Abstract: A locking mechanism for file cabinet drawers having a receding front wall includes a vertically movable elongated rod with horizontally extending projections which is positioned adjacent the side walls of the drawers on one side of the file cabinet; a rotatable shaft supported beneath the bottom wall of each drawer and extending beyond the side walls of each drawer; and a locking member mounted on the shaft between each drawer side wall and the file cabinet casing. A camming surface on the locking member on the side of the cabinet adjacent the rod is engaged by the projection on the upwardly moving rod causing the shaft to rotate and thereby actuating both locking members into engagement with both sides of the receding drawer front wall. The locking member on the other side of the cabinet also engages a retainer element attached to the file cabinet casing.