Im new to this hobby but keep running into the same problem

[MrCarmichael]

So i recently got into lock picking for fun, but i always find that i have the same problem on every lock i try to pick. I always manage to push up all but the very first pin in my first or second go, but once i get that far, i cant ever get the first pin to stay up, which keeps the lock shut. Any advice?

[KPick]

First of all, what lock have you started on? Brand name?

[YouLuckyFox]

Oversetting pins will do that, if you have a pin trapped at the shear line (lets say pin 4) that is larger in diameter than pin 1 then it will create an opening by way of shear that is too wide to bind pin number 1 at the shear line. Solomon covers it really well in his guide.Generally when I experience this, I dial the torsion back a little bit (holding the very end of the wrench helps with doing this in a controlled manner) until you drop a pin and try again from there. Not the Baal Shem Tov of lockpicking, this is just my way of doing it. I look forward to hearing what others say.

EDIT: KPick brings up another good point, if you have a model that has security pins you could be at a false set.

[MrCarmichael]

ive tried it on an "american lock 1205" and "Series 612 brinks"

only two locks i found in my house

[KPick]

Are you a beginner?

If you're a beginner, I would suggest you start with another lock like a Master lock padlocks, or locks that say "Made in China" on them. You can also run to the department store and get a cheapo lock.

Those two locks, like the American Lock 1205, and the Brinks both have security pins in them.

American Lock - Serrated, and Spoorated (Serrated Spools) and often they have serrated key pins, those are the key-pins that contact the key and push the driver pins up allowing the pin stacks to reach the shear line. (Hard lock to pick open)
Brinks - Most of them have spool pins (they are shaped like yarn spools) and aren't serrated. (Moderate level needed to pick open)

This is a good reference to have. I found it on google and this webpage looks helpful.

http://www.theamazingking.com/lock-spp.php