We Reviewed the Best Catalytic Converter Security Devices to Prevent Theft:

Anti-Theft Shields, Catstrap, Catclamp, and Cages

The first thing to realize when considering a product to physically protect your catalytic converter is that with any solution, you are increasing the probability the thief just goes away and moves on to an easier target. Yes, with enough time and effort any product you choose can be defeated. These products are deterrents, just like locks, requiring the thief to invest more time and effort.

Below is a discussion of your product choices and a brief discussion of their characteristics.

Shields

This type of product consists of a plate of thin wall metal that is designed to prevent access to the catalytic converter by providing a physical barrier. While it is a legitimate deterrent, note that the thin wall metal construction is exactly like the exhaust pipes - and thus the thief comes equipped with the exact type of cutting tools necessary to efficiently cut it. In addition, by it's very design, it is easily accessible and flat, making it prone to the most powerful cutting tools - rotary cut-off saws.

Wire Cages

This type of product consists of a pair of clamps on either side of the converter that retain a series of cables which are routed around the frame. They tend to be bulky, require significant space (i.e., not compatible with all vehicles), and are prone to rattle noises due to exposed metal cables.

In order to remove the converter, the thief must contend with these cables, cutting them one at a time at the point where they are clamped down. While a legitimate deterrent, once again the thief comes equipped with the type of cutting tool that can efficiently cut through these single cables, all of which are readily accessible since they lay separately along the converter.

The Catstrap

The Catstrap consists of three layers of ultra-hardened steel plates contained within a high-temperature orange aluminum shell. The thief can not see them, and therefore cannot gauge any progress as the cutting effort progresses. The backside of the shell contains a heat-activated adhesive strip that bonds to the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe. The thief is forced to cut the layers of strip steel simultaneously - over an inch and a half of surface area. This creates a mismatch with their cutting blade, which is selected to efficiently cut through softer thin wall metal (e.g., exhaust pipes). The blade cannot withstand the hardness and large surface area of the Catstrap and subsequently overheats and dulls. Properly installed, the strap must be cut twice, on either side of the converter.

While not impossible to cut through, it will take more than one blade, and drastically increase the time required to gain access to the converter. It's likely this will force the thief to move on, and if the optional CatEye is installed, the noise becomes unbearable to withstand underneath the car. We've sold thousands, with an excellent track record.