BHMA issues revisions for five standards

Words: Daniel AbitboulThe Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has announced the publication of five revisions to the ANSI/BHMA Standards. The industry standards recently approved by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) are:
  • A156.18 Materials and Finishes
  • A156.20 Strap Hinges, Tee Hinges, and Hasps
  • A156.24 Delayed Egress Locking Systems
  • A156.26 Continuous Hinges
  • A156.29 Exit Locks, Exit Alarms, Alarms for Exit Devices
“BHMA rolled out five revised publications in the last quarter of 2012 as the standards completed their revision cycle,” said BHMA Executive Director, Ralph Vasami. “Publishing a revised standard for the industry translates into enhancements to each product’s engineering and design. Raising the bar for hardware performance and product life can directly impact the safety and security of the facility — especially the people that occupy it.”

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.18 describes finish test methods and code numbers for finishes on base materials, developed to ensure quality control of the hardware finish.

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.20 establishes the requirements for Strap Hinges, Tee Hinges, and Hasps. In addition, it specifies performance tests covering operational and strength principles.

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.24 addresses conventional exit devices or locks causing the doors to remain locked after releasing actuation.

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.26 sets requirements for architectural continuous hinges used in building construction.

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.29 addresses the performance of Exit Locks, Exit Alarms and Alarms for Exit Devices.

For more information, or to purchase copies of these or other ANSI/BHMA standards, visit BHMA’S bookstore at www.buildershardware.com. Standards can also be ordered by calling 800-699-9277. Purchased standards are available as printed documents or electronic files (PDF) for immediate download.
Holding History Together: The Art of Lateral Restraint in Masonry Restoration
January 2026

The first thing you notice about an old masonry building isn’t always its beauty. Sometimes it’s the bow in a wall or the way time and the elements have tugged at the mortar joints. Every century-old structure carries its story in cracks, tilts, bows, and

Tiffany Tillema
Technical Talks
Read More
Stone Savvy: Helping Clients Choose Stone with Intent
January 2026

In today’s design environment, clients are surrounded by inspiration, endless images, samples, and styles that make choosing materials feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Within that sea of options, stone carries weight. It defines first impressio

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More