If your automobile sounds like a race car when you start the ignition, your catalytic converter might have been stolen. Look under your car at the exhaust pipe between the engine and the muffler to see if there is a large gap. If there is, you are unfortunately a victim of catalytic converter theft.

Which automobiles are at-risk for catalytic converter theft?

Trucks, vans and SUVs with high ground clearance are at-risk. The most common make and models are late-1990’s and early 2000’s Toyota and Nissan trucks and SUVs. If you have a vehicle listed above or any vehicle with high ground clearance, you should invest in protecting your catalytic converter(s).

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Precious metals from the platinum metal group (platinum, palladium, rhodium) are inside your catalytic converter. These precious metals convert harmful pollutants from your engine into less harmful emissions. Since 2006 the global price of these metals has risen to historic highs, so much that scrap metal recyclers were paying up to $300 per catalytic converter to anyone who brought them one. Metal prices have since fallen from their peak in 2008, but the thefts continue now that thieves know how easy it is to steal an unprotected catalytic converter.

How much does it cost to replace my catalytic converter if it is stolen?

It varies depending on:

How many catalytic converters are stolen
If other car parts are damaged during the theft
If you have auto insurance and if so, what your deductible is
If you lose wages while being without your vehicle
Whether or not you replace your catalytic converter with an OEM model (i.e. a Toyota factory catalytic converter) or a universal/generic brand catalytic converter (i.e. Magnaflow) which is typically less expensive.

A worse case scenario can cost upwards of several thousands of dollars. The average automobile insurance policy deductible is $500, according to carinsurance.com.

Can my catalytic converter be stolen more than once?

Yes, and repeat thefts have been known to occur with you, the victim, paying out of pocket each time. All the more reason to protect your automobile’s catalytic converter with The Catlock®.

CATLOCK PRODUCT QUESTIONS

How does The Catlock® work?

The Catlock® and The Catlock® 2.0 permanently lock your catalytic converter to your vehicle’s frame with a thick, aircraft-quality steel cable (2 cables in the case of the 2.0 model) and high grade, non-removable hardware. A thief will have to expend significant time and effort to remove The Catlock®. Time and effort that he or she is not willing to invest when they could simply move on to the next vehicle with an unprotected catalytic converter.

What tools will I need to install The Catlock®?

You can install The Catlock® and The Catlock® 2.0 with just your hands for the most part. A 3mm Allen wrench is needed and a standard, adjustable wrench is required to break the heads off of the permanent nuts, which are part of the dual-layer protection that keeps your Catlock in place and catalytic converter secure. For more information about installation, watch The Catlock Installation Video.

How long does it take to install The Catlock®?

Installation time will vary according to your level of mechanical skill, the location of your particular vehicle’s catalytic converter(s) and whether or not your vehicle is on the ground or on a lift. We’ve found installation takes about 10 minutes per Catlock. Since your catalytic converter is underneath your vehicle, you will have to get beneath your vehicle to install The Catlock®, although many of the installation steps do not need to take place beneath your vehicle. Point being, expect to get your hands a little dirty! For more information about installation, watch The Catlock Installation Video.

What if The Catlock® doesn’t fit my catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We’ve done extensive research to ensure The Catlock’s fully adjustable design fits 99% of the catalytic converters of at-risk vehicles. The Catlock® and The Catlock® 2.0 can accommodate catalytic converters up to 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide and 6 inches (15.2 cm) tall. Ford Super Duty F150, F250 and F350 pickup trucks have been known to have dimensions greater than The Catlock can accommodate. If you find The Catlock® does not fit your vehicle’s catalytic converter we’ll promptly refund the purchase price of The Catlock® less a $25 restocking fee per Catlock or Catlock 2.0. Should your Catlock not fit, call 520-720-0778 or e-mail us through the Contact page, reference your order number and a Monat Technologies representative will assist you.

What if my vehicle has more then one catalytic converter?

To completely protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft you will need 1 Catlock or Catlock 2.0 for each catalytic converter on your vehicle. Note some vehicles have resonators along the exhaust pipe between the converter and the muffler, the resonator can resemble a converter, but is not actually a converter.

Can I install The Catlock® myself or do I need to take it to a mechanic?

One of the benefits of The Catlock® is that it was designed to be installed quickly and easily by anyone with basic mechanical skill. It is not necessary to take your Catlock to a mechanic, but if you don't feel comfortable installing The Catlock yourself then we encourage you to do so. Just follow the simple steps in The Catlock Installation Guide to install your Catlock in about 10 minutes, we also recommend watching The Catlock Installation Video. Note that if you choose to have The Catlock® installed by a mechanic, additional labor charges not included in the price of The Catlock® may apply. Customers in the Phoenix, AZ area may choose to install their Catlock at U-fix-it Center, Arizona's first self service auto repair shop where their friendly professionals will gladly assist you with your Catlock installation. Learn more about U-fix-it Center at www.ufixitcenter.com

What is thread locker and is it safe?

Thread locker is a liquid polymer that when applied to screws just prior to installation, dries and locks nuts into place. Thread locker is the second part of The Catlock’s dual-layer protection. Thread locker washes off skin with soap and water. Do not place thread locker in eyes or mouth.

CATLOCK PERFORMANCE QUESTIONS

Can a thief just cut the exhaust pipe on either side of the catalytic converter, removing the catalytic converter and The Catlock®?

No. First, The Catlock® locks to the catalytic converter using thousands of pounds of force, and once installed, takes a tremendous amount of force to remove. This takes time and effort that thieves are not willing to spend when there are so many vehicles with unprotected catalytic converters that are much easier targets. Secondly, The Catlock’s aircraft-quality steel cable (2 cables in the case of The Catlock® 2.0) locks the catalytic converter to the vehicle’s frame so even if the exhaust pipe is cut your catalytic converter will remain with your vehicle and your repair bill will be significantly less than had it been removed.

I live in a snowy/rainy/hot/ocean climate, will The Catlock® work in my climate?

The Catlock® is designed for any climate. All components are high quality steel, the plates are powder-coated and hardware is a mix of stainless and zinc-coated steel to protect it from the elements.

Will The Catlock® make noise or otherwise effect my vehicle’s performance?

Extensive testing indicates no effect on a vehicle’s performance. When installed properly, it produces no extra noise, does not vibrate, does not trap heat, does not effect the function of the catalytic converter (which has no moving parts) and does not impede the operation of the automobile in any way. That being said, The Catlock® is intended for street use and has not been tested off-road. Although when properly installed, The Catlock® is completely secure and does not have cables that dangle significantly below the catalytic converter.

CATLOCK POLICY QUESTIONS

When will my Catlock arrive?

Cat-lock.com orders will ship 1 business day after your order has been processed from Phoenix, Arizona via UPS and depending on your location and delivery method, delivery will take from 1 to 5 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number when your order is processed. We do not offer Saturday delivery at the present time. All orders are shipped 'no signature required' for your convenience, however we strongly advise that you are available to sign for the package. We are not responsible for losses that occur as a result of packages being left in your absence.

What is The Catlock® Guarantee?

If your Catlock-protected catalytic converter is stolen, we’ll refund the purchase price of The Catlock® within 30 days with no hassles. Just send a copy of your Catlock® sales receipt and the police report to info@cat-lock.com or fax them to 888-406-1253. Once your request has been received and processed, Monat Technologies will issue a refund check or credit your credit card (depending on your original form of payment) for the purchase price, less applicable taxes and shipping fees. Please note: The vehicle on Catlock sales receipt and police report must match. Monat Technologies will refund the purchase price of The Catlock® only in the event of theft to a Catlock-protected catalytic converter and is not responsible for any other liabilities, monetary or otherwise, arising from the theft of a Catlock-protected catalytic converter including replacement costs.

How long is The Catlock® guaranteed for?

Your Catlock is guaranteed to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. Monat Technologies will send you replacement parts at no cost or refund the purchase price of The Catlock® to you if your Catlock is found to have a manufacturing defect within the warranty period. These are the sole remedies available to the customer. Monat Technologies shall not be held liable for consequential damages. This warranty applies in and outside the United States. This warranty supersedes all previous warranties.

What if my catalytic converter is stolen while I have an installed Catlock?

We believe in The Catlock® so much that we offer a Money-back Guarantee that your catalytic converter will not be stolen while it is protected by The Catlock®. See above for details on 'The Catlock® Guarantee'.

What if my Catlock is missing a part?

We will ensure you have all the necessary parts to your Catlock. Call 520-720-0778 or e-mail info@cat-lock.com and explain the problem and reference your order number. A Monat Technologies representative will return your inquiry within 1 business day and ship your missing part(s) at no cost to you.

What if my catalytic converter needs maintenance or replacing, can The Catlock® be removed?

Catalytic converters typically last the life of an automobile. The catalytic converter, like the rest of the emissions system, typically has a warranty length that exceeds the warranty for the rest of the automobile.

If you have installed a Catlock and need to service your catalytic converter, call 520-720-0778 or send us an e-mail through the Contact Page, explain the situation and reference your order number and a Monat Technologies representative will provide you with The Catlock Removal Guide that will help you safely remove and re-install The Catlock after your catalytic converter has been serviced.

Where can I purchase The Catlock®?

Directly from Monat Technologies at www.cat-lock.com or via phone at 520-720-0778.
Residents in the Fresno, CA area can buy a Catlock at Miller Recycling and Sales at 1310 N. Crystal Ave., Fresno, CA 93706. Phone: 559-266-2516.
Residents in the United Kingdom can buy a Catlock from our U.K.-based distributor, Harringay Furniture
Residents in Grand Junction, Colorado can buy a Catlock from Safari Ltd. Independent Toyota Part and Service Center

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept credit and debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover) through cat-lock.com. Business and personal checks, money orders and PayPal direct transfers are also accepted, but please call 520-720-0778 first for payment details and allow 1-2 extra days for payment processing. Sorry, we do not accept cash or credit cards issued outside the United States.

Where do you ship?

We are only able to ship within the United States (excluding U.S. territories) at this time through www.cat-lock.com. For international orders please call us at 520-720-0778 to arrange for a custom shipping solution.

I am a re-seller/distributor interested in wholesale pricing, how can I get more information?

E-mail us at info@cat-lock.com.