The tools that separate a professional crew from a weekend warrior. Every tool here is something we use on the job every day.
The industry workhorse. The Bostitch RN46 is the nail gun you'll see on 90% of roofing crews. Reliable, lightweight, and drives coil nails flush every time. If you buy one roofing nailer, this is it.
DeWalt's entry into roofing nailers. If you're already in the DeWalt ecosystem, this is a solid choice with the same core functionality as the Bostitch at a slightly higher price point.
A purpose-built shingle ripper makes tear-off day 10x easier. The serrated teeth slide under shingles and pop nails out cleanly. Essential for any re-roof job.
The classic roofer's tool. Estwing roofing hatchets have been on job sites forever. The gauge notch helps set shingle exposure, and the blade side cuts underlayment and trims shingles.
OSHA requires fall protection on roofs above 6 feet. A proper harness kit includes the harness, rope grab, lifeline, and roof anchor. Not optional — this saves lives.
Cougar Paws are the gold standard for roofing footwear. The replaceable rubber pads grip shingles like nothing else. Once you try them, regular boots feel like ice skates on a roof.
A good utility knife with hook blades is used constantly on the roof — cutting shingles, trimming underlayment, opening bundles. Hook blades cut shingles cleanly without gouging the deck.
For metal roofing work, you need all three snips — left, right, and straight cut. Aviation-style snips from Malco or Wiss are the standard for cutting flashing, drip edge, and metal panels.
You can't install straight courses without a chalk line. Snap lines every 5 inches (or whatever your shingle exposure is) to keep rows perfectly aligned across the roof.
Know your roof pitch before you start estimating materials or setting up safety equipment. A pitch finder saves time vs. measuring rise over run manually.
After every tear-off, roll a magnetic sweeper around the yard, driveway, and work area. One flat tire from a roofing nail costs more than this tool. Non-negotiable for professional crews.
You'll go through cases of roofing sealant. A quality caulk gun with a high thrust ratio makes all-day caulking manageable. Get a dripless model — your pants will thank you.