i have been wanting to change the locks on my house, seems even the not so friends and family have a copy of the key.
i have the generic 5pin kwikset HomeDepot egress locks. i decided to change the locks myself, swapping the first 2 pins. i used a dermal tool to make a new key. all this worked well but have a few questions.

method.
i pushed in a tab and removed the stem. with a modified tweezers i compressed the lock assembly tabs and liberated the lock assembly and removed the rear retaining clip on the lock assembly. as i slid the old keyway out slide a thin metal tube, about the same diameter to take the key ways place and hold the upper pins in place. remove replace the pin(s). use the new key and verify the new pins are the right height, fit flush. replace the modified keyway back, again slide it into the lock and the metal tube out. replace the retaining clip and your done.

question:
i had one 6pin kwikset lock, it was different. in that the lock assembly has no tabs. instead you use the existing key. it took me some time to figure out there was no tabs. i had played with the lock for some time and in the end just turned the key and the lock assembly came out.
-what is a more correct method to liberate the lock assembly, is there a hook or wire loop you have to push?
-i had problems re installing the lock assembly too, method