Hammer Time: A Guide To Roofing Hammers For Roofing Professionals

For a roofing contractor who is about to start a new project, one of the most important tools is a roofing hammer. At the same time, there are lots of hammers from which to choose. How can roofers make sure they choose the right roofing hammer to meet their needs?

What Are the Parts of a Roofing Hammer?

In order for a roofer to find the right roofing hammer to meet their needs, they need to know the various parts of a roofing hammer. These include:

• The Face: The face of the hammer is the part that makes contact with the nail. Look for a roofing hammer that has a textured face, as this is used to grip the surface of the nail and prevent it from slipping, which reduces the rate of accidents.
• The Head: The head of the hammer is the top surface. Many roofing hammers come with a notched head that is used to help the roofer place shingles on the roof, so this is another feature to look for as well.
• The Claw: The claw of a roofing hammer has been designed specifically to lift shingles. If the claw of the hammer looks like it is meant to lift nails, this is a claw or framing hammer, not a roofing hammer.
• The Handle: The handle is the base of the tool and is usually covered in rubber, making it easier to grip. Try to find a hammer that reduces vibrations, as this will reduce arm fatigue.

Comparing a Roofing Hammer to a Claw Hammer

First, there are some roofing professionals who still use a claw hammer. A few of the important points to note include:

• A roofing hammer has a blade at one end of the head which comes in handy for cutting shingles and even includes a built-in shingle gauge
• A claw hammer, which is also called a framing hammer, has been designed specifically for carpentry work and only has a curved claw at the end, which is used for pulling out nails

In the end, a magnetic roofing hammer is simply more useful for roofing than a claw hammer, so it is critical for roofers to make sure they are using the right tool. One particularly popular option is the AJC Magnetic Faced Roofing Hatchet.

Best Practices for Using a Roofing Hammer

In order to use a roofing hammer properly, some of the best practices to remember include:

• The claw of the roofing hammer can be used to cut shingles; however, try to mark the cut line with chalk instead to make sure the shingle is scored in the proper place
• Do not strike a shingle multiple time to cut it but instead bend the shingle along the score that was made with the roofing hammer to improve safety and keep the cut straight
• Many roofing hammers come with a shingle guide on the head of the hammer, which helps roofers position shingles in the right position
• Check all nails once they are in position to make sure they haven’t been over or underdriven

Following these best practices will help every get the most out of their roofing hammer.

If you are looking for a high-quality roofing hammer, then check out the selection from Roofing Direct today!