BIS Certification Consultancy for Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals | IS 204 (Part 2):1992

Introduction

Tower bolts are commonly used as fastening hardware for doors, windows, cabinets, furniture and other applications where a simple sliding locking arrangement is required. When these products are manufactured from non-ferrous metals such as brass, aluminium alloy or zinc alloy, their material quality, dimensions, finish and construction become important factors in determining their performance and durability.

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 – Tower Bolts – Specification: Part 2 Non-Ferrous Metals specifies requirements for tower bolts made from non-ferrous metals. BIS includes this product under its certification framework, and the current BIS Product Manual provides guidance on raw materials, product grouping, sample requirements, testing equipment and inspection and testing arrangements.

The standard covers both barrel tower bolts and skeleton tower bolts, with different types based on material and construction. BIS's current compulsory-certification listing includes IS 204 (Part 2):1992 – Tower Bolts – Non-ferrous metal under Scheme-I.

About Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals

A tower bolt is a sliding fastening device generally fitted to a door, window or similar movable panel. The bolt slides into a corresponding keeper or socket to secure the door or panel.

Non-ferrous tower bolts are manufactured using metals that do not have iron as their principal constituent. Common materials covered by the standard include:

Brass
Aluminium alloy
Zinc alloy

These materials can provide suitable corrosion resistance, appearance and service performance when manufactured according to the applicable requirements.

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 covers barrel tower bolts and skeleton tower bolts.

What is IS 204 (Part 2):1992?

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 is titled:

Tower Bolts – Specification: Part 2 Non-Ferrous Metals

The standard lays down requirements for tower bolts made of non-ferrous metals.

It addresses important characteristics including:

Material
Dimensions
Tolerances
Manufacture
Finish
Product types
Applicable material requirements

The standard is currently listed by BIS under its compulsory certification framework.

Scope of IS 204 (Part 2):1992

The standard covers tower bolts manufactured from non-ferrous metals.

The products are broadly classified into:

Barrel Tower Bolts

These tower bolts have a barrel arrangement through which the bolt slides.

Skeleton Tower Bolts

These have an open or skeleton-type plate and associated bolt arrangement.

The current BIS Product Manual identifies Types 1 to 5 for barrel tower bolts and Types 6 to 9 for skeleton tower bolts.

Types of Tower Bolts Covered

According to the current BIS grouping guidance:

Tower Bolt Type	Material	Size Range
Barrel Type 1, 2, 3	Brass	75–300 mm
Barrel Type 4	Aluminium Alloy	75–300 mm
Barrel Type 5	Zinc Alloy	75–300 mm
Skeleton Type 6, 7	Brass	375–900 mm
Skeleton Type 8	Aluminium Alloy	375–900 mm
Skeleton Type 9	Zinc Alloy	375–900 mm

The BIS Product Manual gives the detailed grouping basis and identifies the relevant sizes for each type.

Materials Used in Tower Bolts

The standard specifies requirements for materials used in tower bolts.

Depending on the type, tower bolts may be manufactured using:

Brass

Used for various barrel and skeleton tower bolt configurations.

Aluminium Alloy

Used for aluminium alloy tower bolts.

Zinc Alloy

Used for zinc-alloy tower bolts, including die-cast constructions.

The current BIS Product Manual requires raw material to conform to the applicable requirements of Clause 4 and Table 3 of IS 204 (Part 2):1992.

Important Requirements

Material

The material used for manufacturing tower bolts should meet the requirements specified by the standard.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the tower bolt must conform to the applicable tables and requirements.

Tolerances

Dimensional tolerances must remain within the limits specified by the standard.

Manufacture

Tower bolts should be properly manufactured and free from defects that can affect their performance.

Smooth Operation

The bolt should operate smoothly and correctly.

Finish

The finished product should have a suitable surface finish and should not have unacceptable sharp edges or other defects.

Anodizing

For applicable aluminium alloy tower bolts, anodizing requirements may apply.

Manufacturing Process

A typical manufacturing process for non-ferrous tower bolts may involve the following stages:

1. Raw Material Selection

Suitable brass, aluminium alloy or zinc alloy material is selected.

2. Incoming Material Inspection

Material composition, dimensions and supplier documentation are checked.

3. Component Manufacturing

Components such as:

Barrel
Bolt
Plate
Staple
Knob
Keeper

are manufactured according to the applicable product design.

4. Casting / Extrusion / Forming

Depending on the material and product type, components may be produced through casting, extrusion, rolling, drawing or other suitable processes.

5. Machining

Necessary machining operations are carried out to achieve required dimensions.

6. Drilling

Screw holes and other required holes are produced.

7. Assembly

Individual components are assembled.

8. Surface Finishing

Applicable finishing, polishing, plating or anodizing is carried out.

9. Inspection

The finished tower bolt is checked for:

Dimensions
Tolerances
Finish
Operation
Workmanship
Surface defects

10. Packing

Finished products are packed and identified according to applicable requirements.

Testing Requirements

Testing is an important part of BIS certification.

The applicable testing can include:

Material requirements
Dimensions
Dimensional tolerances
Manufacture
Finish
Visual examination
Anodizing, where applicable

BIS laboratory information for IS 204 (Part 2):1992 lists testing under the applicable specification and currently shows laboratory testing availability for the product.

The exact testing programme should always be checked against the latest BIS Product Manual and applicable amendments.

Product Grouping

Product grouping is particularly important for manufacturers producing multiple tower bolt sizes and materials.

The July 2025 BIS Product Manual provides specific grouping guidelines. It states that the product is classified according to:

Description
Type
Material
Size

For each applicable type and size range, samples representing the smallest and highest size are to be tested to cover the intervening sizes within that range.

This grouping approach can help manufacturers include multiple sizes within the licence scope while following BIS requirements.

Sample Requirement

The earlier BIS Product Manual specifies a sample size of:

5 nos. of Tower Bolts.

However, the current Product Manual should be referred to when preparing a new application because BIS may update product manuals, grouping requirements or testing arrangements.

Testing Equipment

Manufacturers applying for BIS certification should maintain suitable testing and measuring facilities according to the applicable Product Manual.

The BIS Product Manual provides the list of testing equipment through its relevant annexure.

Depending on the applicable requirements, manufacturers may need arrangements for checking:

Dimensions
Tolerances
Material characteristics
Finish
Anodizing, where applicable
Other specified product characteristics

Measuring equipment should be appropriately maintained and calibrated.

Factory Inspection

During BIS factory assessment, the manufacturing facility may be evaluated for:

Raw Material Control

Verification of brass, aluminium alloy, zinc alloy and other materials.

Manufacturing Machinery

Assessment of casting, extrusion, machining, drilling, forming and finishing machinery, as applicable.

Production Process

Review of the complete manufacturing process.

Quality Control

Inspection of incoming, in-process and finished products.

Testing Facilities

Verification of testing and measuring equipment.

Calibration

Review of calibration records.

Product Identification

Checking product types, sizes and material identification.

Packing

Review of product packaging and identification.

Records

Production, inspection and testing records may be reviewed during assessment.

Documents Required

Common documents required for BIS certification may include:

Company registration documents
Factory address proof
Factory layout
Manufacturing process flow
Machinery list
Product drawings
Product specifications
Product catalogue
Raw-material specifications
Material test certificates
Supplier documents
Internal test reports
Laboratory test reports
Testing equipment list
Calibration certificates
Quality-control plan
Inspection records
Production records
Product photographs
Packing details
Marking details
Authorized signatory documents
Trademark documents, where applicable

The exact documentation depends on the applicant and proposed licence scope.

BIS Marking Requirements

After obtaining the BIS licence, the manufacturer can use the applicable BIS Standard Mark and licence number (CM/L) according to BIS certification conditions.

The Standard Mark should only be applied to products covered by the approved licence scope.

The marking and labelling requirements should be checked against the latest applicable standard, Product Manual and BIS licence conditions.

QCO Requirement

Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals are included in the BIS compulsory certification framework under:

IS 204 (Part 2):1992

BIS's current Scheme-I listing specifically includes IS 204 (Part 2):1992 – Tower Bolts – Non-ferrous metal.

The BIS technical publication also states that the applicable Quality Control Order requires covered tower bolts manufactured, sold or imported in India to comply with IS 204 (Part 2) and display the BIS Standard Mark.

Manufacturers, importers and sellers should therefore verify the latest QCO and implementation requirements applicable to their products before placing them on the Indian market.

Who Needs BIS Certification?

BIS certification can be relevant to manufacturers producing covered non-ferrous tower bolts, including:

Tower bolt manufacturers
Builder hardware manufacturers
Brass tower bolt manufacturers
Aluminium tower bolt manufacturers
Zinc alloy tower bolt manufacturers
Door hardware manufacturers
Window hardware manufacturers
Hardware OEM manufacturers
Contract manufacturers
Export-oriented manufacturers supplying the Indian market

Importers should separately review the requirements applicable to imported products.

Eligibility Requirements

A manufacturer should generally have:

Suitable manufacturing premises
Appropriate machinery
Raw-material control
Product drawings
Product specifications
Quality-control procedures
Testing arrangements
Calibrated measuring equipment
Production records
Inspection records
Suitable technical personnel
Proper storage arrangements
Packing and marking arrangements

Common Reasons for Certification Delays

Manufacturers may face delays because of:

Incorrect standard selection
Incorrect product classification
Wrong material declaration
Incorrect product grouping
Inadequate product drawings
Dimensional non-conformity
Tolerance failure
Poor surface finish
Sharp edges
Improper bolt operation
Material-related non-conformity
Anodizing-related issues
Missing calibration records
Inadequate testing arrangements
Incorrect samples
Incomplete documents
Factory not ready for assessment
Incorrect marking

Proper preparation before submitting the BIS application can reduce avoidable issues.

Cost of BIS Certification

The total certification cost depends on:

BIS application charges
Laboratory testing
Number of product types
Number of materials
Product grouping
Number of sizes
Testing equipment
Factory assessment
Calibration
Retesting, if required
Documentation
Consultancy charges

BIS LIMS currently shows a listed testing charge for IS 204 Part 2, although the final cost depends on the actual scope and laboratory selected.

Certification Timeline

The time required for certification depends on:

Product readiness
Documentation
Sample availability
Laboratory testing
Test results
BIS application processing
Factory readiness
Factory assessment
Closure of observations

Manufacturers with multiple materials and sizes should finalise their product grouping before testing.

Benefits of BIS Certification

Product Quality

Testing helps verify important product characteristics.

Regulatory Compliance

Helps manufacturers comply with applicable BIS requirements.

Customer Confidence

BIS certification can increase buyer confidence.

Market Acceptance

Certification supports market access where BIS certification is compulsory.

Better Manufacturing Control

Quality-control arrangements help maintain consistent production.

Product Reliability

Proper dimensions, material and workmanship contribute to reliable tower bolt operation.

Business Credibility

BIS certification can strengthen the manufacturer's position in the builder hardware market.

Why Choose Qualitance India?

Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy for builder hardware, fasteners and various products covered under Indian Standards.

For Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals as per IS 204 (Part 2):1992, assistance can include:

Product applicability assessment
Standard requirement review
Product grouping guidance
Material assessment
Size and type assessment
Documentation support
Testing requirement review
Laboratory coordination
Sample preparation guidance
BIS application assistance
Factory inspection preparation
Quality-control documentation
Test report coordination
Observation closure assistance
BIS licence support

Contact Qualitance India

Phone: +91-9310-615-170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: https://qualitanceindia.com/

BIS Certification Process

Product Identification
↓
IS 204 (Part 2):1992 Requirement Review
↓
Material & Product Type Assessment
↓
Size and Product Grouping
↓
Raw Material Verification
↓
Documentation Preparation
↓
Sample Selection
↓
Laboratory Testing
↓
BIS Application
↓
BIS Scrutiny
↓
Factory Assessment
↓
Test Report Evaluation
↓
Observation Closure
↓
BIS Licence Grant
↓
BIS Standard Mark

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is IS 204 (Part 2):1992?

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 is the Indian Standard for Tower Bolts – Specification: Part 2 Non-Ferrous Metals.

2. What are non-ferrous tower bolts?

They are tower bolts manufactured from non-ferrous materials such as brass, aluminium alloy and zinc alloy.

3. Which products are covered under IS 204 Part 2?

The standard covers non-ferrous metal tower bolts, including barrel and skeleton types.

4. Which materials are covered?

The BIS grouping guidance identifies brass, aluminium alloy and zinc alloy for the specified tower bolt types.

5. What is the size range for barrel tower bolts?

The current grouping guidance identifies sizes from 75 mm to 300 mm for the listed barrel tower bolt types.

6. What is the size range for skeleton tower bolts?

The current grouping guidance identifies sizes from 375 mm to 900 mm for the listed skeleton tower bolt types.

7. Is BIS certification required for non-ferrous tower bolts?

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 is included in BIS's current compulsory certification listing under Scheme-I.

8. Is product grouping applicable?

Yes. BIS provides specific grouping guidance based on type, material and size.

9. Which samples are tested for product grouping?

The current grouping guidance specifies testing one sample each of the smallest and highest size from each applicable type and size range.

10. What tests are performed?

Testing can include material, dimensions, tolerances, manufacture, finish and other applicable requirements.

11. Is material testing required?

Material must comply with the applicable requirements of Clause 4 and Table 3 of IS 204 (Part 2):1992.

12. Is anodizing tested?

Anodizing can be an applicable requirement for aluminium alloy tower bolts.

13. Is factory inspection required?

Factory assessment is part of the applicable BIS certification process under Scheme-I.

14. What documents are required?

Typical documents include factory details, product drawings, raw-material information, manufacturing process, machinery list, testing arrangements, calibration records and quality-control records.

15. Can a manufacturer include different sizes in one licence?

Potentially yes, subject to the applicable BIS grouping rules and the manufacturer's testing and production capabilities.

16. Can brass and aluminium tower bolts be included in the same licence?

The licence scope and grouping need to be determined according to the applicable type, material and BIS grouping requirements.

17. What is the BIS certification process?

It generally involves product assessment, grouping, documentation, testing, BIS application, factory assessment and conformity evaluation.

18. Can Qualitance India help with tower bolt certification?

Yes. Qualitance India can assist manufacturers with product assessment, grouping, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

Website Image Text

TOWER BOLTS – NON-FERROUS METALS

IS 204 (PART 2):1992

BIS CERTIFICATION CONSULTANCY

BRASS | ALUMINIUM ALLOY | ZINC ALLOY

Qualitance India

+91-9310-615-170
info@qualitanceindia.com
qualitanceindia.com

Image Text Suggestions

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IS 204 Part 2:1992
Non-Ferrous Tower Bolts BIS Certification
BIS Licence for Tower Bolts
Brass Tower Bolt Certification
Aluminium Tower Bolt Certification
Zinc Alloy Tower Bolt Certification
Tower Bolt Testing
Tower Bolt Factory Inspection
IS 204 Part 2 Testing
BIS Certification for Builder Hardware
Non-Ferrous Metal Tower Bolts
Tower Bolt Quality Testing
BIS Licence Consultancy for Tower Bolts
Qualitance India BIS Consultancy

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Need BIS Certification for Tower Bolts?

If you manufacture non-ferrous metal tower bolts made from brass, aluminium alloy or zinc alloy, compliance with the applicable BIS requirements is important before supplying the product in the Indian market.

The current BIS Product Manual provides detailed guidance regarding product grouping, materials, sizes, samples, testing equipment and inspection and testing arrangements for IS 204 (Part 2):1992.

Qualitance India can assist manufacturers with:

Product applicability
Type and material identification
Product grouping
Sample planning
Laboratory coordination
Documentation
BIS application
Factory inspection preparation
Quality-control documentation
Test report coordination

Qualitance India
Phone: +91-9310-615-170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: https://qualitanceindia.com/

Conclusion

IS 204 (Part 2):1992 – Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals provides requirements for tower bolts manufactured from non-ferrous materials such as brass, aluminium alloy and zinc alloy. The standard covers both barrel and skeleton tower bolts and addresses important characteristics including material, dimensions, tolerances, manufacture and finish.

BIS currently includes IS 204 (Part 2):1992 in its Scheme-I compulsory certification listing.

For manufacturers with multiple sizes and materials, correctly understanding the BIS product grouping requirements is especially important. The current Product Manual specifies grouping based on product type, material and size, with representative smallest and highest sizes tested for the relevant ranges.

Proper preparation of product specifications, raw-material documents, samples, testing facilities and factory records can make the certification process more systematic.

Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy for Tower Bolts – Non-Ferrous Metals as per IS 204 (Part 2):1992, assisting manufacturers from product assessment and testing coordination through BIS application and factory inspection preparation