How to assemble a mobile pedestal

• Allen key (supplied)
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Rubber mallet

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Carcass sides, top and base
• Back panel
• Two or three drawer boxes with runners
• Four castors, two with brakes
• Lock barrel and key, if fitted

1. 1

   Step 1: Build the carcass upside down: fit the base between the sides with dowels and cams, then the top.

2. 2

   Step 2: Nail or screw the back panel on once the carcass is square; it keeps the drawers running true.

3. 3

   Step 3: While the carcass is still upside down, screw a castor into each corner of the base, with the braked castors at the front.

4. 4

   Step 4: Turn it upright and screw the cabinet-side runners into the marked holes, matching each pair to its drawer height.

5. 5

   Step 5: Build each drawer box, including the heavier bottom file drawer if there is one, and fit the drawer-side runners.

6. 6

   Step 6: Fit the lock barrel and the locking rod if your pedestal has one, following the manual's order for the rod and the drawer clips.

7. 7

   Step 7: Slide the drawers in from the top down, then test the lock and that only one drawer can open at a time.

• Putting the file drawer runners at the wrong height, so hanging files hit the drawer above.
• Fitting the lock rod after the drawers, which usually means taking them out again.
• Leaving the front castors unlocked, so the pedestal rolls when you open a drawer.