Hi I am archivist assistant - we are currently reorganizing our archive. Many of our file drawers are over ten years old and they painfully squeak whenever they are opened. I would use WD 40 but since the posters are stored in these cabinets I think the chemicals would damage the paper. I was told to use flour or vegetable oil. Do you have any suggestions?
I could not find any official sources to verify the following suggestions on how to eliminate the cabinet squeak without damaging your posters, so the following is suggestion only. All suggestions come from colleagues who work with/have knowledge of archival materials (thanks to Elizabeth, Tina, Simeon, David and Da).
First examine why the drawers are squeaking. If they are made of wood humidity may be causing them to expand and squeak. In this case an air conditioner can control humidity in the room and will eliminate squeak. If the drawers are steel examine the bolts that hold the drawers together - they may simply need to be tightened or cleaned and refastened.
You may also try the follow products to eliminate "squeak-age":
1) use beeswax or candlewax
2) crushed graphite
3) vaseline or baby oil (not vegetable oil)
4) A metal cleaner/lubricant purchased from an specialised supply company
If anyone has a source to back up these suggestions or wants to add their own suggestion post a comment to this answer.