Key cabinets are useful in a variety of different businesses – whether you have a couple of keys to store or hundreds. Use lockable cabinets for tools, equipment or supplies? Have a company vehicle that different people use at different times? Run a business that needs to keep keys for different rooms or vehicles? A key cabinet is the best way to keep those keys organised and secured. Here’s our handy guide to the perfect key cabinet for your business.
The size and capacity
The first thing to think about when you are looking to purchase a key cabinet for your business is the size/capacity. How many keys do you realistically need to store? In a busy estate agency, garage or vehicle sales business you’re likely to store a lot of keys. In these situations, almost as important as security is organisation – make sure your key safe has enough individual hooks for you to store your keys without having to double them up, as this is a sure way to lose track of them. On the other hand, if you simply need to store keys for your work van and your store cupboard, a smaller unit will suffice.
For bunches of keys, you’ll need an extra deep cabinet – this will allow you to store them safely and still close the door securely.
The lock
Next, think about how you want the key cabinet to lock. A key lock is the simplest and most budget-friendly option, but restricts access to the keyholder(s) – if you are running late or called away from the premises your staff can no longer get to the keys. This is fine if there is only you or you and one or two other people, but is inefficient for larger organisations. There is also a risk of losing the key or having it copied by someone with malicious intent.
A popular alternative is the combination lock – you can give the combination to whomever you want, and can usually change it very easily whenever you need to. Combination locks can be either manual/powerless or electronic, depending on your budget and preference.
The material and construction
You can have the strongest lock in the world on your cabinet, but if the unit itself is made from weaker or inferior materials, or the construction is poorly thought-out, then there might as well be no lock at all. Look for models made from steel, with concealed hinges and flush doors to prevent brute force approaches from working.
If you are installing your key cabinet outdoors, be sure to get a galvanised and powder-coated model – this will keep it protected from the elements. A sealed unit will prevent the cabinet itself from filling with rainwater.
Installation
Key cabinets can be found in both freestanding and wall-mounted versions, although freestanding ones carry the risk of the whole cabinet being stolen or misplaced. When wall-mounting, be sure to fix securely to a strong wall, ideally a stud/wall joist where possible. This will prevent the criminally minded from wrenching the cabinet away from the wall.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk
