Key Cabinets

About Key Cabinets

Key cabinets provide secure, organised storage for keys in professional workshops, commercial facilities, and domestic settings. These robust metal enclosures feature numbered hooks that enable quick identification and retrieval of keys whilst preventing loss and unauthorised access. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks key cabinets from leading brands including Sealey, Draper, Masterlock, and Yale, with capacities ranging from compact 20-key units through to substantial 300-key models suitable for large-scale facilities management.

Available in both traditional key-lock and electronic PIN code versions, key cabinets cater to varying security requirements and budgets. Standard depth models accommodate typical door keys, whilst deep and wide variants provide extra clearance for vehicle keys with bulky fobs, padlock keys, and security tags. Wall-mounted designs maximise floor space and position keys at eye level for convenient access, making them essential equipment for tradespeople, facilities managers, and anyone managing multiple keys.

Applications

• Facilities Management: Controlling access to offices, plant rooms, and secure areas across commercial buildings
• Property Management: Organising keys for rental properties, communal areas, and contractor access
• Motor Trade: Storing customer vehicle keys in garages, MOT centres, and dealerships
• Construction Sites: Securing site access keys, plant equipment keys, and padlock keys for containers
• Hospitality Venues: Managing master keys, room keys, and emergency access in hotels and guest houses
• Educational Facilities: Controlling classroom keys, sports facilities, and maintenance access
• Fleet Management: Organising vehicle keys for cars, vans, and HGVs in transport companies
• Healthcare: Restricting access to medical storage and medication cabinets
• Tradespeople: Keeping customer property keys, van locks, and equipment security keys organised

Choosing The Right Key Cabinets

Capacity Requirements: Count your current keys and add 20-30% for future growth. MyToolShed.co.uk offers Sealey cabinets from 20 to 300-key capacity, ensuring you won't outgrow your storage quickly. Remember that capacity ratings assume one key per hook.

Cabinet Depth and Width: Standard depth models suit typical door keys, but vehicle keys with large fobs or keys with substantial tags require deep cabinet variants. Wide cabinets provide extra spacing between hooks, preventing tangling in high-capacity installations.

Electronic vs Traditional Lock: Electronic key cabinets with PIN code access eliminate risks from lost cabinet keys and provide audit trails for accountability. Traditional key-lock models offer simplicity, no battery requirements, and lower cost for smaller operations.

Installation Considerations: Measure your wall space carefully, accounting for door swing clearance. Ensure secure mounting into solid wall structure or use heavy-duty plasterboard fixings rated for the loaded weight. A fully loaded 300-key cabinet can weigh 15-20kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between deep and wide key cabinets?

Deep cabinets extend further from the wall, providing front-to-back space for bulky keys and large fobs without jamming against the door. Wide cabinets offer increased side-to-side space, allowing more distance between hooks to prevent key tangling. Choose deep for bulky individual keys, wide for high-capacity installations requiring clear separation.

How do electronic key cabinets work without mains power?

Electronic key cabinets operate on battery power (typically AA or 9V batteries), eliminating the need for electrical wiring. Battery life usually extends to 12-18 months with normal use, and most models provide low-battery warnings well before power depletion, ensuring uninterrupted access.

Can I mount a key cabinet on plasterboard walls?

Yes, but you must use appropriate heavy-duty plasterboard fixings rated for the loaded weight. For larger cabinets (100+ keys), locate wall studs or battens for more secure mounting to prevent wall damage or cabinet detachment.