What is made in Aligarh
The Uttar Pradesh ODOP portal describes Aligarh as a centre for security hardware and metal-based industries. Under "Locks & Hardware" it lists locks, hardware fittings and security products for home and overseas markets. Under "Metal Craft" it lists decorative and utility pieces in brass, aluminium and iron.
Lock making has several stages: casting or pressing bodies, making levers and pins, cutting keys, plating and assembly. They may be done in one plant or split between workshops, with the exporter assembling, finishing and packing. A defect can start at any stage, so ask the supplier which steps are done in house.
Aligarh is not a Town of Export Excellence; the DGFT list does not include it. The ODOP portal says the industry serves both Indian and overseas buyers, so on a first order check that your supplier has packed and labelled goods for your market before.
What we check for Aligarh products
| Product | Main checks on site | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| Padlocks | Each lock opens with its own keys and no other key in the sample (cross-key test); shackle spring return; body and shackle marking; key count | Lock and padlock inspection |
| Keyed-alike and master-keyed sets | Every lock in a set against the keying chart; master key opens all; set labels on the pack | Lock and padlock inspection |
| Door and cupboard locks | Backset, latch throw and handing against the drawing; smooth operation; screws and strike plate in the kit | Door and cabinet hardware inspection |
| Hinges, handles and fittings | Hole centres and countersinks; screw fit and count per set; matched finish across a suite | Door and cabinet hardware inspection |
| Brass and metal craft | Finish against the approved sample; lacquer and plating cover; sharp edges; base metal by magnet and XRF where agreed | Brass and copper décor inspection |
| Bathroom fittings | Rail length and hole centres; fixing kit; finish match; load check on hooks and rails | Wall-mounted bathroom accessory inspection |
Security grades such as EN 12320 or ASTM F883, and salt-spray corrosion grades, come from lab tests. We check the claim on the pack against the test report and can send samples through lab testing coordination. See the hand tools and hardware inspection overview for sampling.
Common defects in Aligarh locks and hardware
| Defect | Typical product | Class |
|---|---|---|
| A key opens another lock in the lot that it should not | Padlocks, cupboard locks | Critical |
| Lock does not open with its own key, or the key jams | All locks | Critical |
| Security grade on the pack with no matching test report | Padlocks | Major |
| Shackle does not spring open or does not lock home | Padlocks | Major |
| Wrong number of keys, or keys missing from a set | All locks | Major |
| Plating peeling, or rust on steel parts | Laminated padlocks, hinges, fittings | Major |
| Holes or screws that do not match the drawing | Hinges, handles, door locks | Major |
| Finish shade varies between pieces of one suite | Handles, hinges, brass craft | Minor |
| Burrs, casting pits and scratches | Brass bodies, metal craft | Minor |
Timing and logistics
Our inspectors travel to Aligarh from Delhi NCR by road. Travel is charged at actual cost and quoted before you book.
- Split production: where bodies, levers and plating are made in different workshops, a during-production inspection checks the first assembled locks before the whole lot is plated and packed.
- Keying charts: send the chart before the visit. Master-keyed orders need more time per lock, which can add a man-day on large lots.
- Monsoon: from about July to September, humidity can cause rust on steel parts and tarnish on brass. We check storage, silica gel and packing on the day.
- Weight: lock cartons are heavy for their size. Ask for carton weight limits in your specification; we weigh cartons and check markings at pre-shipment inspection.
How to book an inspection in Aligarh
Send the product, the factory's address and the ready date through the booking form for Aligarh. Include the keying chart, drawings for fittings, photos of the approved finish and the destination market.
An inspection costs US$249 per man-day plus actual travel cost; see pricing. Within 24 hours we confirm the inspector, notice and price. The report arrives within 24 hours of the inspection, with a verdict of Cleared to load, Hold or Not cleared.
Sources
Are you a quality inspector in Aligarh?
We work with vetted freelance inspectors near the factories we check. You take assignments in your own area, inspect to our checklist, and Clear To Load pays you, never the factory. Apply to inspect with us.