Use 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab. Be extremely gentle.
Primarily associated with Ford and Mazda vehicles, the VAM-122 key blank is designed for use with specific ignition and door lock cylinders. Unlike standard residential keys that use simple serrated edges, automotive keys like the VAM-122 are often "laser-cut" or "sidewinder" keys. This design features a serpentine groove cut into the face of the key blade rather than notches cut into the sides. This transition in design was a response to the rising rates of vehicle theft in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The internal track design makes the locks significantly harder to pick and the keys much more difficult to duplicate without specialized high-security key-cutting machinery. vam 122 key
Collectors often look for doubling on the word "RIB" (part of the word "LIBERTY" in the hair band). Use 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab
: The "key" aspect of the VAM 122 is its optical pickup unit (OPU). This lens system must remain perfectly aligned to focus the laser beam onto the microscopic pits of a CD. Over time, the laser diode can degrade, or the suspension system of the lens can sag, necessitating a full replacement of the unit. Common Applications Unlike standard residential keys that use simple serrated
To cut a VAM 122 key, technicians need a computerized key cutting machine. Manual tracers often fail to replicate the precise depths needed for these high-security locks. How to Decode a VAM 122 Lock