts A4 or foolscap suspension files, as many commercial filing cabinets are designed for foolscap files. For busy offices, features such as full-extension ball-bearing runners, central locking and an anti-tilt mechanism can improve accessibility, security and everyday usability.
