Lever arch files: Stopping them from 'deforming' at open end

[MM]

When I place lever arch files on the shelves and they each contain only a few sheets, they don't sit square on the shelf because the 'open' end (facing towards the wall) is pushed together by adjacent files.

If I had small wood blocks to insert which were exactly the internal width of the file, e.g. 42mm, this block would keep the 'open' end apart and the file would then be like a box and would thus sit nicely square on the shelf. The wood blocks, say 42mm x 30mm x 30mm, would be fixed on one side only, either glued or screwed.

Now, before I start making such blocks I'd like to know whether anyone has seen a commercial solution already? To save reinventing the wheel, like.

If it is not clear what I mean, I'll post a drawing tomorrow.

MM

[newshound]

I recognise the problem, I like your solution as being in the true spirit of DIY.

You used to be able to get "sleeves" which are designed to take a single lever arch file, that's another solution which I have in my filing system. Not sure if they are still readily available though. Couldn't immediately spot them on eBay.

The "sleeves" are also useful (open end upwards) for filing a couple of inches of reprints / reports etc on shelves, if you have too many for a standard manilla folder.

There is also these

I have a couple of them in my system too.

[Clive George]

If you were to do that, it would also mean you could store the files flat, and thus avoid the other problem of the paper sagging within the file.

[Dan S. MacAbre]

Since this is DIY, go with the home-made blocks :-)

[Fredxxx]

Lever Arch Box File?

[The Natural Philosopher]

Its called a 'box' file

[MM]

I also have proper box files, but I have circa 20 ordinary lever arch files -- wide ones and narrow ones -- so to replace them all with box files would cost, ooh, fifty quid? Nah! Little blocks is what I need. For free with my trusty saw and some offcuts.

MM

[MM]

Looks like I'm going to have to brave the cold, then! My garage/workshop is unheated and I usually do this kind of thing in the spring and summer.

MM

[MM]

Sure, but I have approx 20 of these files (I've already done a spring clean and reduced the number from about 50). To replace the 20 with box files would cost around 50 quid if I bought them from Wilko.

MM

[MM]

Nope. A box file is what you buy. I already have box files. I have some of them as well. But I'm not about to replace 20 *lever arch files* with box files! It'd cost at least fify quid. Plus, box files are too wide and take up too much shelf space. Most of my lever arch files are only 42mm thick.

MM

[spuorgelgoog]

An alternative to altering the files would be to put blocks on the shelf for the file edges to slide between, or replace or cover the shelf with a new shelf that had grooves routed in it.

Owain

[Robin]

JOOI, what spec are your files? With all the lever arch files I have (admittedly mainly 70mm) such blocks would not leave enough room for A4 paper (with the paper punched conventionally).

[Dan S. MacAbre]

Last year, I read Zamoyski's account of the defeated French trudging home from Moscow in the Winter of 1812 in their tattered uniforms (some even in women's dresses) and often no shoes. Most of them died. I'll never complain about the cold again :-)

[MM]

Yes, and that was REAL cold, no doubt. This morning the temperature in my kitchen was 16.3 degrees. Maybe I'll have to switch the heating on, whaddya think?

MM

[MM]

Yes, a possibility that I had actually considered a while ago, but that would mean that if you scrapped a file, the blocks would still be present.

Someone earlier mentioned sleeves, and I'm starting to think they would be best. Effectively, turning each and every lever arch file into a box file, but still retaining the handiness of lever arch files.

However, a lot more work than just making tiny wood blocks. If I choose the right stock I can just saw off 20 or so in a matter of minutes, like chopping spring onions.

MM

[Bob Eager]

I'm using quadrant shaped booksleves of the corner of the desk. They work nicely!

[MM]

That is actually a very good point, but I have checked a few files and there is room enough for a small block in most of them. It depends whether one files plain A4 sheets or A4 in plastic punched pockets. I have a mix of both.

MM

[Dan S. MacAbre]

I just switch it off in April, on in October, and then let the thermostat keep it at very approximate 20 degrees. I would be inclined to have it on less than that, because I don't really notice temperature, but the Italian missus complains a lot when she feels cold :-) I always imagined we'd retire to Italy, since she is still Italian national, but that might not be an option in the future. We may actually have to get married!

[Andrew]

Use box files which have an internal spring flap to hold the contents.

[MM]

Then I'd have to buy or make dividers to keep the categories separate. I used to do that, but found it a hassle. Much easy to have a dedicated file for "car insurance", another for "council tax", another for "HMRC" and so on.

MM