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Choosing the best clipboard for work could mean the difference between uneven handwriting or a reliable writing surface to write and store papers with. Our evaluation focused on design, construction, paper capacity, and ergonomics.
After more than 12 hours of research and testing, our pick for the best clipboard for work goes to the SaundersRecycled Aluminum Cruise Mate Storage Clipboard for Work. It is an all-around performance, featuring a rugged recycled aluminum build, generous 1. 5″ internal storage capacity, and a separate bottom compartment to store items. Keep reading to learn more about the Saunders Recycled Aluminum Cruise Mate Storage Clipboard for Work and other office products available for purchase.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best contractor clipboard, due to a self-locking latch and rugged recycled aluminum construction to protect sensitive work documents from the elements.
This aluminum storage clipboard is very well designed. It uses a top-open dual tray along with a self-locking latch to open and close. Opening the first tray reveals a clipboard pad and a separate bottom compartment stores documents and writing utensils such as pens and clips. It is good to hold up to 150 standard-sized sheets of paper.
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We love this heavy-duty clipboard’s recycled aluminum construction, which holds up very well to knocks or occasional drops. Dual storage trays also help separate stacks from important documents used for specific contracting jobs.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This clipboard for work comes with a slim profile and super ergonomic handgrips for a nice hold, making it a nice-to-have while traveling.
This clipboard is pretty nifty in its design. It is made of soft vinyl with a simple, nearly flat metal clip and ergonomic ridged sides that make it easy to hold. Its outer clip is pretty low profile, so it won’t snag the inner fabric of your briefcase. A hinged and clasp closure system and a small bottom compartment with plastic lid also hold pens, pencils, and other smaller items.
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This clipboard for work can store standard 8-1/2″ x 11″ paper. All in all, we were very impressed with this clipboard for work’s overall build quality and compartment-based design.
Award: BEST FOR FIELD PROFESSIONALS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best clipboard for field work, thanks to two letter-sized trays and a waterproof recycled aluminum construction, a great choice for professionals out on the field.
We love the way this clipboard for work is designed. Its top writing surface has a jumbo-sized clip for securing papers. Opening a bottom latch reveals a paper storage compartment (for 8-1/2″ x 11″ letter-sized paper) and a larger bottom compartment can store calculators, pencils, measuring tape, and other items needed out on the field.
Our favorite feature with this storage box is its spring-hinged clamp, which is strong enough to hold 50+ sheets of paper without slipping. Its recycled aluminum is very durable, more than capable of withstanding the occasional drop without dinging. Our only knock is that it contains sharp edges, which may lightly scratch users if not careful.
Award: BEST FOR STUDENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This clipboard for work comes in one of seven colors and a snap-on side latch for secure closing, and these bright color choices makes it a fantastic option for students looking to stand out.
This storage clipboard for work is a dependable workhorse. It comes in a soft, plastic construction that feels more like vinyl with rounded edges, unlike some recycled aluminum options that come with sharper edges. A side compartment latch protects contents and a large steel clasp holds papers together against the writing surface.
This slim case’s plastic is very durable. High impact and accidental drops won’t leave dents or scratches. Kudos for coming in seven different bright color options (think neon yellow and fire orange), giving off a heavy elementary or high school vibe.
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This budget-friendly clipboard comes with a simple, hardboard surface and a retractable hanging loop, a great choice for people who want an easy way to mount it when not in use.
This 9″ by 12.5″ rugged clipboard with storage is very well made. It is made of a durable hardboard with a polished metal clip that holds stacks of paper really well. Its rubberized corners are good enough to hold up to 100 sheets of paper. Kudos for soft, rounded corners, which offers a nicer hold over some recycled aluminum options with sharper edges.
With this tactical clipboard for work’s retractable hanging loop, we especially find it useful for medical professionals and workshop contractors who need repeated access. Note, this is arguably the lowest frills clipboard on the list with no separate compartments for writing instrumentals or envelope holders. If you are strictly looking for a nice writing surface, this clipboard is an excellent choice.
Award: BEST FOR SECURITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Comes with a high tension clip and a key lock, making it great for people who want an added layer of security for protecting sensitive documents.
This locking clipboard is really well made. It has a sturdy, outer high tension clip to lock in thicker stacks of paper and an internal storage compartment with several mesh lined pockets to store pens, pencils, and other miscellaneous items. Kudos for a keyhole grommet, which allows for easy mounting on a wall or workboard when not in use.
Thanks to this husky clipboard for work’s generous 12.5″ by 10.5″ by 2.75″ sizing, it is roomy enough to store up to 100 sheets of paper or an iPad. An interior Velcro strap even keeps it firmly in place and prevents shifting, especially important when out on the field. All in all, we were very impressed with this clipboard’s overall utility and locking function.
Award: BEST FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 9.5″ by 13.5″ by 1.25″ clipboard for work comes with smooth rounded edges, low profile clip, and an extra storage compartment, a great choice for teachers and nurses.
We love this plastic clipboard’s lightweight and slim profile. At only 1.25″ thick with a low profile metal clip, it easily fits in briefcases and small purchases. A smooth writing surface and rounded edges make it a pleasure to hold and write on.
One of our favorite features with this clipboard is its sturdy metal clip with rubber edges, strong enough to hold thicker stacks of paper or an entire legal pad without it shifting. Kudos for an extra storage compartment that makes it easy to stow away pens. pencils, and other smaller items.
In determining the best clipboard for work to buy, we explored design, construction, size/paper capacity, and ergonomics.
Design is by far and away from the most important criteria. We recommend clipboards for work that have a smooth, outer writing surface, a sturdy metal clip to retain thick stacks of paper, and at least one storage compartment to stow away pens and pens. Some of our picks are strict utilitarian (no compartments) for writing, while others carry additional features such as rounded grommet holes or locks to easily hang and safeguard items.
Construction is a key consideration. Clipboards are made using a variety of materials. recycled aluminum and plastic are the most common. Recycled aluminum is pretty sturdy, working well with contractors and other professionals in high impact environments.
Lastly, we looked into ergonomics. Our preference is for clipboards with smooth, rounded edges. Some of our recycled aluminum options are sturdy but come with sharper corners that could dig into the skin if not approached correctly.
Our recommended traits for a solid, dependable best clipboard for work is its design, construction, and ergonomics. For heavier stacks of business cards and legal-size paper, look to a clipboard with one or two storage compartments, If you only need a reliable writing surface, a simple clipboard with a tension clip should be more than enough.
Generally, clipboards are made using eco-friendly hardwood, plastic, or acrylic. Hardboard consists of fibers melted together to form a very hard cardboard feel. These offer a nice and smooth writing surface, good enough not to affect your handwriting. For a little more reliability, opt for plastic or acrylic keyboards, which come in a wider array of colors and styles.
Clipboards mainly come with two kinds of clips: standard or low profile. Standard clips are bulky with a wide mouth and protrude greatly from the board, capable of holding a thick stack of papers together without sliding. Low profile clips sit more flush against the board and generally do not have loops or holes on top for easy mounting on a wall. They are great space savers and fit snug in a purse or briefcase if needed.
Many clipboards and form holders have holes for easy mounting on a wall or door. Others can be kept in a dedicated clipboard holder or any average storage bin.
