ASTM F883-13(2022)

Standard Performance Specification for Padlocks

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers environmental, functional, operational, and security requirements for padlocks. Included are function descriptions, cycle tests, operational tests, environmental tests, forcing tests, and surreptitious entry tests. No effort has been made to include criteria for specially made padlocks used by the Department of Defense or others in highly sensitive locations.  
1.2 This specification describes and grades various levels of performance to provide users of the specification with criteria upon which to select suitable padlocks.  
1.3 Tests described are laboratory tests and although they simulate field conditions as to attacks or the environment, they do not duplicate these conditions. Tests described are repeatable in the laboratory.  
1.4 Some users of this specification may wish to use padlocks that have special attributes not related to security. These are found in 4.3.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions, Sections 8 – 11, of this specification:  This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2021
• ICS: 91.190 - Building accessories
• Technical Committee: F12 - Security Systems and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F12.50 - Locking Devices

Relations

• Refers: ASTM G154-12 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM B117-11 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM B117-09 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM B117-07a - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM B117-07 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM G154-06 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 05-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM G154-04 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM B117-03 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM B117-02 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM G154-00 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2000
• Refers: ASTM G154-00a - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2000
• Refers: ASTM G154-00ae1 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2000
• Refers: ASTM B117-97 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997

Overview

ASTM F883-13(2022), Standard Performance Specification for Padlocks, establishes comprehensive requirements for the construction, performance, and testing of padlocks. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures padlocks meet specific levels of security, durability, and operational effectiveness under a range of environmental and security-related conditions. The specification covers functional, operational, environmental, and security criteria, providing manufacturers, purchasers, and users with consistent benchmarks for evaluating and selecting suitable padlocks for various applications.

Key Topics

• Performance Grading: The standard defines six grades, from Grade 1 (lowest) to Grade 6 (highest), allowing users to match padlock performance with their security needs.
• Comprehensive Testing: Laboratory tests simulate field conditions, assessing padlocks through tests such as:
  • Cycle testing for operational endurance
  • Forcing tests (tensile strength, shock, shackle cutting)
  • Surreptitious entry resistance (picking, impressioning, bumping, shimming, rapping)
  • Environmental tests (corrosion, dry contaminants, UV exposure, freeze resistance)
• Function and Option Classification: Padlocks are categorized by operation (key or combination) and can be specified with additional options, like removable cylinders, corrosion resistance, or nonferrous shackles.
• Standardized Test Methods: The specification includes detailed descriptions of test setups and procedures to ensure reproducibility and reliability of results.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard recognizes the importance of safety, environmental, and regulatory considerations, directing users to follow appropriate practices.

Applications

ASTM F883-13(2022) is widely applicable in industries requiring objective padlock performance criteria, including but not limited to:

• Security Systems Specification: Facilities evaluate and select padlocks graded for specific resistance to physical and covert attacks, helping to safeguard property, equipment, or restricted areas.
• Procurement and Contracts: Organizations rely on the standard to define padlock requirements in bids, ensuring product quality and suitability.
• Manufacturing and Quality Assurance: Padlock manufacturers use this standard as a benchmark for design, testing, and certification, facilitating market acceptance and regulatory compliance.
• Facility Management: Ensures ongoing security by enabling selection and replacement of padlocks based on environmental exposure, operational frequency, or evolving threat levels.

The grading and testing framework allows users to balance cost, security needs, and environmental exposure, tailoring lock selection for residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and institutional applications.

Related Standards

ASTM F883-13(2022) references and complements other key standards for locking devices and environmental testing, including:

• ASTM B117: Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, referenced for corrosion testing.
• ASTM G154: Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, used in weathering tests.
• ANSI A156.5: Standard for Auxiliary Locks and Associated Products, providing guidance on locks beyond padlocks.

These referenced standards ensure a holistic approach to durability and security in varied service environments.

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Keywords: ASTM F883, padlocks, padlock grading, security performance, padlock testing, environmental testing, surreptitious entry resistance, corrosion resistance, lock standards, security hardware, procurement specifications, forced entry testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F883 −13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Performance Specification for
Padlocks
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF883;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers environmental, functional, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
operational, and security requirements for padlocks. Included B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
are function descriptions, cycle tests, operational tests, envi- G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
ronmental tests, forcing tests, and surreptitious entry tests. No Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
effort has been made to include criteria for specially made
2.2 ANSI Standard:
padlocks used by the Department of Defense or others in A 156.5 Standard for Auxiliary Locks and Associated Prod-
highly sensitive locations.
ucts
1.2 This specification describes and grades various levels of
3. Terminology
performance to provide users of the specification with criteria
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
upon which to select suitable padlocks.
3.1.1 acceptance testing, v—to assure by documented test-
1.3 Tests described are laboratory tests and although they
ing that a padlock meets specific tests of Specification F883 as
simulate field conditions as to attacks or the environment, they
agreed to by the buyer and seller.
do not duplicate these conditions. Tests described are repeat-
3.1.2 bump key, n—lock picking key with uniform steeples
able in the laboratory.
between cuts that is forced further into the lock via impact.
1.4 Some users of this specification may wish to use
3.1.3 cam, n—lock or cylinder component which transfers
padlocks that have special attributes not related to security.
therotationalmotionofakeyorcylinderplugtotheboltworks
These are found in 4.3.
of a lock.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.4 case, n—housing or body of a lock or latch.
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are
3.1.5 certified, v—to assure by documented testing that a
provided for information only.
padlock meets all test requirements appropriate to its grading.
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
3.1.6 clevis, n—fastener attached to a padlock case or
testmethodportions,Sections8–11,ofthisspecification: This
shackleforconnectionofachain,designedtopreventdisplace-
standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if
ment of a padlock.
any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
3.1.7 cylinder, n—complete operating unit which usually
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
consists of the plug, shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer, a
regulatory limitations prior to use. cam/tailpiece or other actuating device, and all other necessary
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
operating parts.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.8 cylinder bitting, n—group of numbers that represent
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the bitting of a key or the tumblers, or both, of a lock or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cylinder.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.9 decode, v—to determine a key combination by physi-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cal measurement of a key or cylinder parts, or both.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F12 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Security Systems and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
F12.50 on Locking Devices. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F883 – 13. DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/F0883-13R22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F883−13 (2022)
3.1.10 heel, n—part of a padlock shackle that normally is 4.3.2 Option B—Removable cylinder.
retained in the case when in the unlocked position. 4.3.3 Option C—Changeable combination.
4.3.4 Option D—Combination operated with key control.
3.1.11 impression technique, v—means of fitting a key
4.3.5 Option E—Corrosion resistant.
directly to a locked cylinder by manipulating a blank in the
4.3.6 Option F—Provided with nonferrous shackles.
keyway and cutting the blank where the tumblers have made
4.3.7 Option G—Environmental resistant.
marks.
3.1.12 keyway, n—opening in a lock or cylinder that is
5. General Requirements
shaped to accept a key bit or blade of a proper configuration.
5.1 Inferences—Cylinder picking, impressioning, rapping,
3.1.13 lock bumping, n—picking technique that utilizes a
decoding, and shackle shimming are described in this specifi-
configured key forcefully impacted into the keyway.
cation. Since the skill of the person doing the testing has a
3.1.14 padlock, n—detachable and portable lock with a
direct bearing on the resulting times of the tests, one of each
shackle that locks into its case. Components performing the
testshallbeconductedbyaminimumofthreedifferentpersons
same purpose of a shackle but differing in design are some-
havingexperienceofnotlessthanthreeyearsofapproximately
times used instead of a shackle.
the same skill level and the results averaged for determining
relative levels of performance.
3.1.15 pick, v—to manipulate tumblers in a keyed lock
mechanism through the keyway, without obvious damage, by
5.2 Key bumping is a subjective test to be conducted using
means other than the specifically designed key.
bump keys designed for the lock or cylinder being tested and
3.1.16 plug, n—part of a cylinder which contains the
an impact device as outlined in Section 7.
keyway, with tumbler chambers usually corresponding to those
5.3 Tolerances:
in the cylinder shell.
5.3.1 Fixture Tolerances—All tolerances shall follow stan-
3.1.17 plug retainer, n—cylindercomponentthatsecuresthe
dard machining practices unless otherwise specified.
plug in the shell.
5.3.2 Test Set up Tolerances:
5.3.2.1 Force: 0.5 % of working range.
3.1.18 pull bump key, n—lock picking key that must be
5.3.2.2 Height: 63 mm (0.12 in.).
pulled from the lock one space position between impacts.
5.3.2.3 Torque: 4.0 % of reading.
3.1.19 push bump key, n—lock picking key that centers
5.3.2.4 Weight: 610 g (0.02 lb).
itself after each impact.
5.4 Temperature—All tests shall be conducted between 16
3.1.20 rap, v—to unlock a padlock shackle from its case by
and 27 °C (61 and 81 °F).
striking the case in order to disengage the locking mechanism.
5.5 Test Reports—All test reports shall be dated.
3.1.21 removable cylinder, n—cylinder that can be removed
from a locking device by a key or tool, or both.
6. Test Specimens
3.1.22 shackle, n—part of a padlock that passes through an
6.1 Select specimens for test at random from the manufac-
opening in an object or fits around an object and is ultimately
turers’ finished stock of each size and model being certified by
locked into the case.
the manufacturer.
3.1.23 shroud, n—material on a padlock body specifically
6.2 Padlocks or cylinders are permitted to be used for
added to protect the shackle from physical attack.
multiple tests if previous tests would not influence subsequent
3.1.24 tailpiece,n—actuatorattachedtoorpartoftherearof
test results.
the cylinder.
6.3 Select four padlocks or cylinders for the forcing tests.
3.1.25 toe, n—part of a padlock shackle that is normally
For surreptitious entry tests, select five padlocks or cylinders
released from the case in the unlocked position.
for each test required. Select one padlock or cylinder for the
3.1.26 tumbler, n—movable obstruction of varying size and
cycle test.
configuration in a lock or cylinder that makes direct contact
6.4 Each lock submitted for bump testing shall be supplied
with the key or another tumbler and prevents an incorrect key
with seven cut keys that operate the lock.
or torquing device from activating the lock or other mecha-
nism.
6.5 When appropriate, select one padlock for the salt spray
test (Option E) and three for the environmental tests (Option
4. Classification of Functions
G).
4.1 Types of Padlocks:
4.1.1 Type P01—Key operated. 7. Preparation of Apparatus
4.1.2 Type P02—Combination operated.
7.1 Tensile Loading Device—Provide a tensile loading de-
4.2 Grades—Six levels of performance are described in this vice having a load and force measuring capacity of 44 500 N
specification with Grade 1 the lowest and Grade 6 the highest. (10 000 lbf).
4.3 Options: 7.2 Shock Impactor:
4.3.1 Option A—Key is captive in cylinder when padlock is 7.2.1 Provide a fixture as illustrated in Fig. 1 which allows
unlocked. the weights described in (7.2.2) to be properly guided to strike
F883−13 (2022)
FIG. 1 (Sheet 1) Shock Impactor (See Table 5 for Bill of Material)
theanvilrodwhichwillbeplacedindirectcontactwiththetop 7.2.3 Make a mounting block that will support the specimen
surface of a padlock using the mounting block described in
on the mounting block when being subjected to the required
(7.2.3).
shock load (see Table 1).
7.2.2 Make a set of weights as shown in Fig. 1, with a
7.3 Key Bumping:
central hole in each that allows the weight selected to free fall
and strike the top surface of the anvil rod.
F883−13 (2022)
FIG. 2 (Sheet 2) Shock Impactor (See Table 5 for Bill of Material)
7.3.1 Each locksmith performing the test shall use two of 7.3.2.1 Atorquebarispermittedtobeusedifthetestperson
the supplied keys to fabricate his own pull bump key and push prefers that method.
bump key. 7.3.2.2 Asingle impact cycle consists of having a bump key
7.3.2 Both a pull bump key and a push bump key shall be fully inserted into the keyway and withdrawing it one cut
used to test a lock or cylinder for bump resistance by each of position for the pull type, inserting the key fully into the
three locksmiths. keyway and then releasing it to allow the pins to center it for
F883−13 (2022)
FIG. 3 (Sheet 3) Shock Impactor (See Table 5 for Bill of Material)
TABLE 1 Forcing Tests Required Values
Grades
Forcing Tests Units
1 (F1) 2 (F2) 3 (F3) 4 (F4) 5 (F5) 6 (F6)
Tensile Force newtons 1000 2500 5000 9000 20 000 40 000
(lbf) (225) (560) (1125) (2000) 4500) (9000)
Shock test blows 5 5 5 5 5 5
Shock test weights kilograms 1 2 3 4 5 6
(lbs) (2.2) (4.4) (6.6) (8.8) (11.0) (13.2)
Shock test heights meters 1 1 1 1 1 1
(in.) (39.4) (39.4) (39.4) (39.4) (39.4) (39.4)
Plug pull test newtons 1000 1500 2000 3000 6000 12 000
(lbf) (225) (337) (450) (675) (1350) (2700)
Plug torque test newton-meters 10 15 20 25 30 35
(lbf-in.) (89) (133) (177) (221) (266) (310)
Shackle cutting newtons 4450 9000 13 500 18 000 31 000 45 000
force test (lbf) (1000) (2000) (3000) (4000) (7000) (10 000)
the push type, impacting the end of the key to drive it fully into 8.2 Shock Test—Using the impactor (7.2) drop the weight
the keyway while torque is applied. If the cylinder or lock the required number of times on the top of the locked padlock
operatesaftertheimpact,itfailedthetestatthatcycleandshall case. Failure occurs if the padlock opens.
be given the appropriate grade level for the last cycle that did
8.3 Plug Pulling Test—Drill the keyway with a No. 20
not accomplish operation. If it did not operate, a new cycle
(0.161 in.) diameter drill and insert a TypeAB No. 12 screw at
shall be achieved until the lock or cylinder reaches Grade 6.
least 19 mm (0.75 in.) deep. Apply the required tension (7.1)
7.3.3 Provide various mounting blocks for locks or cylin-
axially between the case and the installed screw. Failure occurs
ders as required by the test person if rigid mounting is
if the cylinder plug or cylinder assembly completely separates
preferred.
from the case, or if the padlock can be opened by manipulation
7.3.4 The impact device shall be a non-metal instrument
with a screwdriver at the conclusion of the test.
with a weight not to exceed 0.25 lb.
NOTE 1—Some cylinders are of a configuration such that a different
attachment may be needed in order to apply the required loads.
TEST METHODS
8.4 Plug Torque Test:
8.4.1 Install the padlock in a rigid fixture such as a vise to
8. Forcing Tests (see Table 1)
support it firmly but not restrict free rotation of the plug in the
8.1 Tensile Test(Doesnotapplyiftestcannotbeperformed)
cylinder.
(see 7.1)—Support the locked padlock in a fixture bearing
8.4.2 Insert a blade type tool into the keyway, so that a
against the top surface of the case without interfering with the
torque load can be applied to the plug. Failure occurs if the
shackle or giving support through the top of the case to the
padlock opens.
shackle retaining mechanism. Apply the required force slowly
alongtheverticalcenterlineofthepadlockinadirectandequal 8.5 Shackle Cutting Test (Does not apply if test cannot be
tensiononeachlegoftheshackle.Failureoccursifthepadlock performed)—Shackles shall withstand cutting through when 2
opens. shearing blades made of a steel hardened to a minimum
F883−13 (2022)
hardness of Rc 50, are used in conjunction with the blade using maximum ranges. If lock design and cylinders used are
positioning holder, is placed in a tensile loading device (7.1) the same in several different sizes of padlocks submitted for
having a compression load capability and compressed with the testing, only a total of five samples of any size or sizes need to
required force. See Fig. 4 for details. Failure occurs if the be tested.
shackle is cut through. Padlocks specified with Option F are
9.1.3 The tools used for this test shall be manual manipu-
not subject to 8.6.
lating tools required by the operator, providing no visible
marks are left detectable by the unaided eye.
9. Surreptitious Entry Tests (see Table 2)
9.2 Cylinder Impressioning and Decoding Tests:
9.1 Picking or Manipulating Test:
9.2.1 Cylinders shall resist successful impressioning and
9.1.1 Cylinders in padlocks shall resist picking (see 5.1) for
decoding (see 5.1) for the required time.
the required time. Combination padlocks shall resist manual
9.2.2 Padlocks with cylinders submitted for test shall be
manipulation (see 5.1) for the required time.
loaded in accordance with 9.1.2.
9.1.2 Cylinders or padlocks submitted for test containing
pin tumblers shall be loaded using one each of the three or four
9.3 Shackle Shimming Test—Insert any shim stock selected
mid-range bittings available unless such a combination would (see 5.1) that can be inserted in the clearance between the
not normally be supplied as a stock product. Cylinders in
shackle and the case in either or both of the case shackle holes
padlocks containing other tumbler elements shall be loaded of a locked padlock and manipulate for the required time.
NOTE 1—Item No. 1 may be made as a multi-piece part that could be assembled by either bolt or weld construction.
FIG. 4(Sheet 1) Shackle Cutting Fixture and Blades (See Table 6 for Bill of Material)
F883−13 (2022)
TABLE 2 Surreptitious Entry Tests Required Values
Grades
Surreptitious Entry Tests
1 (S1) 2 (S2) 3 (S3) 4 (S4) 5 (S5) 6 (S6)
Picking or Manipulation, min ⁄2 1248 15
1 1 1
Bump Key Attack, min 2 ⁄2 57 ⁄2 10 12 ⁄2 15
Impressioning or Decoding min N/A N/A 2 4 8 15
Shackle Shimming Test min ⁄2 1248 15
Drilling and Shimming min N/A N/A N/A 4 8 15
Rapping min N/A N/A 2 4 8 15
9.4 Cylinder Drilling and Shimming Test: 9.6.6 If the cylinder or lock is not operated by the bump key
9.4.1 Use hand-held tools. within 10 impact cycles of either type of bump key, the lock is
9.4.2 Load cylinders in accordance with 9.1.2. classed as Grade 1. Locks or cylinders that are operated by
9.4.3 Cylinders in locked padlocks hanging from a hasp either type of bump key in 10 or less impacts will be qualified
shallresistdrillingandshimmingfortherequiredtime.Results as having Grade zero bump resistance.
of the drilling test shall not be obvious to the unaided eye.
9.6.7 The test described in 9.6.4 – 9.6.6 shall be repeated
through 10 complete impact cycles with each type bump key
9.5 Rap Test:
for each Grade level from 2 through 6 or until operated by a
9.5.1 Use hand
...