Buyers Guides

Suspension files are a convenient in-draw (or trolley) filing system providing storage and easy access to documents. A suspension file system consists of folder style files which have an open end at the top. Files are suspended from two parallel runners by hooks protruding horizontally from the top corners of each file. Several files can be suspended from the same runners so they are great space saving products, tabs can then be attached to the top of each file denoting the contents.

There are two main sizes of suspension files; A4 suspension files and Foolscap suspension files. Typically small desk high units and filing cabinets from high street retailers usually take A4 suspension files. The office filing cabinets and larger pedestals from office suppliers like us tend to take foolscap suspension files. Trolleys can take either.
These two sizes were created in response to the two key sizes used across the board in all filing systems. The exact dimensions are as follows;

A4 Suspension Files
The overall width of the file is 340mm
300mm is the width of the paper folder.
The distance from the edge of the paper folder to the centre of the tab is 10mm
The width of the whole tab is 20mm
The width of the inside indent of the tab is 10mm
The Depth of the whole file is 240mm
Therefore these files hang perfectly on hangers that are 320mm to 330mm apart.

Foolscap Suspension Files
The overall width of the file is 405mm
360mm is the width of the paper folder.
The distance from the edge of the paper folder to the centre of the tab is 10mm
The width of the whole tab is 20mm
The width of the inside indent of the tab is 10mm
The Depth of the whole file is 240mm
Therefore these files hang perfectly on hangers that are 380mm to 390mm apart.

For higher capacity requirement you should choose a square base suspension file. Square base files come in 30mm or 50mm capacity sizes.

You will also find both standard suspension files and lateral suspension files. Standard suspension files hang gown from the runners and are accessed from the top so are usually used in pedestal drawers and smaller filing cabinets as well as with trolleys.

However if you have a large filing cabinet that has suspension files above chest height then you should buy lateral suspension files as they are accessible from the side and have the tabs and labels that sit on the side too for easy reference.

Suspension files come in a range of materials and are produced by many different brands - this guide will help to guide you through the key differences.

The most common products are manilla suspension files - these are strong and very cost effective, especially when bought in large packs. They usually come with the tabs and card inserts provided - you can check this on the product description.

There are also a large number of plastic suspension files which are extremelly strong as they are manufactured from polypropylene and will weather better than the manilla suspension files, this is however reflected in the prices. The products come in a range of colours and are available in both v-base and square base plastic suspension files.

Our range of Esselte suspension files are made from enhanced strength kraft paper which is like a thick manilla material. The material is extremelly difficult to rip - we have tried! They also have a wrap over bar designed to protect fingers from cuts and scratches.

The largest supplier of suspension files is Twinlock. Twinlock suspension files come in manilla and polypropylene and also they have both vertical and lateral suspension files. Twinlock suspension files also come in a range of colours and sizes (mainly A4 and Foolscap) and they also do both square base files and v-bottom suspension files.

Rexel Crystalfile suspension files are predominantly made from polypropylene and are a great specialist range of suspension files. They come in both square base and v-base forms. They come with the plastic tabs and little cards included. The square base files can each hold up to 150 sheets of paper. The Rexel Crystalfile range are high quality products and are therefore priced accordingly. if you are looking fo a good budget option then our 5 Star range should meet your needs nicely.