A good set of tools is something that will help you get the job done quickly and easily.
There are 5 main tools that I use for installing shingles they are:
- Twin Blade Utility knife
- A Roofing Hatchet
- Tin Snips
- A Tool Belt to hold it all
- A Harness & Rope System
Utility Knife
My favorite utility knife is the Stanely FatMax Extreme (link to Amazon) because it has two blades in one.
This is perfect for roofing because you can carry both a straight edge razor and a hook blade all in one knife.
I usually use the hook blade for cutting shingles and heavier membrane-felt like ice and water shield. Then the straight edge for cutting synthetic felt and bundles of shingles.
My only nitpick with this knife is that I found not all hook blades will fit. You may want to buy some extra replaceable Stanley hook blades or straight edge blades from Amazon.
I love using the two-in-one blade because it means that I have to carry less and don’t have to switch back and forth between two knives all the time.
You can also check out my list of top 10 knives by clicking here.
Roofing Hatchet
I like roofing the old fashion way, by hand, with a roofing hatchet. But if you use a pneumatic nailer you still may have a need for a good hatchet.
My top pick for a roofing hatchet is the AJC MWT-005-MH Magnet Roofing Hatchet (link to Amazon).
This is my favorite roofing hatchet for several reasons.
- Replaceable End Blade: Unlike the other hatchets that have a fixed blade, this hatchet has a replaceable blade so you can be sure to always have a sharp blade for clean cuts.
- Adjustable Shingle Guage: The shingle gauge is great for quick measuring and laying shingles.
- Magnetized head: I like the magnetized head, especially when laying down felt and cap-nailing.
- Nail Puller: Most roofing hatchets sacrifice a nail puller for an end blade. But this hammer has the best of both.
- Light Weight: At 17 oz, what more could you want from a roofing hatchet?
There are also other variations of this hatchet with fewer features at a smaller price.
Both of these other options don’t have a nail puller or a magnetized head and are a bit heavier at 19 oz.
The first one includes a sliding gauge (link to Amazon).
The other one has a stationary shingle gauge (link to Amazon) instead of the sliding gauge.
You can also buy extra blades for the backside of the hatchet here on Amazon.
Check Out the Top 6 Best Hammers by Clicking Here.
Tin Snips
Tin Snips are perfect for cutting drip edge or metal flashing. I like using the Crescent Wiss Straight Cut Tin Snips (link to Amazon).
Although it’s straight-cut, I have no problem cutting curves. It comes at an affordable price and with great quality.
I carry the Tin Snips with a leather holster similar to this one made by Task Tools (link to Amazon).
Tool Belt
My favorite tool belt is the CLC Leather 8 pocket tool belt (link to Amazon).
I like this because it is affordable and durable. The leather pouches hold all the gear that I need and the metal hammer holder provides easy access to my hatchet.
I use a sturdy leather belt made by McGuire-Nicholas (link to Amazon) to carry the tool belt.
You may also want to check out these belts made by Carhartt.
Harness & Rope System
There are three parts to the Harness & Rope System
- The Mounting Bracket (Anchor)
- The Safety Rope
- The Harness
You can buy each of the parts separately but the best deal is to buy a package that contains all three parts.
The harness system that I like to use is the Guardian Fall Protection (link to Amazon).
It is a good idea to buy some additional anchors so you can have multiple anchor points on the roof rather than having to constantly move the anchor. Here is a good anchor (link to Amazon).
Safety is important, especially as a roofer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2015 roofing was ranked as the 4th most dangerous job. Most of the recorded deaths were caused by falling off the roof.
A good harness and rope system that is properly used will keep you on the roof.
