Magnetic Stops or Barriers to Organize Metal Drawers

When partially filled drawers containing dry specimens stored in glass vials or small boxes are pulled out or pushed in, the loose vials and boxes shift around. To prevent specimen lots from moving around in storage systems with metal drawers, magnetic barriers or stops are used to secure the specimen containers in place (Fig. 1). This system removes the need to fill drawers with empty boxes or wooden barriers to position the specimens.



Figure 1. Storage cabinet with metal drawers demonstrating the use of magnetic 
stops to prevent movement of specimen containers.

Flexible magnetic strips can be ordered in varying lengths up to 1000ft. The strips are rubberized so they will not scratch the paint or metal. They are a dark brown color which contrasts with white or light colored cabinet drawers. 

The strips can be ordered from the factory precut into fixed lengths to match the lengths of standard specimen boxes and vials (Fig. 2). Alternatively, one can order the magnetic strips uncut and use an old paper cutter or large, heavy duty scissors to produce strips as needed. Hand cutting also allows the lengths of the strips to be varied if longer or shorter stops are required.

Figure 2. Detail of drawer with magnetic barriers indicated by arrows.

• Flexible magnetic strips,  1/4in thick x 19/32in wide x lengths up to 1000ft long
• Paper cutter or heavy duty scissors