A storage cage does one job better than almost anything else in a warehouse: it keeps valuable, hazardous or easily-pilfered stock locked away while still letting you see what's inside. But "storage cage" covers everything from a small lock-up under a workbench to a forklift man-riding cage and a craneable stillage. This guide explains the main types, the specs that matter, and how to pick the right cage for the job — using the real GPC Grenadier and Troax ranges we supply.
What is a storage cage?
A storage cage is a steel mesh or angle-iron enclosure used to secure goods, segregate hazardous materials, or move loads safely by forklift or crane. Unlike a solid cupboard, the open mesh construction lets air circulate and lets staff and security cameras see the contents — useful for stock control and for storing items that shouldn't be sealed in (such as gas cylinders, which must be well ventilated). Most cages take a padlock so access can be controlled, and many are load-tested and CE-marked where they're designed to be lifted.
The main types of storage cage
Security and lock-up cages
The everyday workhorse. Grenadier galvanised security cages are all-welded from steel angle and 25 × 25mm weld mesh, load-tested and CE-certified, with a padlock facility (padlock not supplied) and cranage eyes for easy positioning — ideal for securing both valuable and hazardous materials. A typical unit such as the GSC1212 offers around 500kg capacity in an 1800mm-high, 1200mm-wide footprint. Where you need a unit that ships flat, knock-down cages built from 50 × 50mm mesh panels with a galvanised roof bolt together on site — handy when access into the building is tight — and many include a pallet base so they can be repositioned by forklift.
Fully enclosed and lift-up-lid cages
For complete security, look at cages with a roof and base or a gas-strut-assisted lift-up lid: when the lid is shut the front doors can't open, leaving a fully enclosed, lockable unit. These suit high-value tooling, returns and quarantine stock.
Forklift safety cages (man cages)
A forklift safety cage lets a person work safely at height from the forks of a truck. Standard and heavy-duty models are available in fixed and mobile versions. These are work-at-height equipment, so they fall under PUWER and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 — used correctly, with a trained operator and the truck's controls isolated, they're a controlled alternative for occasional access tasks.
Lift and craning cages
Where loads need to be moved by crane or hoist, lift cages are fully welded from mild steel with forged lifting eyes, typically rated to 1000kg and stackable up to four high, with fork guides on all units and a separate padlock facility for roof and gates. Heavy-duty craning cages use 50 × 50mm mesh sides and a sheet-steel base, are CE marked and plated, and accommodate euro pallets — some have a drop-down mesh side that doubles as a loading ramp. Because they're lifting accessories, craning cages come under LOLER and need periodic thorough examination.
Distribution and stillage cages
Mobile cages on castors for moving stock around a site. Distribution cages with doors run on two fixed and two swivel castors with two adjustable steel or plywood shelves; standard units carry around 100kg UDL per shelf, while heavy-duty mesh distribution cages step up to 1000kg UDL per shelf. These bridge the gap between a roll container and a secure cage.
Gas cylinder cages
A specialist sub-type — angle-iron frames infilled with mesh or steel strip, complete with a highly-flammable sign and retaining chains, in fixed, pallet-based, knock-down and mobile forms. Because compressed-gas storage carries its own legal duties, we cover these separately in our gas cylinder storage range and the UK gas cylinder storage regulations guide.
Mesh compartments and modular cage systems
For tool stores and clean/dirty issue systems, single- and double-sided wire mesh compartments combine a 50 × 50mm mesh carcass with 25 × 25mm mesh shelves and a hanging rail. At the larger end, the Troax modular system uses durable panels and kits to build full mesh partitioning — secure server rooms, tool cribs and storeroom walls — customised to your floor plan.
The specs that matter
- Mesh size: 25 × 25mm mesh resists tampering and small-item removal better than 50 × 50mm; the larger mesh is lighter, cheaper and fine for bulky goods.
- Load capacity: match the rated capacity (commonly 500kg or 1000kg) to your heaviest planned load, and check per-shelf UDL on distribution cages.
- Construction: fully welded units are strongest; knock-down units trade some rigidity for flat-pack delivery and easy relocation.
- Mobility: static units can be floor-fixed through holes in the base rails; mobile units run on castors; pallet-based units move by forklift.
- Lifting certification: if it will be craned, it needs lifting eyes and a CE plate, and falls under LOLER.
- Finish: galvanised for outdoor or damp areas, powder-coated for indoor use.
How to choose the right storage cage
Work through four questions. What are you storing? Valuable tooling points to a fine-mesh lock-up; gas cylinders to a ventilated cylinder cage; bulky stock to a roomy distribution or knock-down cage. Does it need to move? Choose castors for manual moves, a pallet base for forklift moves, or lifting eyes for craning. How secure must it be? Fully enclosed roof-and-base or lift-up-lid units beat open-top cages for theft-prone stock. What's the footprint and access? Measure the floor space and the doorways the cage must pass through — that alone often decides between a welded and a knock-down unit.
Safety and compliance
Cages used for lifting (craning cages, lift cages) are lifting accessories under LOLER 1998 and need periodic thorough examination. Forklift safety cages are work equipment under PUWER and must be used with a trained operator following the Work at Height Regulations. Floor-fix static cages where they could be pushed or climbed, and never exceed the rated load. KC Supply lists real GPC and Troax specifications on every product page so you can confirm capacity and certification before you buy.
Browse storage cages at KC Supply
From single lock-up cages to forklift safety cages, craning stillages and full Troax partitioning, see the complete storage cages range. For chemical and flammable segregation, pair a cage with our hazardous storage cabinets. Not sure which cage suits your load and site? Get in touch and we'll spec it with you.
FAQ
Are storage cages lockable? Yes — almost all take a padlock via a hasp and staple or built-in facility, though the padlock itself is usually supplied separately.
What's the difference between a security cage and a stillage cage? A security cage is built to lock stock away; a stillage (or distribution) cage is built to move and stack loads, often on castors or a pallet base.
Can a storage cage be moved by forklift? Pallet-based and craning cages are designed for it — look for fork guides or a pallet base. General welded cages should be floor-standing unless rated otherwise.
Do lifting cages need inspecting? Yes. Any cage lifted by crane or forks is a lifting accessory and should be thoroughly examined under LOLER at the required intervals.