How To Use A Shingle Hammer Effectively – Expert’s Thoughts!

Shingle hammers often called roofing hammers or roofing hatchets, are one of the most useful roofing tools. It’s a one-of-a-kind gadget. Each component of a shingle hammer has been developed specifically for use with asphalt shingles.

However, its effectiveness will be apparent only if you know how to wield a shingle hammer with precision. So, in this article, we’ll discuss how to use a shingle hammer correctly. So, tie your belt and move on to work.

An Introduction to Shingle Hammer

A shingle hammer, like other hammers, has two fundamental components. The HANDLE and the HEAD

The uppermost surface of a hammer is its head. Roofing hammers contain notches, holes, or protrusions on their heads to assist the roofer in spacing the shingles properly. 

The hammer’s handle is located at the bottom. Hickory, fiberglass, solid, or tubular steel are often used to make this handle. To lessen the force of the hammer hit on your hand, other materials may be applied. Some handle contains a rubber grip.

In addition, there are two pieces on the head. The FACE is one, and the CLAW is another.

A hammer’s face is the part of the tool that makes contact with the nail. The face of the hammer, a milled face, also known as a checkered face, has a waffle-like texture. 

In the back end, there is a claw. This end of a shingle hammer is meant to assist roofers in lifting shingles.

Uses Guide for a Shingle Hammer

Let’s have a look at using of shingle hammer effectively so that you can take benefit of all of its features:

The steps that you have to follow are –

• The first step is to shape the shingles.
• The second is to arrange the shingles correctly.
• The third is to hammer the nails in place.
• And the fourth is to double-check the technique.

At first, with the claw of the hammer, cut the shingle to size. Use a straight edge as a guide; draw a line with chalk down the shingle where you want to make the cut. Next, score the shingle with the claw of the hammer. If you’re using a laminate shingle, this may not be adequate; in that case, a roofer’s hook blade knife will be required.

Then, arrange the shingles in line. To assist you in setting the shingle, use the shingle guide on the hammer’s head. You may now hook the hammer onto the exposed edge of the shingle you just lay, assuming you’ve set the hatchet’s gauge to the right exposure. Then, on the hammer’s face, place the lower edge of your next shingle.

After that, nail the loose shingle in place, either along the nail line or in the nailing zone. Always double-check the application directions to make sure you’re using the right number of nails. Also, make sure your nails aren’t over-or under-driven.

Advantages of a Shingle Hammer

Shingle hammers are capable of doing tasks that other hammers are incapable of. A shingle hammer, in particular, is designed to allow the roofer to cut, lay, and nail shingles with one instrument. There are a few more advantages to using a shingle hammer.

• Some shingle hammers come with a built-in magnetic nail holder. When you’re attempting to nail in an unexpected location that’s almost out of reach, this stabilizes the nail for you.
• Many modern hammers are built of unique materials that assist minimize vibration and protect your hand from pounding shock. Such as the ESTWING Shingle’s Hammer.
• New claw designs on other roofing hammers make shingle removal easier.
• Due to the greater exposure of metric shingles, roofers installing these shingles may wish to use a hammer with a bigger gauge.

Why Should & Shouldn’t Use a Shingle Hammer

There are several arguments in favor of employing a shingle hammer, as well as arguments against it. Let’s have a look at what they are. –

• When you use a shingle hammer, you can feel the nail strike the roof’s decking wood with your hand. This helps you to ensure that the nail is securely fastened.
• With a hatchet, a trained roofer may be quite accurate in nail placement and depth. Over-driven nails may be avoided by hand nailing.
• Gauges on roofing hammers may make it simpler to acquire the proper shingle exposure, which is also important for the roof’s installation.
• Except for corrosion prevention, a magnetic shingle hatchet requires no maintenance.

These are some of the arguments why you should use a shingle hammer. Now let’s see why you should go for an alternative –

• Shingle hammers can exhaust your arm, slowing you down even further. This can raise labor expenses while also lengthening the time it takes to finish each project.
• When you hire new roofers, teaching them about shingle hammers will take longer. It might take them a month or two to become accurate and confident with a hammer.
• While some experienced hand-nailers may disagree, using a hammer to install shingles will take longer.
• Shingle hammers are available in a variety of weights. The smallest hammers, weighing 14 and 16 ounces respectively, require more power to drive the nail, while the heaviest hammers, weighing 22 and 28 ounces respectively, move the nail swiftly but exhaust your arm.

Therefore, now you can easily decide if you should use a shingle hammer or not.

Tips for Shingle Roofing Hammer Uses

Expert advice on shingle hammer uses effectively-

1. You are the only one who can determine which weight is appropriate for your needs. So, Choose your tool wisely.
2. The most important factors for a roofer are precision and timeliness. Therefore, utilize the hammer in accordance with the shingles line.
3. If you’re using a laminate shingle, the claw of a hammer might not be adequate to cut it; in that case, a roofer’s hook blade knife will be required.
4. When using a tool like a hammer, keep an eye out for your fingers if it isn’t magnetic.

Final Thoughts

That’s everything you need to know about shingle hammers, as well as how to use a shingle hammer. I hope you found the blog interesting. It’s now time to put everything you’ve learned into practice. Be self-assured and get off to a good start.

Last but not least, practice and talent, not the tool, make a man perfect. So, if you’re a new roofer, don’t be concerned. Continue to work!

Learn more:

• Who Makes the Best Snap on Hammers?
• How To Identify Old Hammers – Suggestions of A Tool Junky!
• How Does A Dead Blow Hammer Work (A Comprehensive Discussion)
• Hammering on Tight Spaces – What’s the experts’ suggestion!
• 7 Hammer Safety Tips to Keep You Safe