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Frequently Asked Questions
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What If I do not fit membership criteria?
How do I Join BHMA?
Please download a membership application and call (212) 297-2110 for additional questions and information.
Exactly what is "builders hardware"?
Builders hardware -- sometimes referred to as architectural hardware, building hardware or finish hardware -- consists of products that are mounted onto the moving parts of buildings (doors, windows, drawers, etc.) in order to move, fasten or protect them. Examples of builders hardware include locks, latches, cabinet hardware, hinges, door hardware, door closers, exit devices, power doors, sliding doors and folding doors. View BHMA's Guide to Builders Hardware Terminology.
What benefits do I receive as a BHMA member?
- Become involved and participate in the creation of ANSI/BHMA standards
- Virtually all federal and defense agencies utilize standards in construction specifications
-
Play a role in determining the polices of ISO, ICBO, NFPA, ICC
Click here to read more about the benefits of BHMA membership.
What are BHMA Product Sections?
BHMA’s Product Sections serve as a method for categorizing hardware items by type. Product Sections are used for BHMA’s universal product numbering system, as well as a means of organizing BHMA member committees and activities. The BHMA Product Sections, and types of hardware they encompass, are listed below.
| Section | Product |
|---|---|
|
A |
Butts, hinges & related items |
|
B |
Cabinet hardware and cabinet hinges |
|
C |
Door controls (including checking floor hinges & overhead concealed closers) |
|
D |
Sliding & folding door hardware |
|
E |
Rim, night latches, dead locks, padlocks, key blanks, key control systems & miscellaneous locking devices |
|
F |
Locks & lock trim (including cylindrical tubular locks) |
|
G |
Exit devices |
|
J |
Architectural door trim, push & kick plates, door pulls, weatherstripping, etc. |
|
L |
Auxiliary hardware |
|
M |
High security locks |
|
O |
Postal specialties |
|
P |
Power doors and components |
| Q |
Integrated Door Assemblies |
How can I determine the grade of a particular builders hardware product?
Many builders hardware items are available as Grade 1, 2 or 3 (Grade 1 is the highest).
The grade of a particular hardware item can be ascertained by looking at its BHMA product number.
Grading criteria are product-specific, and are set forth in the applicable ANSI/BHMA standard(s) covering that product.
What are different grades?
How does the BHMA product numbering system work?
Every BHMA product can be identified by a five digit identification number preceded by a prefix letter. (The illustration which follows is purely an example. Products are different by nature, therefore product categories each have numbering systems that may be slightly different. You must refer to the actual standard.)
For example, a product number for a cabinet hardware item might be listed as B 5 2 1 3 1
The prefix letter denotes the BHMA Product Section that produces the hardware.
The first numeral designates the base material for the product. BHMA standards use the default number '0' to allow the manufacturer to use an optional material that meets the performance requirements of the applicable standard.
The second number identifies the type of product.
The third and fourth numerals identify the function of the specific item.
The fifth number indicates the performance grade or other descriptions of the product. See applicable standard.
Every ANSI/BHMA standard contains an explanation of the BHMA product numbering code applicable for that particular category of hardware. Using the example above, a specifier would refer to the ANSI/BHMA Standard A 156.9 for cabinet hardware, and ascertain that for product B 5 2 1 3 1...
B = Product Section for cabinet hardware hinges
5 = Stainless steel
2 = Cabinet knob
13 = Back mounted
1 = Grade One
Thus the product is a Grade 1, back-mounted stainless steel cabinet knob.
How can I obtain a list of your members?
A list of BHMA member companies can be found under Members & Other Links on the home page of this web site.
Who manufactures a specific product(i.e. locks, hinges, exit device)?
Does BHMA collect industry statistics?
No. BHMA does not currently collects or maintains industry statistics on sales and imports.
What are the eligibility requirements for BHMA membership?
If you manufacture builders hardware products or supply componentry in the USA, Canada or Mexico you are eligible to apply for BHMA membership . Additional membership information can be obtained by calling (212) 297-2122; fax (212) 370-9047; or by emailing us.
How often are BHMA standards updated?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires the standards to be updated every five years, although many BHMA standards are updated more frequently. The revision date for a standard is often shown as a two-digit numerical suffix to the standard number. For example, A156.10-99 means that ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.10 was last reviewed in 1999.
View the full list of BHMA standards with notes on development or revision status.
Is BHMA developing any new standards?
Yes. BHMA currently has 33 ANSI/BHMA standards and is in the process of developing new standards for Ligature, Resistant Hardware and Multipoint Locks. Industry standards for residental hardware products are also being developed.
View the full list with notes on development or revision status.
Is BHMA-sponsored certification restricted to products manufactured by BHMA members?
No.
Any manufacturer may submit an applicable hardware item for certification.
The BHMA Certification Mark logo means that the product has been independently tested and certified as conforming to the criteria of its ANSI/BHMA standard.
Is there a list of BHMA-certified products?
Yes. BHMA publishes an annual directory of all BHMA-certified hardware products. You can browse or download the <a class="bodytext" certified-products"="" title="Certified Product Directory">Certified Product Directory. Bound copies of the certified product directory can be obtained by phoning 1-800-699-9277.
How can a product be identified as BHMA-certified?
Certified builders hardware products should carry the BHMA certification logo, either on the product itself or the packaging. If you are uncertain whether the product is truly BHMA third -party certified, refer to the BHMA Certified Products Directory, available on-line.
How can my company get its hardware products certified?
Companies interested in the BHMA certification program should download the attached licensing agreement and then contact BHMA.
