Best Roofer’s Tools Guide
Best Roofer's Tools
From everyday tools to specialist equipment, here at Wonkee Donkee tools, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best roofers’ tools that you will need to be fully equipped for every type of job. We have teamed up with a number of professional roofers to ensure we have covered everything here, so whether you’re an apprentice roofer or a seasoned professional – you will find our guide to the best roofing tools in the UK invaluable.
Is getting the right roofing tools really that important?
Absolutely! As a roofer, you can’t show up to a job without your bag of tricks – it would simply be impossible to carry out. From a ladder that is safe and long enough for use, all the way through to tools to cut through slate and tin – there are so many pieces of roofing equipment necessary to adequately complete a job.
If you’re a professional roofer or training to be one, then you will want to be make sure that once you’re up on that roof, you have everything you needed to complete the task at hand safely and thoroughly. And, luckily, our comprehensive list of the best roofing tools is here to work as a checklist meaning that you’ll always be prepared whether the job is big or small.
Accuracy and precision on every job
If you want to go far in the roofing trade, your customers want to feel confident that when you undertake a job, it will be done with accuracy and precision every time. That’s why you need tools such as the Skeleton Gun, which works fast to accurately apply adhesive, or a slate cutting axe for the precise cutting of roof slates.
Our list of the best roofer’s tools in the UK promises not just the essentials, but those tools that will allow you to put an extra professional finish on every job you do – helping you to become the roofer that everyone turns to in a crisis.
Can anyone use roofing tools?
Roofing is a vital profession, but it is a specialist area of work and shouldn’t be attempted by just anyone with a ladder. The necessary equipment is one huge part of being a roofer, but it is also a learnt skill that can be dangerous to attempt by those who are not in the trade.
Many of the best roofers tools that we feature can be used for a number of jobs, such as tarpaulin, ladders, tool belts and knee pads – but many are unique to the roofing trade, such as dressing sticks and slater’s rippers. We guarantee that each of the tools we have listed are of the highest standards, but we advise against opting for roofing tools if you’re not a trained roofer.
Standard Saw
One of the most common jobs you will perform as a roofer is replacing old or rotten timber, so having a standard Hand Saw is absolutely essential. Power saws may seem like the more effective option but you can complete most small cutting jobs quicker than it takes to run an extension cord from the mains and find the power tool.
Extension Ladder (3 part)
Extension ladders provide access to high areas. A good quality ladder should be strong and lightweight. They can be extended for full reach or they slide together for compact storage. Purchase a three part extension ladder as this will have enough height to get you up above most house gutter lines.
Extension Ladder (2 part with ridge hooks)
Purchase a two part ladder with ridge hooks. On the other side of the hooks are wheels that can be used to roll the ladder up the roof where you can turn it over and secure the hooks over the ridge. The three part extension ladder will get you up the side of the house but the two part extension ladder will take you up the tiles and to the ridge.
Claw Hammer
No roofer should be without at least a few hammers in his toolbox and the claw hammer should be at the top of that box. They are heavy enough to sink a nail in one hit and can also be used for digging out nails with the claw end. Practically indestructible and will last a lifetime if looked after.
Lump Hammer
Lump hammers weigh typically between 1-2kg (2.2 -4.4lb) and are ideal for general purpose use. They are heavy enough to be used in demolition work and light enough for knocking in the occasional nail. They are most often used in combination with your brick bolster.
Brick Bolster
The brick bolster is a type of cold chisel with a wide cutting edge which makes it ideal for splitting and cutting bricks to size.
Retractable Trimming Knife
This handy little knife can slice through paper, plastic, string, roofing felt and even metal wire. It will also keep your pencils sharp. Make sure you get one with an easy to replace blade as the chances are it will get gummed up pretty quickly with roofing tar. Fits inside a pocket or on tool belt for easy access.
Pencil or Marker
You will need a pencil for all kinds of marking and measuring tasks. They fit snugly behind an ear.
Tape Measure
A simple tape measure will be ideal for most jobs but you will want at least an 8 metre (26 feet) tape so that you can lay out new roofing.
Speed Square
The speed square is made from extra thick plastic that can withstand heavy-duty use. You can mark angles with it; rule lines; measure length and pre-existing angles. A thoroughly useful tool in all areas of roofing.
Slate Cutting Axe
This specially designed axe, is used for cutting roof slates to size. The blade has a side spike incorporated into it for punching nail holes in slates.
Tin Snips
Every roofer should have a pair of tin snips as they are used for lots of different jobs such as cutting lead flashing or plastic panel ventilators and for all manner of metal cutting.
Slater's Ripper
A slater’s ripper is an essential tool which allows you to reach under roofing slates and pull out or shear fixing nails and thus remove broken slates.
Dressing Stick
Dressing sticks are used to form lead flashing into particular shapes on roofs and lead topped bay windows. They are typically made from hardwood for longevity and durability.
Slate Hammer
The slate hammer has a sharp pick at one end for punching holes in slate and a rectangular blunt striking end. It also has a handy claw on the side for prying nails.
Chalk Line
Chalk lines are used to mark out long straight lines on flat surfaces. You will want a good quality heavy duty line as cheaper ones may snap.
Pry Bar
A pry bar is a useful tool in the roofing industry as it has multiple uses including pulling out nails, demolition work and prying off roof slates.
Tarpaulin
Tarpaulins can be used to keep your timber dry when parts of the roof are exposed to the elements between repairs. A must have tool.
Bucket
The simple bucket has multiple purposes. You can use them to carry fluids, mix mortar, lug bricks and even some rough measuring tasks. Purchasing a heavy-duty hard plastic bucket is advisable for durability.
Tool Belt
Every roofer needs a tool belt to keep all the copper nails and small tools to hand, otherwise you will be forever climbing up and down your ladder retrieving things from your toolbox.
Knee Pads
These handy pads will protect your knees from wear and tear. They will also protect you from stray nails and other sharp objects.
Skeleton Gun
The skeleton gun is used to apply caulks and adhesives quickly, accurately and without mess. You will need one of these for many roofing jobs.
Staple Gun
Staple guns are handy tools that can dispense heavy duty staples quickly and accurately. They are particularly handy when laying and securing your breathable membranes.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is designed for making straight cuts through timber. A variety of different blades means it can be used on masonary, plastic, and even metal. Ideal for cutting all those roofing timbers.
Cordless Combi Drill
A combi drill will allow you to drive screws as well as drill holes. It has the advantage of being cordless so it can be used anywhere. It is interchangeable, rechargeable and easy to use. Standard equipment for any roofer.
Nail Gun
Nail guns have quickly taken over as the tool of choice amongst builders, carpenters and roofers. There are various models available powered by compressed air, electromagnetism, gas, or even small explosive charges. The nail gun is a powerful tool and can increase your work rate tenfold by dispensing up to 200 nails per minute. Essential for fixing roofing lath.
Air Compressor
An air compressor is a device that turns power (usually from an electric or petrol motor) into kinetic energy in the form of compressed air. It has many applications and is typically used to power your nail gun.
Angle Grinder
The hand-held angle grinder is a very powerful tool that can accomplish a wide variety of tasks with various attachments. It can cut, grind, polish, buff and even sand through a block of solid oak in just a few seconds. These great hand tools come in a range of sizes but if you are using one regularly then a 9-inch angle grinder will be best for you. If you are interested in knowing which is best then check out our best 9 inch angle grinder review!
Heavy Duty Scraper
Heavy duty scrapers are great at removing stubborn materials such as paint or tar from a work surface. A torch on roofer will want one to remove any old roofing felt layers from a roof.
Gas Torch
The gas torch allows you to heat the underside of your roofing felt so that it sticks to the roof and makes a tight seal.
Putty Knife
Putty knives are very useful little tools that are designed to perform a number of tasks. They can apply putty and filler to timber and brickwork if necessary. You can use it to punch holes, tear, cut and fill cracks, corners and crevices with the putty knife’s clipped point. An essential tool.
Tar Brush
This brush is used for rough surface applications such as tar, bitumen and other viscous materials and liquids.
Bitumen Melter
A bitumen melter is essentially a large kettle used to heat bitumen until it reaches a liquid state and is readily applicable to any surface.
