How to open a RIB MAGIC by hand
Open a RIB MAGIC underground swing gate by hand. Guidance from our family-run team in Chafford Hundred.
Safety checks for the MAGIC
Gate type: underground swing. Steps below follow the manufacturer manual as drafted by our Tech Support team.
Safety first
- Isolate the power at the gate isolator or fused spur before you touch the release, and again before you lock it. If a backup battery is fitted the gate can still move with the mains off — do not release it; call us.
- Find the release key (and any extra locks such as drop bolts or magnetic locks) before you start. Do not force a lock or use pliers.
- Do not attempt this if the gate is damaged, leaning, off its hinges or track, has no travel stops, or sits on a steep slope you cannot control.
- Keep children, pets and others clear of the gate path, hinges and the gap at the end. Move the gate slowly by hand.
- Never open a motor cover, control box or wiring. This guide is for gates only — barriers are engineer-only.
- If you are unsure at any point, stop and call our family-run team on 01375 886299.
You'll need
- The key for the gate's electric lock, if fitted (there is no release on the MAGIC motor itself)
Safety first
Warning: A released gate can swing or roll on its own on a slope or in wind, and it can trap fingers, children, pets or cars. - Only release the motor when the gate has completely stopped. - Keep the power off at the gate's own switch while you release it and while you lock it again. - If your gate has a back-up battery, it can still move with the mains off. Do not release it: call us. - Move the gate slowly by hand and keep everyone clear of hinges, posts and the gap at the end. - Never take the motor cover or control box off, and never touch the wiring. - This guide is for gates only. It does not apply to car park barriers: barrier releases are engineer-only, so call us.
Before you start
- Check you have the release key. This is either a generic release key for the motor or a numbered key (often 4 digits stamped on it). No key? Stop and book help (link at the bottom).
- Undo any extra locks on the gate first, such as drop bolts or padlocks.
- Switch the gate's power off at its own switch (the isolator or fused spur for the gate) before you touch the release.
Release the motor
- Switch the power off at the gate's own switch. RIB says do this first.
- RIB's MAGIC motor has no release: it is designed to be pushed by hand.
- Release the electric lock on the gate, then push the gate open by hand, slowly. The manual doesn't say how your electric lock releases: if you're not sure, or there is no electric lock, or the gate won't let go, call us.
Put it back to automatic
- Nothing to re-engage on the motor. Re-lock the electric lock / any drop bolt, then switch the power back on at the gate's own switch.
Still not working?
- Key will not turn, or you do not have the key: do not force it or use pliers. Call us and we will book an engineer.
- Gate will not move by hand after releasing: something may be jammed, or a hinge, wheel or track may be damaged. Stop, leave it, and call us.
- Gate moves on its own, sags, or hangs off a hinge: keep everyone away and call us straight away.
- Gate does not work on the remote after you lock it and the power is back: call us; do not press buttons on the control board.
Quote the make and model on the motor label.
Call Charged Services on 01375 886299 and quote the make and model on the motor label.
Still stuck? Talk to us.
Our family-run team in Chafford Hundred can talk you through it or book a visit. Tell us the make and model on the motor label.
Download the manufacturer’s own PDF from our gate manual library: RIB MAGIC Manual. See all gate manuals.
Gate stuck? Call us.
For urgent repairs, call us on 01375 886299 and we will tell you what we can do.