Bully Tools 91110 Shingle Scraper — If you're doing a full tear-off, this tool is your best friend. The steel blade with serrated teeth is made to dig under old shingles, pop nails, and lift everything in one solid motion. It’s not high-tech, but it’s fast and dependable. We use this scraper on every roof replacement job from Dunwoody to Sandy Springs—it gets under stubborn shingles without damaging the wood decking underneath. The long handle means you don’t need to crawl around on your knees, and it saves a ton of time and effort. Simple, strong, and built for real work.
Roof replacement tools in Dunwoody, GA
Nothing wakes the neighborhood like the rip-rip-rip of shingles flying into a dumpster at dawn. When the decking shows daylight and the old three-tabs curl like potato chips, it’s time for a full tear-off. Skip the drone surveys and high-pressure upsells; a solid shingle scraper, a smooth-feeding nailer, and a chalk box full of bright blue line will lay a new roof faster than you can grill lunch. Our Dunwoody crew leans on that same straightforward kit—ready to loan pointers or climb up ourselves—so homeowners see fresh felt before the afternoon thunderheads roll in.
Why good tools turn back-breaking work into an afternoon victory
Replacing a roof is part demolition, part carpentry, and part marathon. Fight it with dull pry bars and flimsy compressors and you’ll end the day sore with half the shingles still stacked on the pallet. The gear below isn’t flashy—just proven muscle savers we trust from Tilly Mill to Mount Vernon. Pair them with decent weather, a patient helper, and you’ll strip, deck-check, felt, and shingle without midnight floodlights or high-tech gadgets. That’s how we keep projects simple and wallets happy.
Rip shingles in a hurry
Shoot nails all day
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer Kit — If you’re nailing down a full roof, a hammer isn’t going to cut it. This Bostitch coil nailer makes the job smoother, faster, and way easier on your arms. It’s lightweight, fits well in the hand, and fires reliably with bump trigger mode, which means you can move fast when the weather’s closing in. We’ve dropped this nailer, used it in the rain, and run it all day—it just keeps going. Perfect for 1¼-inch roofing nails, and the coil system means fewer reloads and no jamming when you’re mid-row. Ideal for homeowners doing a full re-roof or crews wanting a dependable backup.
Keep courses laser straight
TAJIMA Chalk Box CR301R — It doesn’t matter how good your shingles are—if your lines aren’t straight, the whole roof looks off. This chalk box lays down a bold, easy-to-see line that keeps your starter rows and ridge caps lined up perfectly. The fast-reel design saves time, and the case doesn’t jam like cheaper ones. We use red or blue chalk for high contrast, and one quick snap sets your row every time. It’s a small detail, but it keeps the whole job looking clean, sharp, and professional, which is what every homeowner notices.
Slice starter and ridge
Malco A2 Turbo Shear — Trimming shingles by hand can get old fast, especially when you're working ridge caps, starter rows, or tricky cuts around dormers. This shear turns any regular drill into a power cutter that slices through asphalt shingles like butter. It also works great for trimming valley metal or drip edge. Just clamp it onto your drill, line up the blade, and follow your mark. We like this tool because it saves your wrists and delivers a nice clean cut every time—perfect for precise jobs where neat edges matter.
Air on demand
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Compressor — You can’t run a roofing nailer without steady air, and this twin-stack compressor delivers it all day. It’s surprisingly quiet for a job-site tool, doesn’t overheat, and recovers pressure fast enough to keep pace with constant bump nailing. We use this on new roofs and even for large patch jobs—because once you’re up there, you don’t want to stop every 10 minutes to wait for air. Built tough, runs smooth, and easy to carry in the back of a truck without needing a team lift.
Magnet sweep for nails
Toolwiz 36-Inch Magnetic Sweeper — After every job, we walk the yard with this tool to clean up loose nails, coil clips, and bits of flashing that fall off the roof. The strong magnet grabs metal fasteners even in grass or gravel. It’s got wheels, so anyone can roll it over the driveway or flower beds, and the release handle makes cleanup easy. If you’ve ever stepped on a roofing nail in bare feet—or had a customer call about one in their tire—you know how important this is. We use it every day to keep jobsites safe and tidy.
Felt down fast
FCC Fence Staple Hammer Tacker — When laying synthetic felt or underlayment, speed matters—especially if the wind picks up. This hammer tacker lets you staple down long runs of material quickly, keeping it tight and wrinkle-free. It’s lightweight, holds plenty of staples, and fires with a solid thunk that feels satisfying. No trigger, no fuss—just aim and smack. We use this to secure underlayment fast before the final rows of shingles go down. It’s one of those tools that pays for itself on the first job.
Stay clipped in
Roof-Work Safety Harness Kit — A new roof isn’t worth a hospital bill. We wear this harness on every steep pitch and multi-story job, no exceptions. It includes a full-body harness, anchor strap, and shock-absorbing lanyard. Setup is quick, and once you’re clipped in, you can move confidently across the roof without risking a fall. We recommend every homeowner use this anytime they’re more than 6 feet off the ground. It’s not complicated, and it might save your life—or at least your back.
Deck inspection before shingles go on
Before the first nail goes in, we always walk the entire roof deck barefoot or with soft-soled shoes so we can feel any bounce or soft spots. It’s a simple but crucial step. We check the plywood or OSB sheathing for signs of water damage, mold, or rot—especially around valleys, chimney bases, and ridge lines. If any sheets feel spongy or show dark stains, we pull them out and replace them with fresh 7⁄16-inch board. Then we go over the entire surface with a broom or blower to remove dust, dirt, and debris. A clean surface helps the synthetic underlayment lay flat and adhere properly, reducing wrinkles and bubbles that could cause leaks later. We also drive a few extra #8 screws or ring-shank nails into any creaky seams between panels to prevent future squeaks and sagging. It’s basic stuff, but it makes sure your new roof starts with a solid foundation.
Starter strip made simple
A strong roof begins with the first row—and we keep it simple. Instead of fancy branded starter rolls, we use standard three-tab shingles and cut off the tab portion with a turbo shear. That leaves a solid strip with adhesive backing, perfect for the eaves. We flip the cut shingles upside down so the adhesive sticks to the drip edge and helps hold down the first course of full shingles. Then we nail them flush along the bottom edge of the roof, spacing nails 6 inches apart. This method is time-tested, wind-resistant, and saves money without cutting corners. The result? A tough first row that holds tight during Dunwoody’s spring storms and helps every row above it lock into place with a clean, even line.
Valley flashing that never leaks
Valleys are where two roof slopes meet—and they’re one of the most leak-prone parts of the roof. That’s why we always take extra care here. We start by laying a 24-inch wide aluminum roll straight down the center of the valley, overlapping the bottom edge by 6 inches past the eave. We secure it with roofing nails every 8 inches on the outer edges (never in the middle) to avoid punctures where water flows. Once it’s tacked down, we brush a layer of roof cement along the edges before setting the underlayment and shingles over the top. This forms a classic “W” valley that channels water cleanly down the center without pooling. We’ve used this method on dozens of roofs in Georgia and have never had a valley leak come back to haunt us. Simple tools, clean lines, and strong sealing—that’s how we do it.
Ridgeline finish that breathes
Your roof needs to breathe to last—and that means doing the ridge the right way. First, we snap a chalk line down the center of the ridge, then cut a ¾-inch slot (or 1½ inches total width) for the ridge vent, making sure to stop 6 inches short of both gable ends to prevent wind-driven rain. We install the vent—usually a 4-foot roll or individual plastic sections—and fasten it with roofing nails every foot. Then we cover it with ridge cap shingles made from cut three-tabs or factory-made pre-bents, overlapping each piece by half and nailing them every 6 inches with coil nails. It creates a neat, finished look and provides steady airflow that keeps your attic cool, dry, and mildew-free. It’s not complicated, but it’s one of the most important parts of a long-lasting roof.
Post-job cleanup routine
A good roofing job isn’t finished until the yard looks better than we found it. After the last nail goes in, we start our cleanup. First, we use a rolling magnetic sweeper to collect every last roofing nail from the grass, driveway, mulch beds, and sidewalk. Then we bag up all the old shingles, felt, and flashing into heavy-duty contractor bags or pile it neatly on a tarp for pickup. We usually schedule debris haul-off for the following Wednesday, but we make sure nothing blows away in the meantime. Finally, we use a backpack blower to clear all loose granules and sawdust from the gutters and driveway—so when the homeowner or neighbor looks up, they see a sharp roof and a spotless yard. A clean job site speaks louder than any ad, and we take pride in making sure our work ends on a good note every single time.
Ready to trade worn shingles for a roof built to last?
Our crew replaces roofs Monday through Saturday—no late-night premiums, no tech upsells, just solid installs and the tools to DIY if you’d rather. Call, text, or holler when our dusty blue pickup rolls by, and we’ll stack bundles, snap lines, and leave you under a brand-new roof before the next heat wave.
Shop Roof Replacement Tools- Phone: (470) 888 0030
- Address: Dunwoody, GA