Lateral suspension files and lateral filing systems are a very popular way of storing suspension files (also known as hanging files) away. This method gives you a great space-saving filing system as well as ensuring quick and easy access to your files when required.
The lateral filing system is a good way forward if you’re starting to run out of expensive office floor space and as it makes use of a simple colour coding system, so it can work perfectly for you to find those important files with ease.
With your standard suspension files, you tend to take out the whole suspension file from the filing cabinet, cupboard or side filer. However, with a lateral file, this hangs directly on a runner which stays firmly in place and the contents are simply slipped out from the side i.e. the short end of the lateral file.
If you haven’t used lateral filing before and have been used to using standard suspension files it can be a little daunting and take a while to adjust. All in all, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives, especially if having a good filing system is important to your business.
The winner of the most popular lateral suspension files on Amazon is….
Lateral frames and rails can be added to many standard office cupboards. You’ll find that if you have a Bisley storage cupboard or something similar you’ll probably find that the manufacturer will have their own range of accessories suitable to use with all the popular ranges of lateral and suspension files.
Which are the best lateral suspension files?
There are many types of lateral suspension files on the market. However, if you are looking for quality, then you really need to be looking at the top five.
Rexel Lateral Files
Rexel lateral files are probably better recognised under their previous brand Twinlock. Twinlock Crystalfiles was the number one choice of every UK office and very seldom did you find any other type of suspension file in the office cupboards and filing cabinets
Esselte Lateral Files
Esselte is a large manufacturer of office supplies, especially filing and folders. Esselte produces the Orgarex range of lateral files with two sizes in the Visicontrol range with a 15mm and 30mm base gusset.
Elba Lateral Files
Lateral filing systems tend to hold files and folders for years, with this in mind if the same folders are being used on a regular basis it is important that the quality is very high to avoid wear and tear. Elba produces a polypropylene lateral suspension file which will give you many years of use. You have a choice of a V base or a base with a 30mm gusset
Twinlock Lateral Files
Rexel still produces some lateral files under the Crystalfile brand. The Twinlock Crystalfile Classic lateral suspension files are produced in high-quality manila and give a 15mm capacity within the V base.
Niceday Lateral Files
Niceday lateral suspension files are the white label offering which gives excellent value for money. They give popular style choices including a 15mm V base, a 30mm gusset base and even a larger 50mm gusset base. As with many white-label items you pay less due to the branding however the quality is far from inferior to the recognised manufacturers.