HON Product FAQ

Use our frequently asked questions to resolve any issues or answer any questions you have about your HON products. If you need additional support, please contact us today.

Storage & Files

How do I replace a thumb button that has come loose or is missing from a filing cabinet?

•    The thumb button is a replaceable part, and is quite simple to replace. Three small parts will need to be replaced: the thumb button, the latch bar and the spring.

•    Refer to replacement instruction sheet for details on replacement. Please locate the serial number on the sticker on the exterior, right side of the upper most drawer and contact the purchasing dealer.

If the thumb button has fallen off, how can I access the drawer?

•    First, insert a stiff card (driver’s license, charge card) in the left side of the cabinet, between the case and the drawer. The card should be inserted approximately parallel to the location of the thumb button.

•    Push in on the card to disengage the latch bar. The drawer can then be opened.

•    Another option is to remove the drawer directly above the locked drawer, remove the drawer back, and disengage the lock.

Are there any additional hangrails available for 210, 470, 350, 310, H320 and 510 series filing cabinets?
No, these series of filing cabinets come standard with high-sided drawers that hold the hanging folders without the use of hangrails.
Are there any additional hangrails available for 250, 530, and 500 series filing cabinets?
Yes, hangrails need to be purchased separately to use hanging folders. Please review the following to determine which series of hangrails you will need to purchase:

 • File Series 250: Hangrail Model A28, 4-pack of Two Step Hangrails (enough for 4 drawers)

 • File Series 530: Hangrail Model A25, 4-pack of Two Step Hangrails (enough for 4 drawers)

 • File Series 500: Hangrail Model A25, 4-pack of Two Step Hangrails (enough for 4 drawers)

What can I do if the lock on my vertical file spins or does not work?
The lock is made up of three pieces: the lock core/cam, the lock link, and the lock clip.

•    If the lock spins, the lock clip may be loose or missing. This piece can easily be replaced.

•    If the lock does not work, the lock link may be missing or loose. This can be reinstalled or replaced. Or the lock core may not be functioning. Again, this part is easily replaceable.

•    To resolve either of these issues, please refer to F24 instructions or locate the serial number on the sticker on the exterior, right side of the upper most drawer and contact the purchasing dealer.

PDF Instructions Here
How can I replace the key to my vertical file if I’ve lost it?
Please contact HON Parts Customer Support at (800) 336-8398 for assistance in ordering HON filing cabinet replacement keys and parts.
I have many HON vertical and lateral files in my office and would like them to use the same key. Can this be done?
Yes, since January 1997 all of our vertical files come standard with a core removable lock system. You can order keyed alike replacement lock cores from your HON dealer. If your cabinet was made prior to January 1997, contact Customer Support to determine if your cabinet can be retrofitted with a replaceable lock.

Refer to the following if you have a variety of HON furniture in your office you would like keyed alike:
•    Laminate Casegoods (1997-present): F23B Lock Kit (Black Face Lock)

•    Lateral Files (1997-present): F23C Lock Kit

•    Vertical Files (1997-present): F24 Lock Kit

•    Steel Desks (1997-present): F23C Lock Kit (Chrome Face Lock)

•    Veneer Casegoods (1997-present): F23B Lock Kit (Black Face Lock)

•    If you are unsure about what you need to order, please locate the serial number on the sticker on the exterior right side of the upper most drawer, and contact your purchasing dealer or HON Customer Support at (800) 336-8398.

I am interested in converting my lateral files to HON vertical files. What is the difference in storage space between each series?
Please refer to the Lateral-to-Vertical Table to compare filing inches relative to lateral files and vertical files.
What should I do if the drawer on my HON lateral file will not properly open all the way?
Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer. PDF Instructions Here
Who do I contact if I’ve lost the key to my HON lateral file and need to get in the cabinet?

•    Please contact HON Parts Customer Support at 800-336-8398 for assistance in ordering replacement keys and parts.

•    Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer.

PDF Instructions Here
What should I do if the lock on my HON file cabinet spins when I turn the key, or if it makes a grinding noise when I open it?
Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer. PDF Instructions Here
I need to remove/install a drawer on my HON lateral file so that I can relocate it. Where should I start?
Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer. PDF Instructions Here
What is the proper way to level my HON file cabinet?
Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer. PDF Instructions Here
What are the follower blocks for and how are they installed in the drawer?
The follower block is used to keep hanging files from shifting in the drawer when the drawer is not full. It slides along the track in the drawer keeping the files from sliding to the back of the drawer. Please refer to the Installation Instructions. PDF Instructions Here
The drawer on my HON lateral file doesn’t seem aligned and it won’t close all the way. How do I fix it?
Please download the Lateral File Troubleshooting Guide. Most common issues are addressed in this guide. If you have further questions, please contact your purchasing dealer.