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How do you cut off a catalytic converter?

I’m scrapping my car, and someone told me that I need to remove my catalytic converter before doing so. Can you tell me how to cut off a catalytic converter?

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Natalie Todoroff · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
To cut off a catalytic converter, you’ll need either a wrench (if it’s bolted to your vehicle) or a reciprocating saw (if it’s welded on). Oh, and we’d also recommend you get a mechanic creeper so you can better access it.
On your creeper, lie beneath your vehicle and look for the series of tubes near your exhaust system. Your catalytic converter will be somewhere in there—keep an eye out for a rectangular or rounded box-shaped part. If your catalytic converter came equipped with an O2 sensor, you’ll need to unbolt and remove that before proceeding.
If your catalytic converter is bolted to the underside of your vehicle, you’ll have to unscrew the bolts from back to front. If it was welded on, you’ll need to use a reciprocating saw to cut along the existing weld lines to free it from the underside of your car.
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