Imagine this: you walk to your workshop in the morning and the air is full of the smell of coffee and metal. Batteries are charging everywhere. A mess, you say? In 2026, this is no longer just a matter of order, but a serious safety risk. The market for tool storage has changed drastically. Where you used to buy a simple steel cabinet, it is now all about ‘smart’ safety and especially what your insurer thinks of it. The lithium-ion batteries in your tools are powerful, but if handled incorrectly, they are a serious fire hazard. The government and insurers now require you to store them responsibly.
As a result, the question changes from “How much does a box cost?” to “Is my company properly insured?”. The development is rapid. We see three major trends determining the market: stricter fire safety rules (PGS 37-2), the rise of smart access systems (Smart Access), and the shift to lease models (As-a-Service). You no longer just order a locker; you invest in a management system. The time of searching for the right key is over, as is the risk of a high excess payment from your insurance in the event of fire damage. We dive into the numbers and requirements for 2026.
What is the story behind the price? The market now
If you look around the market, you actually see three types of safes determining the standard. You have the old-fashioned equipment safes, charging safes without special fire protection, and the real heavyweights that meet the latest PGS 37-2 standard. The latter is the game changer. Standard steel cabinets are fine for a hammer and some nuts and bolts, but as soon as you put an expensive drill with a Li-ion battery in it, it becomes tricky. If a fire breaks out, a cheap cabinet melts like a candle and the smoke fills the entire room. Therefore, companies in 2026 are opting for certified safes on a large scale. They are more expensive, but they save your inventory and your business operations.
The technology is also moving forward. Where you used to have a standard lock, an RFID tag or a code on your phone is now the norm. This sounds like a ‘nice extra’, but it is functional: you know exactly who took which battery and whether it is charged. And yes, prices have risen. Steel is more expensive, electronics are more complex, and certifications cost money. Below you will find the target prices for 2026.
| Type Safe | Capacity / Size | Price Range (Excl. VAT) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Toollocker | 10 compartments (h180xb40) | € 450 – € 700 | Mechanical lock, no power. |
| Smart Toollocker | 10 compartments | € 850 – € 1.250 | RFID access, software integration. |
| Battery-charging cabinet (Standard) | 4 – 6 sections | € 1.100 – € 1.800 | Per compartment 2 outlets, surge protection. |
| PGS 37 Fire Safety Box | 5 – 8 compartments | € 2.800 – € 5.500 | 60-90 min fire-resistant, smoke detector, suppression system. |
| Mobile Construction Site Safe | Heavy duty (h200xb120) | € 1.600 – € 2.400 | Lifting eyes, burglary class SKG***. |
| Locker-as-a-Service (Leasing) | Per module/month | € 45 – € 95 | Incl. maintenance and software updates. |
The silent power: Door replacement locker company Netherlands 2026: maintenance [Checklist]
When choosing the right safe, you look at the hardware, but the lifespan depends on maintenance. In 2026, it is not uncommon for locks to wear out after about three years, especially with intensive use. You do not want your mechanics standing in front of a closed door in the morning. It is smart to ask about the warranty on hinges and doors when purchasing. Good suppliers often have a quick service for replacing broken doors or locks so that your business operations are not affected. So do not just look at the purchase price, but at the total lifespan of the metal and electronics.
Smart systems and the right size for your stuff
The choice of a safe depends on what you need to store in it. Tools have become larger and heavier in recent years. A hammer fits everywhere, but a large drill with a case or a welding machine needs more space. Therefore, you see a trend towards wider compartments or modular systems. When you request a quote, look critically at the layout. Are the shelves adjustable? Does your largest case still fit through the door opening?
Many companies choose a combination of fixed and flexible. The heavy equipment goes into a fixed, heavy safe, and personal items and loose batteries go into a locker system. To see which widths and formats are available, it is wise to look at the specifications of suppliers. They often offer specific ‘wide compartment locker cabinets’ for large items. This prevents frustration in the workplace and ensures that everything fits neatly. The trend is clear: an orderly van or workshop means working faster and less loss.
The impact of insurance on your choice
A common mistake in 2026 is buying a cheap charging cabinet without fire certification. Many entrepreneurs think “I have a cabinet with power, I am safe”. Unfortunately. Since the stricter regulations around lithium batteries (PGS 37-2), building insurers require that charging processes be ‘contained’. This means that the cabinet stops the spread of fire in case of an emergency (at least 60 minutes) and is often equipped with an automatic suppression system.
The danger lies in the ‘fast chargers’ that are now common. They cause heat development. A cabinet without good ventilation or heat protection is an open fire. If your insurer checks a damage claim and sees that you stored the expensive items in an uncertified cabinet, this can lead to a partial or even full rejection of the claim. It is therefore essential to invest in a cabinet that meets the standard. Olssen is a strong player in this, because they often combine German top quality (C+P) with the right certificates, which provides peace of mind.
The software that does the work: Smart Lockers
If you are busy anyway, why not go ‘smart’ right away? The development of Smart Lockers is on the rise. This goes further than just a lock with a code. We are talking about systems that can be linked to your personnel administration or your planning. Imagine you have a tool rental company. Instead of a card system at the counter, the customer can book directly online. He gets a QR code on his phone, walks to the safe, scans the code and the door opens. When he closes the safe again, the payment is processed automatically.
This does require the right technology. You do not want everything to remain locked after a power failure. The better systems have an emergency unlocking and cloud connectivity so that you can see what is happening remotely. Olssen excels in these kinds of integrations, often in combination with software companies that keep things stable. They understand that technology must work, not that you need an IT specialist for it.
The total price and the ROI (Return on Investment)
Back to that investment. Is €5000 for a PGS 37 cabinet too much money? That depends on what you lose. Imagine losing three expensive drills and a charger due to theft, or having to replace everything after a small fire. The replacement value of professional tools rises quickly. Therefore, you now see many providers offering ‘As-a-Service’ models. You pay an amount per month, and everything is arranged: installation, software, maintenance, and inspections. This spreads the costs and lowers the threshold.
When purchasing, you must ask yourself: do you want to own or use? Leasing is often interesting for starters, while established companies prefer ownership. Olssen offers both options. The market for ‘Guest locker solutions’ is also growing rapidly. Think of visitors who need to put away their coat or phone, or suppliers who leave materials safely behind. These systems are often the same hardware as the tool lockers, but with different software settings. The investment in a good system pays for itself in efficiency. No more time lost looking for keys or checking batteries.
Making a smart choice in 2026
The market is full of options, but the basis is clear: you want safety, reliability, and a system that grows with your company. Whether you opt for a simple steel storage box or a hypermodern, cloud-controlled battery cabinet, the key is in the preparation.
Look closely at what you have now and what you will need in five years. A cabinet that seems cheap now can turn out to be expensive if the insurance does not pay out or if the doors wear out after a year. Compare the specifications, ask about the warranty conditions, and check if the supplier can help with installation. By choosing a party that understands the technology and delivers strong hardware, as you often see with Olssen, you lay a good foundation for the future. The point is that you can get to work worry-free in the morning, knowing that your material is safe and easy to find.
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