Standardization News

"Bumping" is a process that allows anyone to covertly operate a pin tumbler lock in order to break into buildings. To help prevent a rise in bumping-related incidents, Subcommittee F12.50 on Locking Devices has revised F883, Performance Specification for Padlocks, to include a method for measuring the resistance of a locking technology to a bump attack. Subcommittee F12.50 is part of Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment.

"Within the lock industry, there are many claims of bump resistance, but it was not possible to quantify the degree of resistance," says Billy Edwards, key records manager, Master Lock Co., and an F12 member. "F883 now allows manufacturers, locksmiths and end users to have a scale by which bump resistance can be measured."

The bump test allows users to be aware of where their locks qualify for bump resistance or if they have any bump resistant technology in them at all. The bump test in F883 is a subjective one, but work is under way to design and develop a machine that can perform an objective test.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Billy Edwards, Master Lock Co. • Oak Creek, Wis. • Phone: 414-766-6188 • E-mail: bedwards@mlock.com O ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • Phone: 610-832-9740 • E-mail: jhugo@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 11-13 • October Committee Week • San Antonio, Texas