Good, reliable roofing tools and equipment are critical for any roofing contractor. Some tools end up collecting dust or costing more time or money than they are worth. It is important to research the equipment and tools you want to purchase to make sure they are safe, reliable, and worth the investment. Here is a list of various articles, reviews, and links to roofing-related tools and equipment:
If you have ever hand-nailed a shingle roof, and then used a nail gun, you will know the huge difference this tool will make in production time when used properly. Roofing nail guns are pretty much essential to any roofing trying to compete in the asphalt shingle market.
Here is a comparison of two of the top roofing nail guns on the market. Roofing nailers take a lot of abuse, so it pays to invest in a quality roofing nail gun. Both Bostitch and Makita make durable, high performing roofing nailers that will help you get a shingle roof installed fast!
BOSTITCH RN46-1 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
The Bostitch RN 46 boasts the ability to drive up to 100 nails a minute. It is constructed with magnesium for maximum durability. The Bostitch allows for 2 firing methods, and has drive depth adjustments. The nailer weighs in at 4.8 lbs and comes with a 7 year warranty.
Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
At 5.5 lbs, the Hitachi is light, but still slightly heaving than the Bostich. The Hitachi has a nice side-loading feature, and also includes a quick-drive feature, allowing faster installation of roofing nails. The Hitachi comes with a 5 year limited warranty.
Here is a small list of some of what The Roofer’s Helper’s considers the best roofing tools:
The Stortz Medium Duty Slate Ripper
My Stortz slate ripper has lasted over twenty years. It is a great tool not only for slate repair, but also for shingle repair and tile repair. I can’t see any roofer effectively removing slate without one of these. I have also used the heavy duty version, but I prefer the medium duty.
The Stortz Slate Cutter
This Stortz slate cutter is very well built and makes cutting slate a breeze. It also has a built in punch that works great even for thicker slates.
Bostitch Twin Blade Utility Knife
I love being able to to have both a straight blade and a hook blade available for instant use in the same knife. My knife has lasted almost 5 years so far with no issues.
Malco A1 Scratch Awl
This scratch awl by Malco is very sturdy, and perfect for punching holes in slate. I also use it to pre-punch a hole in roof deck when the wood is so hard, the nails are bending. The bright orange color is helpful when I drop the awl off of the roof and have to find it in the bushes.
The Shingle Eater
I am not a fan of asphalt shingle roof tear-offs, but when I have to do one, I really prefer The Shingle Eater. I have tried a number of other shingle removal tools, but I like the strength and leverage I get with The Shingle Eater.
Foam Cushion (any brand)
A foam cushion, either purchased new, or recycled out of an old couch, is a great “tool” for roof repairs. It is especially helpful on steeper sloped asphalt shingle roofs. It is amazing how well the foam grips into the shingles. Foam cushions have allowed me to safely work on slopes I would not normally be able to work on. A few added benefits are the cushion protecting the roof from scuffing, and providing extra comfort.
