Magnetic door locks are strong and secure locks that use electromagnets to keep the door closed.
They are often found in commercial buildings, hotels, and apartments. They can be unlocked by various methods, such as key cards, numeric keypads, or biometric sensors.
However, there may be situations where you need to bypass a magnetic door lock without using the authorized method.
For example, you may have lost or damaged your key card, the system may have malfunctioned, or you may need to access the door in an emergency.
In this article, we will explain how magnetic door locks work, what are the common types and applications of them, why you may want to bypass them, and how you can do it safely and effectively.
Understanding Magnetic Door Locks
Before we get into the methods of bypassing a magnetic door lock, let’s first understand how they work and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
How Magnetic Door Locks Work?
Magnetic door locks consist of two main components: an electromagnet and an armature plate. The electromagnet is attached to the door frame and the armature plate is attached to the door.
When the power is on, the electromagnet creates a strong magnetic field that attracts the armature plate and holds the door closed. The power can be supplied by an outlet, a battery, or a backup generator.
To unlock the door, the power supply is cut off for a few seconds by using an authorized method, such as a key card, a keypad, or a sensor. This breaks the magnetic field and releases the armature plate from the electromagnet. The door can then be opened by pushing or pulling it.
Common Types of Magnetic Door Locks
There are different types of magnetic door locks that vary in their design, size, strength, and unlocking method. Some of the common types are:
- Surface-mounted magnetic locks: These are the most common and simple type of magnetic locks. They are installed on the surface of the door frame and the door without any drilling or cutting. They are easy to install and remove but they are also visible and vulnerable to tampering.
- Mortise-mounted magnetic locks: These are more secure and discreet than surface-mounted locks. They are installed inside the door frame and the door by making holes or slots for them. They are harder to install and remove but they are also hidden and protected from external damage.
- Shear magnetic locks: These are similar to mortise-mounted locks but they have a different mechanism. Instead of pulling the armature plate towards the electromagnet, they slide it along a groove on the side of the electromagnet. This creates a shearing force that holds the door closed. They are more resistant to prying and vibration but they also require more precise alignment and installation.
- Double magnetic locks: These are composed of two electromagnets and two armature plates that are installed on both sides of the door. They provide double security and strength but they also consume more power and space.
Common Applications of Magnetic Door Locks
Magnetic door locks have many applications in various settings where security and convenience are important. Some of the common applications are:
- Commercial buildings: Magnetic door locks are often used in offices, warehouses, factories, schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings where access control is needed. They can be integrated with other security systems such as alarms, cameras, intercoms, or fire detectors. They can also be programmed to allow different levels of access for different users or groups.
- Hotels: Magnetic door locks are widely used in hotels where guests use key cards to enter their rooms. They offer more security and privacy than traditional locks as they prevent unauthorized entry or duplication of keys. They can also be linked to a central system that tracks the check-in and check-out status of each room.
- Apartments: Magnetic door locks are also popular in apartments where residents use key cards or fobs to enter their units. They provide more convenience and safety than conventional locks as they eliminate the need for keys or locksmiths. They can also be customized to allow temporary access for guests or service providers.
Reasons for Bypassing a Magnetic Door Lock
While magnetic door locks have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks that may require you to bypass them in certain situations. Some of these situations are:
- Emergency situations: In case of a fire, a power outage, or another emergency situation where you need to exit or enter a locked door quickly, you may not have time or access to use your authorized method of unlocking it. You may need to bypass it by using an alternative method that does not depend on electricity or authorization.
- Lost or damaged key cards: If you lose your key card or it gets damaged by water, heat, or magnetism, you may not be able to use it to unlock your magnetic door lock. You may need to bypass it by using another method that does not require a key card or by contacting someone who has a spare one.
- System malfunctions: If your magnetic door lock system malfunctions due to faulty wiring, software glitches, or human errors, you may not be able to unlock it by using your normal method. You may need to bypass it by using another method that does not rely on the system or by resetting or repairing it.
Methods for Bypassing a Magnetic Door Lock
There are several methods that you can use to bypass a magnetic door lock depending on your situation and resources. Some of these methods are:
1. Using A Strong Magnet
One of the simplest ways to bypass a magnetic door lock is to use another magnet that is stronger than the one in the lock. You can use a neodymium magnet (also known as a rare earth magnet) that is easily available online or in hardware stores. You can place it near the electromagnet on the door frame and move it around until you find the spot where it weakens or cancels out its magnetic field. This will release the armature plate from the electromagnet and allow you to open the door.
2. Using A Credit Card Or Other Thin Object
Another easy way to bypass a magnetic door lock is to use a credit card or another thin object that can fit between the gap of the door and the frame. You can slide it along the edge of the door until you reach the latch that holds it closed. You can then push it down or sideways to disengage the latch from its slot and open the door.
3. Hacking The System
A more advanced way to bypass a magnetic door lock is to hack its system by using electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, or RFID readers. You can connect them to the wires or terminals of the lock system and send signals or codes that will unlock it remotely. You can also use software tools such as brute force attacks, password crackers, or keyloggers to guess or capture the passcodes or fingerprints that are used to unlock the lock.
4. Contacting A Professional Locksmith
A more reliable way to bypass a magnetic door lock is to contact a professional locksmith who has the skills, tools, and experience to open it safely and legally. You can call them if you have their number or look for them online or in your local directory. They will charge you a fee depending on the type, complexity, and location of your lock.
