Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device

[fmdog44]

I need opinions on the best device for preventing catalytic converter theft for a 2021 F150 XL, single cab 5.0, 2WD.

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[Fordphanatic]

Handguns work well...so I have been told

 

[DBL R]

I need opinions on the best device for preventing catalytic converter theft for a 2021 F150 XL, single cab 5.0, 2WD.

good luck getting your hands on one, they are sold out. I didn’t realize this was an actual big problem until my local city government put on a special event where partnered auto shops would imprint your vin on your cats for free. Crazy times.

Handguns work well...so I have been told

do you duct tape or zip tie this to the frame? What’s stopping them from taking the handgun also? Do long rifles work as well?

 

[sysop]

I have heard of folk putting a tack weld on the head of the bolts, both to hold the bolts from turning, as well as preventing a socket from going onto the heads of the bolts. Creates some extra work for services where that stuff needs to come off, but stops those that come prepared to use a cordless impact or ratchet expecting to buzz it off in a minute or two.

 

[RedTXV]

I have heard of folk putting a tack weld on the head of the bolts, both to hold the bolts from turning, as well as preventing a socket from going onto the heads of the bolts. Creates some extra work for services where that stuff needs to come off, but stops those that come prepared to use a cordless impact or ratchet expecting to buzz it off in a minute or two.

No one is taking the time to unbolt it. They’re using battery powered sawzalls and just cutting them off.

 

[RedTXV]

do you duct tape or zip tie this to the frame? What’s stopping them from taking the handgun also? Do long rifles work as well?

Wait….what?

 

[sysop]

No one is taking the time to unbolt it. They’re using battery powered sawzalls and just cutting them off.

Not true if you follow the news. Most are targeting vehicles they have watched and know exactly what tools to bring.

Think about it: An impact only makes a bunch of noise for a second until the bolt/nut breaks loose (or breaks off). A sawzall or grinder make much more noise for much more time. Impact is not only quieter, but faster as well.

All the times I've seen it caught on video, they unbolt them (which is partly why they mostly target newer vehicles). Here is one of the more recent I've seen hit the news:

 

[RedTXV]

Not true if you follow the news. Most are targeting vehicles they have watched and know exactly what tools to bring.

Think about it: An impact only makes a bunch of noise for a second until the bolt/nut breaks loose (or breaks off). A sawzall or grinder make much more noise for much more time. Impact is not only quieter, but faster as well.

All the times I've seen it caught on video, they unbolt them (which is partly why they mostly target newer vehicles). Here is one of the more recent I've seen hit the news:

All four that have been stolen from my fleet vehicles were cut off. One guy was nice enough to leave a fresh blade and his flashlight. Very nice of him.

 

[fmdog44]

Recommended by cops is to engrave an ID # on it or paint it. These are for when a bust is made and they find boxes of cat converters you can get yours back. At least Ford trucks are not high on the list.

 

[Pedaldude]

Here's a few other threads on the issue:


https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/anti-theft-measures.2442


https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/cat-converter-anti-theft-for-2021.5365

 

[jcaspar]

All four that have been stolen from my fleet vehicles were cut off. One guy was nice enough to leave a fresh blade and his flashlight. Very nice of him.

Seems the Japanese car companies make them pretty easy to unbolt hence the high theft rate. Not sure if they are ignorant to the problem or looking to make out on the replacement converters.

 

[jeffcrum]

Not true if you follow the news. Most are targeting vehicles they have watched and know exactly what tools to bring.

Think about it: An impact only makes a bunch of noise for a second until the bolt/nut breaks loose (or breaks off). A sawzall or grinder make much more noise for much more time. Impact is not only quieter, but faster as well.

All the times I've seen it caught on video, they unbolt them (which is partly why they mostly target newer vehicles). Here is one of the more recent I've seen hit the news:

Not around here. They are cut off.

They have hit car lots and gotten them all.

 

[fmdog44]

I just ordered drop-down sidesteps for my truck as they reduce the amount of space between the truck and the ground.

 

[fmdog44]

I was told not to sweat getting my CC stolen on my 2021 F150 because it is more difficult to access but I just saw this. Our trucks are #1 in thefts.
Catalytic Converter Theft: Most Targeted Vehicles - CARFAX

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