When I send out mail at work, I want to make sure it is sealed in a secure envelope. Who knows how much banging about it will receive once the envelope enters the mail system and when it arrives at its destination. Our office supply buyer purchases Quality Clasp Envelopes (Kraft 9" x 12").


Description

These Quality Clasp envelopes come in a cardboard box, 100 envelopes in each box. The envelope flaps are open in the box (not folded over). Each envelope measures 9" x 12" when the flaps are closed.

These envelopes are constructed from an extra-heavyweight 32-pound paper stock. The envelopes are a golden-brown color with a double-prong metal clasp that fits through a reinforced 3/8" hole in the gummed flap.


My Experiences

I feel secure sending material in these envelopes. The paper is a nice weight so that when the flap is sealed, the envelope resists rips more than a cheaper weight paper. The flap has a gummed area that is 1" wide x 7" long. A reinforced piece of cardboard is mounted around the hole where the metal clasp fits through. This is a great feature since it prevents the metal clasp from digging into the paper and possibly ripping the hole.

The metal clasp is flat when the envelope is pulled from the box. The two clasp prongs can easily be lifted upright with the thumb and index finger. I like the double sealing feature of this envelope. I can place material in the envelope and just ease the metal prongs through the hole and clamp them down to seal the envelope flap. This is excellent for internal mail.

When sending these envelopes through the U.S. mail system, I use both the gummed flap and the metal clasp for a more secure hold. First I raise the prongs, then wet the gummed flap and fold the gummed flap over the prongs. Then I open the prongs so that they lay flush against the envelope.

I have sent a variety of material in these envelopes ... everything from letters with promotional brochures to small flat packets of sample glitter that is used for product development. When the envelope is very flat, I run it straight through the postage meter. However, if I know the envelope is too thick for the postage meter, I run the empty envelope through the meter and then fill and seal it. We also have postage meter tape so that I can affix the postage to the envelope that way.

I also use these 9" x 12" envelopes to store papers that I might need in the future. The clasp is ideal for this purpose, since I need to open and close it several times as I add papers to the envelope.

The clasp is sturdy ... but it is not indestructible. If the clasp is bent too many times, it will break. As an experiment, I repeatedly opened and closed the clasp. It lasted nine times opening and closing, then it broke.

These envelopes are just a bit too long to fit comfortably in a letter-size filing cabinet drawer. They slightly buckle. However, I do have a few of these envelopes in the filing drawer (containing papers that are flexible), and even though the envelopes aren’t a perfect fit, they do stay in place.

Using a Sharpie permanent marker, I can easily write on the envelopes without the marker bleeding through the paper layers. These envelopes also accept a wide variety of Avery labels that I have printed using the computer.

Though these envelopes are not water resistant, they do protect the contents inside when exposed to light rain or snow.


Purchasing

Our office supply buyer purchases these envelopes from Staples. Staples sells 100 of the Quality Clasp Envelopes in the 9" x 12" size for $13.99. OfficeMax offers the same quantity of envelopes for $10.99.


Summary

Quality Clasp Envelopes are an excellent product. I feel secure sending material through the mail using these envelopes. They are also great for storing papers. The clasp and gummed flaps offer me a variety of ways to seal these envelopes, too. The heavier paper stock withstands a bit more abuse than a cheaper envelope. As the name says ... these are Quality.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews.

Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Marker

Sharpie Silver Metallic Marker

Avery White Laser Printer Labels – when small labels are needed

Avery White Shipping Labels

Avery File Folder Labels for Laser and Ink Jet Printers

Avery File Folder Labels for the Typewriter

Avery Fluorescent Labels for Laser Printers

Avery Blank White Business Cards

Avery Big Tab 3-Ring Notebook Dividers

Acco Electric 3-Hole Punch

Casio KL60SR Label Printer

Ott Flex-Arm True Color Lamp


Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes