Roofing Tools That Make You Faster | Roofing University
Roofing Tools That Actually Make You Faster (and Which Ones Don’t)
Introduction
Every roofer has a favorite tool. Some make your day smoother. Some make you wonder why you ever bought them.
At Roofing University, we’ve tested every kind of hammer, ripper, snip, and gadget you can imagine — from the old-school classics to the new “game changers.”
Here’s a breakdown of the tools that actually make you faster, cleaner, and more efficient on the roof — and a few that just look good on Instagram.
"Good tools don’t make you a good roofer, but bad tools will make you a slow one."
1. The Best Damn Hammer
👉 Best Damn Hammer Roofing Hatchet – Prime Line Tools
Designed by roofers, for roofers. This hammer hits the sweet spot between balance and power. The magnetized head, built-in gauge, and replaceable face make it a real job-site favorite.
Unlike generic hatchets, it feels like an extension of your arm — no awkward swing, no wasted motion.
“If your hammer feels wrong, your whole rhythm is off. The right weight and balance change everything.”
2. The Best Damn Ripper Pro
👉 Best Damn Ripper Pro – Prime Line Tools
There are roofing shovels — and then there’s this beast. The angled head, reinforced teeth, and comfort grip let you tear through old shingles fast without shredding your hands or back.
A solid ripper isn’t about brute force — it’s about control. The Best Damn Ripper keeps your leverage right where you need it.
3. The Nail Caddy
👉 BMF Nail Caddy – BMF Roofing Solutions
The Nail Caddy is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you use it once.
It holds your roofing nails on steep inclines, keeping your nails easy to reach and saving a ton of time when you’re moving fast.
Less trips down the ladder, more nailing. That’s the kind of efficiency that keeps you roofing longer and getting the job done quicker.
4. Aviation Snips
A classic that never leaves the belt.
Quality snips are a must whether you’re cutting flashing, vents, or drip edge. Go for offset snips with serrated blades — they give you control and visibility without bending the material.
Cheap snips slow you down and chew up metal. Don’t waste time — buy a pair that’ll last a season, not a week.
5. Magnetic Sweepers
When you’re done, you’re not really done until the ground’s clean. A rolling magnetic sweeper saves hours of hunting for nails — and saves you from an angry homeowner with a flat tire.
Tip: Look for one with an adjustable height. Even a basic 24” sweeper pays for itself in one job.
Tools That Slow You Down
Not every new gadget is worth it. Here’s what usually ends up back in the truck:
Battery-powered nail holders that jam halfway through a strip.
Overbuilt tool belts that weigh more than a compressor.
Knockoff hand tools that look good until they snap.
You don’t need the most expensive setup — you need reliable tools that help you move, measure, and install with rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Fast doesn’t mean sloppy. The right tools don’t just speed you up — they make your work cleaner and your body last longer.
If you want to learn how the pros use these tools on real installs, come train with Josh Bigger — The Best Damn Roofer — at Roofing University.
Two days of hands-on learning will show you the techniques that actually save time, not just look good online.
