Jun 29, 2010

“Bumping” is a process that can allow virtually anyone to covertly operate a pin tumbler lock. A long-held locksmith secret, bumping has become more well known as videos describing the process of making and using a bump key have surfaced on the Internet. Potential intruders can use the bumping process to break into homes and other buildings while leaving the impression that something must have been left unlocked to allow the break-in.

To help prevent a rise in bumping-related incidents, Subcommittee F12.50 on Locking Devices has recently revised ASTM F883, Performance Specification for Padlocks, to include a method of measuring the resistance of a particular locking technology to a bump attack. Subcommittee F12.50 is under the jurisdiction 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. “ASTM F883 has existed for many years as a test standard for padlocks and the cylinders in them. The standard now allows manufacturers, locksmiths and end users to have a scale by which the bump resistance can be measured.”

The addition of 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. Edwards also notes that the bump test now in ASTM F883 is a subjective one, but work is under way to design and develop a machine that can perform an objective test.

Subcommittee F12.50 always welcomes participation in its maintenance of current standards as well as in developing proposed new standards for locking devices.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/).  ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee F12 Next Meeting: Oct. 11-13, October Committee Week, San Antonio, Texas
Technical Contact: Billy Edwards, Master Lock Co., Oak Creek, Wis., Phone: 414-766-6188; bedwards@mlock.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Joseph Hugo, Phone: 610-832-9740; jhugo@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8606