You can build a metal storage cabinet at home with an old filing cabinet to use as the base and skeleton. It does require some skill, and a bit of creativity but it is still feasible.

Glass Shelf Hardware

Tools and Materials Needed
You will of course need some goggles and gloves to ensure your safety. If you don't have any old filing cabinets you should be able to find some at a local thrift shop such as Goodwill, Salvation Army or any store that sells used office furniture. When picking out old filing cabinets to use, be sure they are in fairly good condition, rust and dent free. You will also need pre-cut sheet metal that will be used for shelves and cubby holes, and a welder to attach your shelves to the interior of your metal storage cabinet.

Glass Shelf Hardware

Step 1 - Design and Purpose
Decide how many filing cabinets you will need and for what purposes and then remove the drawers. Your new metal storage cabinets can meet a variety of your needs whether they are for storage, or for creating a new desk or work bench by laying some wood or metal onto the top of your filing cabinets.

Step 2 - Interior Shelves and Cubbyholes
With a little instruction in welding you can easily create some cubbyholes and shelves for your new metal storage cabinets. You will need some pre-cut sheet metal that is slightly larger than what you need with the edges folded to 90 degrees so they can be attached by spot welding them to the interior.

Once the shelves are secure, take another piece of sheet metal and attach it vertically to divide the shelves into storage cubby holes. With a little patience make sure your lines are accurate to ensure all shelves and cubbyholes are level.

Step 3 - Creating Cabinet Doors
Depending upon what will be stored inside your new metal storage cabinet, you might need to create some doors. These doors will help you keep curious children away from dangerous items or chemicals, as well as help you keep your items more organized.

If you would like to be able to see what is inside at a glance, using a pane of glass with a metal frame you can attach hinges for a door. An easier way of doing this, is to find a door that will fit your cabinet at a local hardware store. Easier yet if you do not need the glass, is to take another pieced of sheet metal with the edges and corners well sanded attach some hinges and voila! You have a door that opens and closes easily. If you are using your new metal storage cabinet to safely guard your expensive tools, with a bit more work, you can attach a padlock to it.

That's all there is to it, its actually quite simple and inexpensive.

Build Your Own Metal Storage Cabinet at Home

Glass Shelf Hardware