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There’s a few tools that will make your
job easier and quicker. Nothing too expensive but something
you’ll be glad you have for the job.
The tools described below are in addition
to the ones listed on the installation instructions of the
roofing material you have selected. Or in some cases, we thought
that pictures, some demonstrations and a brief “where
to buy” would be helpful to you.
Fastener Drivers:
If you have a smaller project you can get by with the electric drill or cordless drill that you have in your tool chest but if you have a larger project we thought we would show you what the pro's use.
A cordless impact driver makes short work of fastener installation and your hand and wrist will feel better at the end of a long day.
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The tried and true DW257 driver has been a pro favorite for years. For about $80 you are going to get a tool that will last you a long time. Originally designed to install sheetrock screws, with a little modification this 2500 rpm driver is perfect for installing metal roofing or metal siding fasteners.
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Electric Swivel Head Metal Shears:
Cost is around
$200.00 and you can pick them up at www.dewalt.com or
at a local hardware/tool shop.
These are useful for cutting metal panels across the corrugation
or cutting shingle style materials.
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Our Favorite Inexpensive Shear
Attachment:
This one attaches to your electric drill and has nice
deep throat to it. The deep throat enables it to easily
pass through any high ribbing on the panels. |
By Itself |
With Drill Attached |
Cutting with shear |
| Our favorite shear attachment
is a “Malco” TurboShear HD and is available
at www.northerntool.com/ for about $90.00 plus shipping. |
Nibblers:
Nibbler attachments
are a great device. They attach onto your electric drill
and therefore don’t run much money. We like the
one shown the right. Most nibblers will easily cut curves
as well as straight lines.
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Nibblers are the perfect tool for cutting across corrugation as well as circle cuts around vent pipes ect. The only downside to a nibbler is that they are specialized tools and only used in metal cutting. You may want to opt for the attachment shown above if you don't plan to get into the metal roofing business.
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Blade Cutting:
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you can use a hand held grinder with an abrasive wheel
attachment or a circular saw with a ferrous cutting
blade. While they work fine, most panel manufacturers
do not recommend cutting panels with any sort of abrasive
wheel/blade because it allows for a place (the edges)
where corrosion can start. (Regardless, you’re
going to find a circular saw makes quick work of the
job.)
When using a ferrous cutting blade on a circular saw,
make sure you cut the panels from the underside because
the saw guides will undoubtedly scratch the finish of
the panels. They are available at most hardware stores.
If you have a job that is going to require a lot of panel cutting you may want to consider a carbide metal cutting blade for your 7 1/4" circular saw. You should be able to find one for around $50.
When using a blade cutting
technique, always use protective eye gear!. |
Cutting w/ a Grinder |
Cutting w/ a Circular Saw |
Metal Snips:
Good snips are a “must have” when
working with any type of metal roofing especially the trim
and flashing.
Home Depot or any decent hardware store will
have good quality metal snips you can buy for around $30 per
pair. There are snips that are best for right hand cuts and
ones best for left hand cuts. And of course, ones that are
best for straight cuts.
The arrows next to the tool pictures show which
direction the snip cuts best.
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