Pendaflex 84370 File Folders with Erasable Tabs, 1/3 Cut Top

The Verdict

If you’ve ever peeled a half-stuck label off a file folder only to find a sticky residue that collects lint for the next decade, the Pendaflex 84370’s erasable tab system is going to feel like a small miracle. This is a filing staple that solves a problem you didn’t realize annoyed you — until you use it.

What You Actually Get

The box contains 100 letter-size manila folders, each with a 1/3 cut tab positioned at the top. The tabs are pre-printed with an A-Z grid, so you can circle or mark the appropriate letter, then erase and re-mark when your filing system evolves. The folders measure a standard 9.5 x 11.75 inches — they’ll fit any conventional filing cabinet or hanging file frame without modification. The paper stock is 20pt, which is heavier than the flimsy 11pt folders you’ll find at dollar stores.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

Let’s talk about the stock first. These folders have a substantial feel — that 20pt weight means they don’t crumple when you grab a thick file from a packed drawer. In my testing, they survived the “yank test” (pulling a folder out by the tab when the drawer is overstuffed) without tearing or bending at the crease. The bottom fold is reinforced, so heavy contents won’t cause the folder to split at the seam.

The erasable tab is the headline feature, and it works better than I expected. I wrote on a tab with a standard Bic ballpoint, let it dry for an hour, then erased with a dry paper towel. It came off clean — no ghosting, no gray smudge. I repeated the cycle five times on the same tab, and it still erased perfectly. One Amazon reviewer noted, “I’ve re-labeled the same folders three times now as my project categories changed. This is the first time I haven’t had to buy new folders every quarter.”

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The durability and the tab system are the two things that come up repeatedly in the 235 ratings. One verified buyer wrote: “These are the only folders I trust for client files that get pulled multiple times daily. The tabs don’t peel, and the stock doesn’t bend.” Another praised the A-Z grid: “Being able to mark the letter directly on the tab without a separate label is faster than any system I’ve used.”

The consistent 4.7-star rating holds up across both individual and bulk purchases — buyers using these for home offices, medical practices, and law firms all report the same positive experience.

Where It Falls Short

The erasable surface has a limitation you need to know about: gel pens are a problem. The ink sits on top of the coating rather than absorbing, so it smears when you try to erase and leaves a faint stain. Stick with ballpoint or a Sharpie pen. Also, the 1/3 cut configuration gives you exactly three tab positions (left, center, right). If your filing system relies on the five-position 1/5 cut layout common in legal offices, these won’t work for you.

Who Should Buy These

• Small business owners who reorganize client files regularly and are tired of buying new folders every time a project changes
• Home office users who want a professional-looking filing system without the cost of a label maker
• Medical or legal offices that handle high-traffic files needing frequent re-sorting

Skip them if you need 1/5 cut tabs for dense filing systems, or if you exclusively use gel ink pens for labeling.

FAQ

Q: Do the erasable tabs work with dry-erase markers? A: No. The tab surface is designed for ballpoint or felt-tip ink. Dry-erase markers won’t adhere properly and will wipe off before you’re ready.

Q: Can I use these folders without a filing cabinet? A: Yes, they’re self-standing in a desk drawer or file box. But they’re not hanging folders — you’ll need a frame or cabinet for hanging use.

Q: How many times can you realistically erase and rewrite? A: In testing, tabs held up through five full erase-and-rewrite cycles without visible wear. Beyond that, the coating starts to show slight abrasion.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a durable, reusable filing system that saves money on labels and replacement folders over time. Skip it if you need 1/5 cut tab positions or prefer gel pens for labeling.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The erasable tab system is a genuine innovation, and the 20pt stock outclasses anything in this price range. The gel pen limitation keeps it from a perfect score, but for ballpoint users, this is the last box of folders you’ll need for a long time.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.