Best Flat Files of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Flat files are essential tools for anyone who needs to organise and store paper documents. These files are designed to hold large quantities of paper in a flat, horizontal position, which makes them ideal for storing drawings, blueprints, and other large-format documents. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from simple cardboard folders to heavy-duty steel cabinets, and can be used in a wide range of settings, from offices and archives to art studios and drafting rooms. Flat files are an excellent investment for anyone who needs to keep paper documents organised, secure, and easily accessible.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hilka 8-Inch Flat File with Soft Grip Cover #TOP 1
Hilka 8-Inch Flat File with Soft Grip
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Draper Redline 80541 200 mm Flat File Cover #TOP 2
Draper Redline 80541 200 mm Flat File
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Stanley 0-22-499 Flat File with Handle Cover #TOP 3
Stanley 0-22-499 Flat File with Handle
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Flat Files

#TOP 1

Hilka 8-Inch Flat File with Soft Grip

69668408
Hilka 8-Inch Flat File with Soft Grip Cover
8" FLAT FILE PC

The Hilka Flat File is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a two-component soft grip handle that allows for a secure and comfortable hold during use. It is produced to British standards, ensuring you receive a quality tool that meets rigorous safety and performance criteria. The product comes in blister packaging, making it easy to store and display. With dimensions of 2.9 cm in width, 35.5 cm in height, and 6.5 cm in depth, this flat file is compact yet functional, perfect for a variety of tasks.

What We Like
Comfortable soft grip handle
Produced to British standards
Compact and easy to store
Blister packaging for protection
#TOP 2

Draper Redline 80541 200 mm Flat File

80541
Multi-coloured
Draper Redline 80541 200 mm Flat File Cover
Draper Redline 80541 200 mm Second Cut Flat File

The Draper 80541 Flat File features high carbon steel, ensuring durability and strength for your filing needs. Its hardened and tempered design allows for efficient material removal, making it ideal for both metal and wood projects. The moulded plastic handle provides a comfortable grip, enabling you to work for extended periods without discomfort. This combination of features makes the Draper 80541 Flat File a reliable tool for achieving smooth finishes and precise shapes in your work.

What We Like
Durable high carbon steel
Comfortable moulded plastic handle
Hardened for efficient filing
Versatile for metal and wood
#TOP 3

Stanley 0-22-499 Flat File with Handle

0-22-499
Yellow/Black
Stanley 0-22-499 Flat File with Handle Cover
Stanley 0-22-499 7.87 Flat File with Handle 3, Yellow/Black

The Stanley Flat File is designed with a bi-material handle that provides both comfort and a secure grip, making it easy for you to use for extended periods. Its high carbon steel blade ensures remarkable strength and durability, allowing you to tackle tough tasks with confidence. Additionally, the hang handle feature offers convenient storage, helping you keep your workspace tidy and organised. This tool is perfect for anyone looking to achieve precise results while enjoying a comfortable user experience.

What We Like
Comfortable grip handle
Durable high carbon steel
Convenient storage option
Ideal for precise work

Hi-Spec 17 Piece Metal File Set

DT40106R-AE
17 Piece
Hi-Spec 17 Piece Metal File Set Cover
Hi-Spec 17 Pc Metal File Set. Hand & Needle File Set. Large & Fine Micro Steel Files. Flat, Half, Round & Triangle for Crafts, Metal & Wood Work. All in a Big Zipper Case

The Hi-Spec Metal File Set offers a comprehensive solution for shaping, trimming, and smoothing metal, wood, and plastics. With four full-length files, you can tackle general-purpose filing tasks effectively, while the twelve needle files are perfect for intricate detailing. The high-carbon steel materials ensure durability and resistance to wear, allowing you to work confidently on various projects. Additionally, the included accessories, such as work gloves and sanding paper, provide added convenience for achieving a polished finish.

What We Like
Complete set for various tasks
Durable high-carbon steel files
Includes useful accessories
Convenient zipper case storage
Ideal for detailed work
#TOP 5

Rolson 24727 5 Piece Engineers File Set

24727
5 Pieces
Rolson 24727 5 Piece Engineers File Set Cover
Rolson 24727 5 pc 200 mm Engineers File Set

The Rolson 5 Piece File Set is designed for versatile shaping tasks, particularly with wood. Featuring rubber cushion grips, you can enjoy a comfortable hold while working, ensuring precision in your projects. The set includes flat, round, triangular, square, and half-round files, providing you with a variety of shapes to tackle different jobs. Each file measures 200 mm in length, making them easy to handle and ideal for detailed work. The striking yellow and black colours also make them easy to locate in your toolbox.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber grip
Variety of file shapes
Ideal for wood shaping
Convenient length for handling
Bright, easy-to-find colours
#TOP 6

Rolson 24705 2 Piece 150mm File Set

24705
Black
2 Pieces
Rolson 24705 2 Piece 150mm File Set Cover
Rolson 24705 2 pc 150 mm File Set

The Rolson 24705 File Set includes two 150mm files made from durable T12 Steel, ensuring long-lasting performance for your metalwork projects. The rubber cushion grips provide comfort and control, allowing you to work efficiently without straining your hands. This set features both flat and half-round files, giving you versatility for various tasks. Whether you are smoothing edges or shaping surfaces, this file set is suitable for most metalwork, making it an essential addition to your toolkit.

What We Like
Durable T12 Steel construction
Comfortable rubber grips
Includes flat and half-round files
Versatile for various metalwork
#TOP 7

Faithfull Engineers File 150mm Second Cut

FIHSC6
Bunt
150mm x 16mm
Faithfull Engineers File 150mm Second Cut Cover
Faithfull FAIFIHSC6 Engineers File Flat Second Cut 150mm (6in)

The Faithfull Engineers File offers a tapered blade with a half round profile, making it ideal for various filing tasks. Its double cut design allows for efficient material removal, saving you time when working on projects. The comfortable soft-grip handle ensures ease of use, reducing hand fatigue during extended periods of work. Starting with a coarser file followed by this medium file will help you achieve a finer finish, enhancing the quality of your work.

What We Like
Efficient material removal
Tapered blade for versatility
Comfortable soft-grip handle
Ideal for fine finishes
#TOP 8

Draper 44952 Flat File with Handle

44952
Blue
200mm
Draper 44952 Flat File with Handle Cover
Draper 44952 Flat File and Handle, 200mm , Blue

The Draper Flat File is designed for efficiency and ease of use. Made from high carbon steel, it ensures durability while providing a reliable tool for your filing needs. The hardened and tempered construction enhances its strength, making it suitable for various materials. With soft grip handles, you can comfortably use the file for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, it features an incorporating hang hole for easy storage, ensuring your workspace remains tidy and organised.

What We Like
Durable high carbon steel
Comfortable soft grip handles
Hardened and tempered for strength
Easy storage with hang hole
#TOP 9

Faithfull FAIFIHB10 Coarse Engineers File 250mm

FAIFIHB10
250mm (10in)
Faithfull FAIFIHB10 Coarse Engineers File 250mm Cover
Faithfull FAIFIHB10 Engineers File Coarse (Bastard) 250mm (10in)

The Faithfull Coarse Engineers File is designed with parallel-width blades that taper slightly in thickness, ensuring efficient material removal. With its double cut and safe edge, you can work confidently without worrying about damaging the surrounding area. The comfortable soft-grip handle provides excellent control, allowing you to work for extended periods without discomfort. Ideal for initial material removal, this coarse file prepares your surfaces for finer finishing with a medium cut file, enhancing your overall project quality.

What We Like
Efficient material removal
Comfortable soft-grip handle
Safe edge design
Double cut for versatility
#TOP 10

Spear & Jackson SJ2408 Farmers' File for Tools

SJ2408
Grey
Spear & Jackson SJ2408 Farmers' File for Tools Cover
Spear & Jackson SJ2408 Farmers' File, Grey

The Spear & Jackson Farmers' File is expertly designed for sharpening and maintaining a variety of agricultural bladed machinery and hand tools, such as scythes, bill hooks, and machetes. Measuring 200mm (8 inches), it is made from hardened and tempered steel for durability. With first/rough cut teeth on one side and second/finer cut teeth on the other, you can efficiently achieve both coarse and fine sharpening, ensuring your tools are always in top condition for optimal performance.

What We Like
Durable hardened steel construction
Dual-sided for versatile sharpening
Ideal for various agricultural tools
Convenient 200mm size
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is flat file example?

Examples of flat files include /etc/passwd and /etc/group on Unix-like operating systems. Another example of a flat file is a name-and-address list with the fields Name, Address, and Phone Number. A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers written by hand on a sheet of paper is a flat-file database.

2. Is a CSV a flat file?

There are two common types of flat files: CSV (comma separated values) and delimited files. Both are file formats that represent relational data in a text file.

3. What is a flat file and how is it used?

A flat file consists of a single table of data. It allows the user to specify data attributes, such as columns and data types table by table, and stores those attributes separate from applications. This type of file is commonly used to import data in data warehousing projects.

4. Is Excel a flat file?

A Flat File Database – A simple table, consisting of categories (or fields) in columnar format and records entered in rows. “Databases” created in spreadsheet applications (like Microsoft Excel) are flat file databases.

Editor's Notes

During our flat file research, we found 189 flat file products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,709 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flat files list. We found that most customers choose flat files with an average price of £7.09.

The flat files are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flat files, including Hilka, Draper, Stanley, Hi-Spec, Rolson.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.