4 ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft - Ways to Stop Catalytic Converter theft

Whether you have had your catalytic converter stolen before or are worried your may be a target for this crime, it may be a good idea to employ several methods to prevent catalytic converter theft on your vehicle. In this video, I will discuss four ways to prevent catalytic converter theft that you may want to try.
Vehicles like SUVs, trucks, buses and vans are common targets due to their elevated height. Thieves often don’t need to bring a jack and can easily slide underneath to cut out the CAT in a few minutes. But, don’t assume that you are safe just because you have a car. Thieves can just as easily bring a jack to jack up your car to steal the CAT.
So what can you do to prevent theft?
Don’t let CAT theft happen to you the first time or even a second or third time. Use a layered approach to your car security by using multiple methods shown in our video. The more layered, the more likely the thief will move on to the next target.
Click & skip to the chapter to watch:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Paint and Etch
02:26 - Custom solution
03:11 - Ready made solution
03:53 - Alarm, Dashcam, Security camera
05:10 - You might like
#CatalyticConverterTheft #CatalyticConverters #carsecurity #carsecuritysystem #securityforcar
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CTV News article on CAT theft in Edmonton
edmonton.ctvnews.ca/these-guy...
Midas offering free protection against catalytic converter (USA)
gvwire.com/2021/08/25/midas-o...
Catalytic converter anti-theft devices:
www.catstrap.net/
catloc.co.uk/
Also, add a hard-surface/hardface weld on your exhaust pipe and steel bars to make it a lot harder to cut through with sawzalls. Demo here: • Catalytic Converter Th...
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Catalytic Converter video series:
Catalytic converter theft: What to do and expect → • Catalytic Converter th...
DIY Paint & engrave your catalytic converter → • Catalytic Converter th...
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Soundtrack:
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Disclaimer:
Any information available at this channel or on its videos are intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for advice provided by an appropriate or qualified professional.
Due to many factors beyond the control of Frakking Creations, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Frakking Creations assumes no liability for property damage, injury or loss incurred as a result of improper use of tools, equipment or from any of the information contained in this video. Frakking Creations recommends safe practices when working with tools seen or implied in this video.
Use this information at your own risk.

[@danskehans]

Stop the scrap dealers from buying the converters. Everybody talk about the thieves while the scrap dealers continue to be allowed to buy stolen goods. It is downright incomprehensible that this is taking place. There are scrap dealers in western Wisconsin who openly ask for catalytic converters from certain car models AND even list what they will pay.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Yeah, it truly is disgusting. Unfortunately, it takes too long for legislation to catch-up and also to get it right so that there aren't any loop-holes. Until then, one can only do what they can to make it harder to steal in hope the thieves will target an easier victim.

[@danskehans]

@@FrakkingCreations Yes, it will for sure take a combination of efforts and methods to stop this, but get this: I live in Minnesota and the Minnesota Senate refuses even a hearing on stopping the scrap dealers from buying possibly because the Republican Majority leader owns part of, yes, you guessed it, a scrap dealership. Note the word "possibly".....!

[@FrakkingCreations]

It's sad that people that are supposed to help the citizens of a state, province or country have ulterior motives to help themselves financially. Happens too often nowadays.

[@adammacer]

@@FrakkingCreations It's not sad - it's corrupt.. a representative is there to represent the PEOPLE that vote him/her into their position - if they put their own interests before the interest of the people they are, by default, corrupt.

[@Paul-sk2pc]

They use to hang horse thieves back in the old west. We are too lenient with criminals nowadays. lol Just make it legal to protect your property using deadly force. Problem solved and less mouth to feed in the prison.

[@zztop8592]

The manufacturer should make the cats harder to steel.

[@nv1493]

While we're all screwing around with this crap, how about actually prosecuting thieves and buyers??? Go ask your local enforcement just how many cases they've actually solved.....

[@iainballas]

If you want to stop rampant pickpocketing and shoplifting, you should come down hard on the local pawnshops they sell goods at. To stop thieves, you have to arrest the fence. Force scrapyards to get vin numbers for each part, and not issue payment until it's confirmed not stolen. If your business can't operate in a way conducive to preventing theft, then it's a bad business and needs shut down.

[@ellobo1326]

Have a society that has the balls to properly punish thieves. Public removal of a hand would greatly dissuade potential thieves. First offense = hand removal Second offense = head removal.

[@davidcottrell1308]

yup.....

[@Vex916T]

Hand and head removal too drastic for first or second offense, plus it will cause suspect family to file bunch of lawsuits and do other a-hole retaliation. For first offense it is better to seize everything the suspect own in property and auction it off to help victim(s) recover financial loss or seize suspect's family member's vehicle(s) to auction off, then put ankle bracelet on suspect for next 5 years... if suspect does anymore car robbery or thievery again then it would be okay to take their hands off (yes, I said hands).

[@davidcottrell1308]

@@Vex916T that works for me!

[@iainballas]

So many people get wrongfully convicted of 'minor' things like shoplifting, we'll have alot of one-armed innocent people out there. I suppose you'd say that a 13-year old dared to steal a hersheys bar by his friends should lose a hand, right? This won't stop thieving, it will simply mean that they resort to more drastic means, since the punishment for stealing is now almost as bad as for murder.

[@reza_dc2]

I would do the same punishments.. but then people would say " don't you think that's a little harsh for a piece of metal?: " ..

[@raymak6129]

how about chop thieves hands? no hands = cant steal

[@candidosantay6142]

Chop it off with the same saw saw they use

[@budlight2969]

brazil status

[@asianstud7]

I say Chop the fucking arms off!!

[@kevindalton1502]

You can also do that and show it on all social media sites and tell all theives "don't touch my stuff!"

[@flyguy4515]

Nah. I prefer heads. Once a thief always a thief. Ima make sure you can't breed.

[@ericl2969]

If you are going to go to the trouble of installing those protection bars fashioned from steel round stock (as shown in Method 2), lay at least one good thick bead of hard-surface weld on each of those bars. Anyone who has the metalworking skills to install those protection bars already has the knowledge and equipment to do hard-surfacing. Any battery-powered saw will cut through each of those bars in about 20 seconds or less, so it will slow a thief down but not stop them if they have a few minutes of working time. However, NO normal saw can even make a scratch on a bead of hard-surfacing.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for the tip. I saw some videos of this before but it was after the video was released. I wish the muffler shop offered to do that for us, though.

[@MauricioBecerril]

Hi! What do you mean with “bead of hard surfacing”, I’m not English native speaker and I didn’t find out what are you talking about.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Here is a demo video:. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoCTd2qVj85rbJY

[@sl4983]

​@@FrakkingCreationswhat is the demo video of?

[@sl4983]

What do we say to the shop, "add a bead of some hard surface weld"?

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Scrap dealers are now starting to accept the honeycomb. Focusing on the cat is becoming useless. Scrappers are the true enablers here.

[@K03sport]

Why would recycle places/buy cats that have obvious signs of being cut out and are in perfect condition? Also, if a person sells/turns in more than 1-2 "reclaimed" cats AND does not have a related business, then they should be limited to the number of turn-ins and their name/address on a list of frequent reclaimers. Stop the process, stop the threat. Not to mention, they are interfering with a federally mandated emissions device and causing harm to the environment. Maybe CARB should be more active; than again, maybe not.

[@lancethompson3431]

when the insurance companies get tired of paying to replace stolen converters they will force a solution with either the manufacturers or with legislation thru their lobbies.

[@nickoshana2246]

OR, increase YOUR Policy Cost !!!

[@kevincharles1983]

Put a big HIGH VOLTAGE sticker visible and wrap the cables around it. I bet they'd move on

[@George196207]

Parked on a electric grate that's pressure sensitive and sends 220 into any thief for a few minutes before auto shut down or smoke detector goes off letting you know they are done. Scrap yards need to be held finically liable. One stolen one found they are financial liable for all stolen in area !

[@professionalbaddass]

Shoot them when you catch them trying

[@catsafeguard6921]

You do understand that that's murder, right? Don't get me wrong, I totally understand your feeling of outrage, but society these days is all about protecting the rights of the criminals...except yours if you shoot them.

[@professionalbaddass]

@@catsafeguard6921 wait till they stand up with tools in hand then shoot..say they made aggressive moves towards you and you feared for you life..clean shooting also make sure theyre dead o ly ..one story

[@bennyblanco5555]

@@catsafeguard6921 there is no law anymore get with reality. drop them when you see them...permanently.

[@bennyblanco5555]

exactly. Deal out permanent consequences and criminals go away. It's not rocket science.

[@Charmcity199]

Depends on the state your in but typically the thieves have to be on private property with “no trespassing” signs clearly in view before you can use that type of force.

[@dustinparker9456]

Our shop truck Cat got cut. After that we just welded a tube instead of a Cat. When it’s time to smog we will put the new Cat in then take it out again. Can’t steal what’s not there.

[@57monoshock]

Hook a electric fence shocker to the exhaust.

[@curiousgeorge555]

PISS THE thieves off and get your tires slashed?

[@Steve4TheWin]

Nothing works better than those old reliable handheld propane torches. Turn it on, aim it at thieves feet, just walk away. Easy peasy, even easier than stealing from an unattended car.

[@catsafeguard6921]

It's unfortunate that they won't allow you to take handheld propane torches into prison, which is where you'll end up if you do that. Nice thought though...

[@ronniecoate3486]

You know the scrap yard knows they are stolen. Unless you have a junk yard or mechanic shop no one individual would walk in with converters to sell.

[@cessealbeach]

Got two cats in my vehicle, got a east on/ off setup. when really needed bolt back on

[@Gleeleeglee]

When will the government help?

[@curiousgeorge555]

good luck with that

[@bennyblanco5555]

NEVER expect the government to help. ALWAYS do everything on your own. WAKE UP to reality!

[@searaydrivingguy]

The person next to me at my rv storage place had his cats stolen but they left mine because they were painted bright orange i am so glad i did that.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for sharing you experience. Do you know if there are other RVs there that had their CATs stolen?

[@searaydrivingguy]

@@FrakkingCreations Yes me last year that is why i painted mine, the managers van were taken she lives on site and some of the uhaul trucks. Scumbag cat thief's seam to target uhaul.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Good info to know!

[@charliegeorge.]

Why paint orange?

[@searaydrivingguy]

@@charliegeorge. metal places don't like them painted.

[@Charmcity199]

The thieves in my area have become vindictive. If they get under a car and see anti theft devices, they will slice your tires or puncture your gas tank as a FU to the car owner.

[@FrakkingCreations]

That's really sad and unfortunate. Some people are seriously sick in the head. This kind of crime really should get higher punishments.

[@Michaelobama184]

I always leave my dog in the car and he protects my cat 😺

[@danielwebb9306]

I agree that's what I do all so they want to try that on my car they will have to deal with my German shepherds. They will loose.

[@MrNiceCobra]

Worthless. your dog is IN the car. But cat is OUTSIDE.

[@Vex916T]

Maybe a business can manufacture straight pipes one can bolt on and off, that way when one needs to do smog check one can simply put catalytic converter back on... the only issue I see is check engine light issues and O2 sensors not working, but if the car still runs then no worries.

[@JpOcDenver]

Love the idea. Unfortunately that would be illegal and they’d lose their business license if they did that. Laws against cat tampering are crazy strict most places. However, I love the fact that I live in a place with NO EMISSIONS TESTING OR CERTIFICATION. So go ahead and steal my cat. I’m welding a straight pipe in its place. None of my 3 motorcycles have catalytic converters.

[@rockytom5889]

Or you could do what the entirety of the balkans do, cut it off, put a muffler, spoof the lambda and tell the dealership to not notice it's a muffler.

[@pokedude104]

Bring back chopping off thieves hands as punishment

[@UQRXD]

Muslim?

[@martinleicht5911]

Rig it so that when a punk tries to steal it the car explodes !! 🍺 😂 👍

[@Vex916T]

Or rig car with wiring attached to catalytic pipe that causes car to immediately lower car to crush thief!

[@TheDankDev]

That's horrible! I dont want my car to get hurt

[@shecando8917]

Will painting and engraving void warranty? Thanks for sharing!

[@FrakkingCreations]

It should not since doing this does not do anything to the catalytic converter inside and warranty covers the functionality of the catalytic converter inside. Just be careful when doing the paint and engrave not to cause hard impacts to the CAT. Hard impacts could damage the CAT but that shouldn't happen from painting and engraving.

[@ourv9603]

To stop cat theft, have your state make it MANDATORY that replacement cats be brand new from the original manufacturer like they did here in Ca. !

[@sladeoriginal]

bright high temp paint and engraving is not gonna help. 1st, criminals can buy or steal cheap grey paint. 2nd, even the best high temp paint will discolor at cat temps (1500F) 3rd, it takes 5 seconds to sand down the engraved VIN or ID.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Spring gun or high voltage device going off when cut through. Color won't apprehend anybody - deadly injures will.

[@fldon2306]

Drive a LOW RIDER and lower the car when parked... Or... Replace your exhaust with straight pipes; don't need a muffler either...

[@nicholasmarino1733]

Hi, this is the way we need to live today!!! Welcome to the 21st century.

[@neojoneswd]

It is 2022 June now-you did a great job now tell me if your truck has been protected since CatClamp installed? We had two attempts at our CAT and I am trying to make a decision about security measures after putting new CAT back in truck. Going to paint CAT, add motion detector alarm and maybe this CAT CLAMP? Let me know please if your clamp has stopped thefts.

[@FrakkingCreations]

We did not use the CatClamp. We had our CAT welded with additional steel bars as we showed. We also added some additional exhaust clamps and cabling at the front of the CAT to make it harder to cut at that location. Our CAT has not been stolen so far. But please note there are several factors that could play into whether it is stolen or not, including but not limited to: - we have an aftermarket CAT which is less desirable and a thief may not steal - the thief may not have targeted our apartment complex again (we haven't heard of anymore CAT thefts at our apartment complex, though) - the thief may have been caught already In your case, the motion alarm may or may not trigger since you have a truck. Since they may not need to jack the truck up, the motion sensor may not trigger... just keep that in mind. Also note that every vehicle is different and some are easy to steal CATs from even with protection. The protection is meant to make it more difficult in hopes they will target someone else. Though, the more layers you have the better. When using any solution to protect the CAT, note that if not properly protected, the thief could just cut further ahead or behind the CAT. From what I've seen online, the cages work better but need to be installed properly. Note that they are not 100% since nothing is and anything can be stolen with enough time and resources. Hopefully, you can prevent another CAT theft on your truck with some of these measure.

[@genkidama7385]

wow man, that is smart. have to put serial numbers on everything these days.

[@charleyeugenestrom.3249]

Thefts of converter in central oregon big time also gasoline from personal cars too.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Sucks to here that.

[@dont4450]

If I'm not mistaken, a stolen CC would be covered by your insurance, minus your deductible.

[@FrakkingCreations]

True. Though, some issues that people are running into is that because CATs are being stolen a lot, parts are not always available right away to fix. So not only do you have to take time to deal with the insurance company for the claim, but you also have to wait until the auto shop can get you in to repair your vehicle, wait for the repairs to get done and then go pick up your vehicle. Then some people have their CATs stolen a 2nd and 3rd time. Crazy world these days!

[@yolanda9730]

@@FrakkingCreations Right and a lot of have a $500 deductable Can't keep doing that

[@dudz2771]

Install hydraulic system to lowered vehicle while in park

[@Vex916T]

I was thinking of rigging hydraulic system with a wiring that's attached to cat pipe, so when thief cuts wiring it would trigger hydraulic system to immediately lower car to crush thief!

[@dudz2771]

@@Vex916T 😂😂😂 savage but thats not wrong either 😂😂

[@yolanda9730]

@@Vex916T The stole my Cat in front of the MALL by the bus stop in daylight. They used a lift to raise my Prius

[@jdreaper2176]

Or you can Hire a armed guard to stand next to your car all night. 🤣

[@K03sport]

...it doesn't just happen at night. It happens during mid day, in driveways, parking garages, streets.

[@johnarnold893]

Cheapest way is to replace it with a piece of pipe. Just put it back if you sell the vehicle.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

Replacing CAT with a pipe works permanently only if you don't need to pass inspection/and or a test. Otherwise, eventually it will be caught.

[@Vex916T]

Maybe a business can manufacture straight pipes one can bolt on and off, that way when one needs to do smog check one can simply put catalytic converter back on... the only issue I see is check engine light issues and O2 sensors not working, but if the car still runs then no worries.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

@Bruce Wayne I agree with you. My earlier comment was based on my understanding of car emissions laws. How much I agree or disagree with those laws would be a whole different discussion.

[@tomaszk8229]

The best way to protect against catalyst theft? Go to the workshop, cut it and sell it.

[@Paul-sk2pc]

You mean cut the thieves and sell them for meat scrap? LoL I could use some organic fertilizer in my vegetable garden

[@efrainortiz5729]

NONE of those will prevent them from cutting the exhaust off. maybe an annoying alarm will scare them off.

[@6h471]

A car alarm and a gun.

[@daviddave8266]

Car alarms don't work.only works when they bust your window

[@soisaidtogod4248]

LOL, typical yank.

[@curiousgeorge555]

@@daviddave8266 nonsense. there are alarms that will work.

[@bennyblanco5555]

@@soisaidtogod4248 keep trying to negotiate with evil bud

[@blorph1]

Well look at that. The thief at 1:24 was not a POC.

[@lestergood4304]

I welded "stolen" and the company phone # on catalytic

[@FrakkingCreations]

That's an interesting take on the idea of marking the CAT. Similar to 3D printing in that it is an additive method. Should be much harder for anyone to grind away if they stole it. If stolen and sold the person buying can confirm if it's stolen or not. Neat idea.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I removed mine, installed a straight pipe. I keep it in my safe.

[@PUJARTIAGO77]

What about if they sell to yard that doesn’t report the stolen cats so painting it means nothing

[@FrakkingCreations]

Painting it isn't really going to directly stop theft. It is more for being able to arrest the crooks if they are found in possession of the stolen cat. Police have had issues where they stop a person with a lot of catalytic converters (or even one) in the trunk of their car but because they cannot link it to a reported theft, they cannot arrest the crook. When a catalytic converter is painted and etched with a VIN or license plate number, it can be traced back to a police report of a stolen CAT. Then they can arrest that person. Otherwise, they have to let them go. When these crooks steal the CATs they don't necessarily have a lot of time to go and sand off the paint and etching as all that takes some time. Time that could have been used to steal more CATs and not get caught. The more people that have their CATs painted and etched, the more time it would potentially take if the crook were to spend any time sanding it off.

[@curiousgeorge555]

My mechanic in the Bay Area said paint doesn't do a thing to deter the thieves.

[@FrakkingCreations]

The paint and etching is more an indirect way to deter. There have been instances where police stop someone with a trunk full of CATs and because they cannot prove that it is stolen, they have to let the thief go. In the case where it is painted and etched, they can check to see if it has been reported stolen. If it has, they can then arrest the person in possession of it. If more people do this, it may be enough to help deter some thieves.

[@AnotherYoubue]

My preventative measure is my dual dash cam, and my car being a low sports car.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Always good to layer the security measures.

[@carolebreedlove1978]

How about they make converters that aren't steal worthy????

[@DingoYabuki]

Mine was almost stolen; they removed the bolts but not the actual cat. Scrap yards should not be allowed to buy blatantly stolen cats.

[@FrakkingCreations]

What made them stop the theft of your CAT?

[@DingoYabuki]

@@FrakkingCreations Most likely my dogs barking.

[@darrellbedford4857]

I have an easy way to stop the thieves, park your car in your garage. With the garage doors alarmed they will not take any chances.

[@FrakkingCreations]

As I mentioned in the video, you would have to park in a secured garage everywhere you go. Thieves are stealing these in broad daylight from parking lots of malls and grocery stores too. Most people still go out to shop.

[@ellobo1326]

How’s that gonna help you in a large public parking lot Einstein ?

[@janae2077]

That’s great when you’re at home and if you have a garage… but my cat was stolen when I was at work. I didn’t get a car just to keep it locked up in the garage 24/7 and have to take the bus everywhere.

[@kevincharles1983]

Not everyone has a garage

[@SWTWHITEGSR]

Paint and etch! All they need is the material behind the metal! lol that one I’ll never understand how it helps.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Police have said that they have stopped people with trunk full of CATs and can't charge them since it can't be linked to stolen property. By doing this, if reported stolen with your license plate number there is chance they can arrest anyone caught with a marked CAT. It's not 100% but nothing is. This also adds more work and time for crooks that may be more interested in stealing more CATs than stealing and grinding paint and etchings off stolen CATs.

[@SWTWHITEGSR]

@@FrakkingCreations when it does happen like that it’s helpful . But chances of them getting caught is very slim.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Good point.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@FrakkingCreations Spring gun device or really high voltage device going off when cut. Color won't help. Severe injuries will.

[@overdriver99]

one more method: buy cheap 3rd party CAT and install instead of OEM one. 3rd party one is way more cheaper in scrap dealer so they will not take it. you can sell original OEM one legally.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Just be aware that some vehicles have strict parameters for the O2 sensors and when you use a non OEM and less effective aftermarket CAT you might get check engine codes related to emissions.

[@litterbug1483]

Winterburn scrap yard buying stolen catalytic converters

[@l.d.p.9365]

Simple. Electrify exhaust with 100000000000 volts! And invest in a dustbuster😁

[@K03sport]

...or just buy an EV. No exhaust, no cats ⚡

[@deaconfrost796]

@@K03sport not till the battery costs come down for those cars. ive seen them up as much as 20k to replace.... thats nuts. ill stick with gas and cata till then lol.

[@apricot_mango]

"If you own a vehicle with a catalytic converter...." Uh.... Don't we all are suppose to have them?

[@FrakkingCreations]

Some people own electric vehicles like Tesla's, some own older vehicles that aren't legally required to have catalytic converters and others removed them illegally to improve the performance of their vehicles.

[@badcommentbot8349]

My 1986 Nissan hardbody says no

[@Mr.Freeze8754]

I don't think they do this to a vehicle that is 30 years old ??

[@mikesecondo2254]

Anti theft.. Park in locked garage. Or baseball bat and my favorite...good ole fashion fire arm!!!!! NO paint will not stop theft!!!!!!

[@FrakkingCreations]

The paint and etching is more an indirect way to deter. There have been instances where police stop someone with a trunk full of CATs and because they cannot prove that it is stolen, they have to let the thief go. In the case where it is painted and etched, they can check to see if it has been reported stolen. If it has, they can then arrest the person in possession of it. Parking in a locked garage or weapons only work if you are at home or are there to catch them. A lot of people have their cars parked at a parking lot when the go to work or go shopping. In those cases the parking lot is not going to be locked. That's also where the CATs are being stolen and in broad daylight too.

[@ayoCanada0921]

If a cat_ is easy for thief to steal, Maybe I should get a dog_ or change my catalytic converter to a dogalytic converter hope it will confuse the thief.

[@FrakkingCreations]

LoL. It might bark and scare the thief away too.

[@genkidama7385]

man just pave your catalytic converter with carbide plates. 🤣😂. or glue some diamond dust i dont know. car alarms dont work when they cut ? put some electronic anti theft, if they cut any of the wires it starts singing out loud. or attach a dog to the car .

[@chialiu2067]

Is it safe to drive the vehicle after the catalytic converter is stolen for few hundred miles

[@FrakkingCreations]

Though people do it anyway, it's typically not recommended due to the exhaust now coming out under the vehicle, it's possible for the exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to get brought into the cabin where it can pose a danger. Especially without the catalytic converter, the exhaust will be less clean. Plus it is likely illegal to drive with a missing catalytic converter due to environmental regulations. Some places are more strict than others.

[@MrNiceCobra]

yes, it safe. I did it. no problem. Just very loud.

[@patrickmorrison6253]

why wood they steel a universal one cost 60 dollars

[@FrakkingCreations]

We don't know what the person stealing these knows. Some may just be going around cutting them off any vehicles that are easy to access.

[@patrickmorrison6253]

@@FrakkingCreations scrap yard only give you for dollars

[@tubbygreyed5636]

Too bad they didn't steal your whole vehicle.. probably would have cost less than having to bondo all that rust..

[@larrycumbo2023]

They using torches now I heard.Just as fast too

[@mccoma11]

Not as loud

[@Oh_Charlie]

nah these saws are bad ass, quick, n easy, see the dude just < 5min.

[@UQRXD]

People just take them off in my area, then put back on for inspection.

[@goodstufflover]

That's not a very smart move, check engine light will always be on and people won't notice about some other car engine problems that would lead to a very expensive repair, unless they be obd scanning their car very often .

[@vmobile890]

How about weld harden chain or steel rod on 2 or 3 sides . How about 500 more goofy ideas that won’t fit all applications . I’ll check with a few muffler shops my idea hardened rod or chain one will work one will work and rattle a little .

[@ToroBullOne]

Drive a car old enough to be exempt from emissions testing.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

That may or may not work depending on state or province. Where I live, pre 1996 cars(those that don't use OBDII) are exempt from emissions providing vehicle was in compliance with earlier emissions laws before OBD II tests were begun.

[@K03sport]

Or an EV.

[@genkidama7385]

one day the thieves will be smart enough to cover the windshield so that the dashcam cant see them. a simple paint sprayer like in the movies 😵😵‍💫

[@crsrdash-840b5]

Wait...wtf do you mean twice in one month? Who in the HELL has that kind of funds to replace it like this?

[@FrakkingCreations]

The original one was stolen then the first replacement CAT was stolen. Her insurance covered the repairs for the first time. She only paid the deductible. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the CAT replaced since the second incident. We can hear every time she starts her SUV. It's loud.

[@crsrdash-840b5]

@@FrakkingCreations She must have a newer vehicle (less than 10 years old). I got my 2000 Ford cat x2 cut off recently. Sorry if i came off rude, but I know how he must feel...I got to replace 2 somehow at $647 a piece.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Yeah, no worries. Sucks you had to replace it out of pocket twice. Her vehicle was less than 10 years old. Something needs to be done to stop this. It's ridiculous that it just keeps happening. There's news that crooks are stealing gas now by drilling out the gas tank. It never ends.

[@Wingersgliders]

Park over a bear trap perhaps?

[@Oh_Charlie]

better zoom in get his lic plate, nowadays crooks steal anything you can think off.

[@vidanaps714]

How about but a sharp razor around the bottom of the car it will prevent from thief stealing my catalyster 😞😡

[@floridaorbust5038]

Surveillance system and my shotgun

[@PianoUniverse]

I'm surprised Congress hasn't done something. Its a win win. Everyone hates cat thieves except cat thieves. Mandatory IDs on sales to recycle places. Proof from the vehicle etc. No more than one cat per year. Car companies need to start enclosing all cats too.

[@car24dude]

1: Just buy a all electric vehicle. No cat to cut, steal, and sell. 2: On your electric vehicle, install a fake CAT with a tracking device.

[@AdrianMunch]

Remove the converter yourself. No theft. Reattach it when you sell the vehicle.

[@ICU-th7qj]

1) a grinder with a wire wheel will take that paint off and a grinding wheel will take that vin etch off 2) those steel bars are only hot roll round. Very soft steel a grinder and saw zaw will cut that easy 3) a person can take that skid plate and clamps off just as easy as you put them on 4) a dash cam will not cover the car in a 360° view. The Home camera will not help you if you are away from your house. Best thing to do is cut your cat or cats off and sell it or them and straight pipe it.

[@FrakkingCreations]

True to all you mentioned. The aim isn't that these make the theft impossible. It's just to make it harder or take more time and effort in hopes that the thieves will move on to the next target. If a thief wants your things, he/she will likely find a way to steal it. Nothing anyone does will prevent it 100%, unless you have the money to hire an armed guard to watch your vehicle 100% of the time. So we employ a layered approach which will hopefully deter or make it more likely they get caught. 1) this will take time to do. If more people paint and etch, it will mean the thieves will have to spend time to do that on more than one stolen CAT, even if it only take a few minutes, it still takes time and effort. Police have said that sometimes they pull someone over and they have CATs in the vehicle but there is no proof it is stolen and so they have to let them go. The thief just gives some bogus reason they have them. If one of those CATs has paint and etched ID a cop can run a check. If reported stolen then they can do something there. 2) The bars are just to slow them down. When going around stealing CATs, the crooks might see this and decide to move on. This can also be supplemented with several steal cables that are clamp down along the entire length of the exhaust pipe. 3) The skid plate can be taken off but most have quite a few nuts to remove so will take time. The clamps would either be welded or bonded so that removing will take more time and effort. 4) The cameras won't be able to catch everything, but it may help. There is a video on KZbin where thieves stole a CAT from a Prius and they walked past and also drove past the camera, and so the owner has a clip to provide to the police with visuals of the faces and the license plate of the thieves vehicle. It's not fool proof but it can help and also is good for other reasons stated in the video. 5) Removing the CAT can work for some and can get you more horsepower back, though in some provinces/states it is likely illegal. In others, you need to get an annual inspection where there needs to be a functioning CAT to pass.

[@lalaaddas6363]

Yeah then it wont pass smog.

[@ICU-th7qj]

@@lalaaddas6363 piss on smog. I live in a state that doesn't care about that crap

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@FrakkingCreations Having one cat I put under the car that is due to the biannual inspection and removing it afterwards again for use in the next one once that's due did work when OBDs weren't as "smart" as they're today. You can't just remove the cat of them and then straightpipe modern cars - OBD unit will realize it and go into limp mode. Tampering with programming of ECUs and car's electronics often is seen as a criminal act because it changes exhaust fumes from legal grime to illegal grime. A strong electrical shocker in the upper Tazer range or above might help, or a real Tazer built like a spring gun aiming for the face/neck of any unauthorized person under my car, going off once the catalytic converter is molested, while I reckon You will have to make it known by a plate saying "catalytic converter electrically protected" or something like that. Best thing is to scare people off. Once they do know it might be deadly they probably won't do it any more. The American way would be buying a gun and standing one's ground I reckon.

[@BreakingNVain]

@@lalaaddas6363 Some of us are lucky enough to live where we have to use Google to figure WTFuck you were even talking about...

[@georgecass8529]

Cameras don't work they stoled my pickup and it was parked on a lot with Cameras .

[@FrakkingCreations]

Right. I was saying in the video that security cameras don't usually preventing. They are more for evidence and having knowledge on what happened an potentially how many people, etc...

[@JDoggoftheNetherlands17]

Just straight pipe your car and boom you never have to worry again

[@marcturk4410]

Super ,stupid ,simple ,fix, just make it mandatory that the buyers of this item request the Vin # of the vehicle it came off of ,And don't argue either they have boat check stations , and background checks too buy a firearm ... there all fixed and better now ,Good luck one and all🤣🤣🤣😉

[@JorgeLopez-wo7zu]

I JUST GET OUT OF COVID SHIT AND BERILY RECOVER NO JUST SAYING ECONOMIC IM ALMOST IN RUINS AND JUST FIND UP MY CAT CONV. WAS STOLEN ON MY NV200 THIS ANIMALS SCUN MFKES MAKE MI LIFE MORE MISERABLE I CAN AFFORT $4000 TO REPAIR THIS

[@tonycox7802]

Covid took its toll on everyone. Don't know where you live but the US economy is better than it was three years before Covid. Employers are offering sign on bonuses and still can't get people to work.

[@alancamara2179]

Best option for now is to pay a muffler shop a 100 bucks to put a pipe. But the engine light will still show

[@stephenkammerling9479]

@@alancamara2179 I son't think a shop can legally do that.

[@bennyblanco5555]

sounds like you better start defending what you own with deadly force like a man would do

[@monkeyking-self-proclaimed7050]

Best way is to remove and put it away in garage.

[@chrismechanic2000]

there is a 5th choice here people, just buy a BMW, all BMW's have the cat in the engine bay up next to the engine so it can not be stolen, there are a few other cars like this available on the market.

[@FrakkingCreations]

People definitely have a choice to buy vehicles where the CATs are in the engine bay and BMWs aren't the only vehicles. That said, depending on how deep it is in the engine bay, even CATs in the engine bay can be stolen when they use extensions on impact drills to reach the bolts/nuts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moeud4GeqqqehJo

[@chrismechanic2000]

@@FrakkingCreations if you have no lower engine cover that's not my problem, they all have them when they leave the factory.

[@Kevin-Murphy-007]

Not everyone is rich and can afford such a vehicle. I live paycheck to paycheck, no savings, no home, living in a 3rd world apartment, dump,made poor choices so that is on me. Please keep your children in school and make sure they get a good education and a chance for a better life. It's all but over for me but it is never too late for you guys who are younger.

[@bennyblanco5555]

@@Kevin-Murphy-007 that's terrible advice. school is the worst decision now.

[@troydawnpair5662]

LMAO,,, YOU THINK PAINT AND INGRAVING A NUMBER WILL STOP THESE GUYS THATS FULLISH TO THINK THAT WILL STOP THEM WHEN THEY CUT IN HALF TO GET THE METAL OUT OF THEM OR GRIND NUMBERS OFF AND TORCH THE PAINT OFF LMAO

[@holocene.]

“fullish”

[@aaron-dd5zr]

Just seems like their must beva way too, just do away from Catalytic Converters all togother.

[@johnsavage6628]

They steal it put a muffler in it's place! Phooey!

[@rb338-spb]

Мда)

[@DaKattila]

i have the best solution. buy an old big block v8 car with no catalytic mumbojambo!

[@woohunter1]

Live in a good neighborhood…

[@FrakkingCreations]

That only works part of the time. The other part, you are at the grocery store, mall, movie theater and more, which are also places theives target in broad daylight.

[@janae2077]

I live in a “good” suburban neighbourhood, and cats are getting stolen every week.

[@FrakkingCreations]

@Jana E. True. It is happening throughout the cities. These crooks target a particular neighborhood then move to the next.

[@springer-qb4dv]

You forgot the best method - replace expensive OEM cat with cheap aftermarket one. No thief will target a cat worth almost nothing in scrap value.

[@FrakkingCreations]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you think that lesser thieves would know the difference or would they just steal it quickly and move on to the next target anyway?

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Full skidplates

[@danbooher5843]

Yea wait till u have to take the converter off .

[@FrakkingCreations]

Though that is a possible scenario, it is a rare scenario. Catalytic converters don't typically fail that often. And if one were to fail with this modification, a proper muffler shop would have a hoist and more than enough tools than a reciprocating saw to be able to take them off without too much trouble. Have you experienced having to replace your catalytic converters frequently?

[@ICU-th7qj]

I cut mine off and sold it

[@joebob4943]

@@ICU-th7qj needed drug money?

[@ICU-th7qj]

@@joebob4943 no that was not the case. I do not support drugs one bit my sons mom was a addict and I went through a rough time with that dealing with her but I finally ended that years ago. Not everybody that scraps cats are theifs and bums. I build derby cars and scrap vehicles here and there and that is how I get my cats to sell. I have never illegally sold one or have stolen one.

[@ICU-th7qj]

@@joebob4943 as for the one I cut off in my first comment it was cut off of my beater car (cavalier) I run to town and where ever if I do not need my 3/4 ton truck. Also by the look of your Tillman welding glove profile pic you seem like someone that could maybe have some sense to you and understand all of what I am saying.

[@cameronf2758]

I just cut mine own off and sell them. Win/win

[@rayray7663]

Take that shit off your salf and sale it you can always pay the guy who is doing the inspection extra 🤫

[@redmesa2975]

This is an infomercial. The paint will burn off

[@rolandrodriguez7145]

Have a fighting pitbull 'camera'or a glock '

[@kevincharles1983]

My car is parked literally a foot away from my window that my dogs sleep under inside. I leave my window cracked open. My dogs bark like crazy when they hear anything..especially things like saws cutting through metal.

[@mattgg1216]

Waste of 5:21 minutes

[@duypham76]

Best way is to not have one.

[@rickhinojosa5455]

Buy an electric car. just kidding.😔

[@B86432]

move out of California problem solved

[@vu7419]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o57cdmZ3lKeMo7c not just California

[@jennasea91]

Hawaii is terrible for this too

[@sarabeth8050]

Drive an EV and you don't have to worry about this problem.

[@curiousgeorge555]

Yeah, everyone can just go and do that. smh

[@bennyblanco5555]

worry about being blown up or stranded instead

[@charlesbeall2589]

CNN's on, put on another mask and go watch it.

[@soisaidtogod4248]

Easiest, get a vehicle built before the use of catalytic converters.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Pst, do not tell normal people that. That's the solution for us car heads, not for everyone.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

You would have to go back to before 1975.

[@josephfdent]

Another prevention of cat theft is to keep your cat indoors. 😂 But seriously, Another way to prevent this type of theft is to buy electric. Buy electric vehicles

[@stephenkammerling9479]

Most people can't afford electric vehicles.

[@bennyblanco5555]

buying an ev is the worst decision a person can make