Why does my maglock keep sticking?

Author: Rosanna Effertz  |  Last update: Friday, February 13, 2026

If the lock does not immediately release or seems to be \"sticking\" then first check the power connections at the magnet with a volt meter and confirm the voltage is dropping completely to 0. If there is residual voltage then check the control relays and field wiring in the system.

What causes a maglock to stick?

Misalignment of the Lock

Another common problem with maglocks is misalignment, which can cause the lock to bind or not release properly. This can be caused by a poorly installed door frame, a misaligned strike plate, or a warped door.

Why is my maglock not releasing?

Inferior or damaged cables can break, especially if they are too thin. And because maglocks need electricity to stay engaged, any power outage will cause the lock to stop working if you don't have a backup power source. If your magnetic lock is having a failure to release problem, it's often an electrical problem.

Why does my door lock keep sticking?

Your composite door lock is sticking.

Usually, this is caused by debris build-up in the lock's internal mechanism and can be rectified by using a silicone lubricant for your door cylinder and a grease lubricant for your locking mechanism.

How do you reset a stuck lock?

This is typically a small button or hole on the side or bottom of the lock. If your lock has a reset button, press and hold it down. For locks with a reset slot, insert the reset tool provided with the lock. While holding the reset button or tool, set your new combination by turning the dials to your desired numbers.

Magnetic Lock troubleshooting

Why is my magnetic door lock not engaging?

Confirm the connections on the maglock and check the wiring for pinches or breaks. The face of the magnet and strike plate are clean. Check strike plate alignment and make sure it is making complete contact with the face of the magnet and is not misaligned up, down, left, or right, even 1/8\".

Why does my lock get stuck?

Some of the most common culprits include: Dirt and Debris. Over time, dust, dirt, debris, and even broken pieces of your key can accumulate in the lock mechanism, hindering its smooth operation. This build-up can lead to a situation where the key turns, but the lock won't open.

What is the best lubricant for sticky locks?

What's the best lubricant for your lock? When choosing the best product to lubricate locks, dry lubricants like graphite powder and PTFE lubricants are best. As mentioned above, oil-based products can attract dust and dirt which can damage the delicate internal mechanism of your lock.

What makes a lock sticky?

Common Causes of Sticky Door Locks

If a door lock is rusted or corroded, it can become hard to get the key into the lock, difficult to turn full, and also sticky and difficult to get out of the lock. If your lock is worn out, lubricant may be a temporary fix, but it's not going to resolve the problem.

How to release a mag lock?

Simply push the button and pull the handle if you want to go outside. You might be wondering, how does one unlock the lock if the power cuts off? The truth is you don't have to worry, you won't be trapped inside. If the electricity is shut down, the lock will automatically unlock itself.

How to fix a door lock that won't lock?

How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch
  1. Inspect.
  2. Gather Tools.
  3. Tighten Hinges.
  4. Shim the Hinges.
  5. Sand the Jambs.
  6. Enlarge the Strike Plate Hole.
  7. Move the Strike Plate.

How to stop a magnet from sticking?

The easist way to keep a magnet from sticking to other stuff is to keep it away from the other stuff. The forces of attraction and repulsion get very small far away from the magnet. You can also redirect the magnetic flux lines into a loop to reduce the field strength away from the magnet.

What is lock sticking?

Usually, this happens when the lock pins are dirty or need to be lubricated. Common causes of this include corrosion, rust, and a build-up of dirt and debris. Everything from outside elements like dust to the lint your key picked up at the bottom of your purse can transfer to the lock and result in sticking.

What is the problem with maglocks?

Possible Problems
  • Physical weariness. The latch may not be properly placed in the electric striker, the magnetic lock may not be properly aligned due to mechanical force or weariness, and the power supply to the striker can be insufficient. ...
  • Electrical malfunctioning.

What can I spray on my lock to lubricate?

GT85 Lubricant is perfect for using and applying to Door Locks the GT 85 spray is a multi-purpose lubricant that helps keep your door and window hardware in good working order. GT85 lubricates and protects while also cleaning automobiles and motorcycles.

Can you use Vaseline to lubricate a lock?

Yes, you can use Vaseline instead of WD-40 if you need a quick substitute. However, keep in mind Vaseline may not work for all applications, including inside locks. While it can work great on door hinges, it may be too sticky for locks and end up attracting dust and dirt particles—which can cause damage to your lock.

What lubricant does not get sticky?

While there is no single best lube for every body and every sexual activity, we found Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe water-based lube to be long lasting, non-sticky, condom- and toy-friendly, and thick enough to work for anal use as well as vaginal use.

How to stop a door lock from sticking?

Apply a graphite-based or silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for locks. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract more dust and grime. Insert and turn the key: Insert the key into the lock and gently turn it back and forth a few times.

How do you lubricate a stuck lock?

WD-40 While WD-40 is a penetrating oil and technically not a lubricant, it can get a stuck lock moving if you're in a pinch. Simply spray WD-40 into the lock. Then, repeatedly insert your key into the keyhole to work the WD-40 into the lock.

What is the best lubricant for door locks?

Some of the best door lock lubricants available on the market today include Houdini Lock Lube, DuPont Teflon lubricant, Master Lock 2300D PTFE lubricant, and Lock Saver Lubricant. At QuickPro Locksmith, we take pride in providing a wide range of locksmith services to homeowners and businesses.

How do you get a stuck lock to work?

If you have a stuck door lock, spray lubricant into the lock's keyhole. Doing so will loosen any debris or deposits sitting inside your stuck lock and prevent your key from turning.

Can magnetic locks fail-secure?

Maglocks require constant power to stay locked, making them fail-safe. If the power goes out for any reason, the maglock's magnetic hold will release and the opening will no longer be secured. On the other hand, fail-secure locking functions require power to unlock a door.

What are the disadvantages of magnetic door lock?

Drawbacks of magnetic door lock for business

Security limitations: While magnetic locks are extremely strong, they may be more susceptible to tampering in comparison to other options because of their power supply.

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