-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Broken map drawers]]] Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 15:55:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]> To: Johnnie D. Sutherland <[log in to unmask]> References: <[log in to unmask]> Dear Colleagues: I want to thank all who have corresponded on this thread, as its timeliness is so uncanny as to be miraculous! I just acquired several new cases for my topograhpic maps and some other important groups. While I have had several of the traditional five-drawer unit cases housing portions of the collection, the primary maps have been housed in vertical 'plan-files', now of hated memory. But acquiring new cases has shown me a couple of things that might be useful when repairs are needed. One of these is that the rollers that run on the tracks seem no longer to require lubrication. The wheel itself has a nylon tread (a tire?), and I cannot see that there is any place for the wheel axle to take grease. This can be handy when it is necessary to remove the drawer or to replace it on the track, as with old ones one can often get hands greased. Another thing I have noticed is that it seems the guage of steel they are made of is a bit lighter than formerly. The carcase can be bent surprisingly easily. The frame above the top drawer of a unit can sometimes be bowed by a centimeter or less, just enough too make the drawer stick if it is closed all the way. Some of the backs or tops can be bowed, too, not enough to affect drawer operation, but enough that it mars the look. On the positive side, the metal flaps that keep map edges down at the front are easier to install than on older cases. Ken ___________________________ Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]> Maps Librarian Phone: 513-529-1726 Miami University Libraries Oxford, Ohio 45056 USA