An expandable baton including a handle tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The expandable baton further includes a striking rod dimensioned to slide within the channel and having a retention end. In addition, the expandable baton further includes an end cap attached to the proximal end of the handle tube. The end cap includes a well chamber with a retention magnet that is configured to attract the striking rod. The retention magnet retains the collapsed position by attracting the striking rod. The well chamber also has a collar that is separated from the retention magnet by a determined distance, such that there is a separation between the collar and the retention magnet. The collar is configured to abut the retention end of the striking rod while the expandable baton is in a collapsed position.