The Roof Toof is a specialist hand saw purpose-built for removing and replacing cracked or damaged roof slates without disturbing the surrounding roof covering. Manufactured in the UK, it is a unique 550mm long-reach saw with a narrow, flexible bimetallic blade, designed to cut slate fixing nails cleanly rather than tearing them free with a traditional slate ripper.
Because it cuts rather than rips, the Roof Toof removes a slate with minimal disturbance to neighbouring slates and battens, reducing the risk of collateral damage — a particular advantage on old roofs, listed buildings, or anywhere a heavy-handed slate ripper is unsuitable. It is used by roofers, builders, heating engineers, and solar PV installers wherever a slate needs to be lifted to access the roof structure beneath, such as for fitting a roof anchor bracket.
Clean-Cut
Nail Removal Method
Good to Know: The Roof Toof cuts slate fixing nails flush above the batten rather than pulling them out. This is a fundamentally different approach to a traditional slate ripper, which uses leverage to tear nails free and can crack or dislodge nearby slates in the process.
Clean-Cut Nail Removal
A flexible 24tpi bimetallic blade cuts slate fixing nails neatly flush above the batten, rather than ripping them out, giving a controlled, low-disturbance removal every time.
No Damage to Slate or Batten
By cutting rather than levering, the Roof Toof avoids the cracking and dislodging of neighbouring slates that can happen when a traditional slate ripper is used, protecting the wider roof covering.
Long-Reach, Flexible Design
The 550mm long-reach, narrow and flexible blade reaches slates in hard-to-access locations such as against gutters, valleys, gullies, and around chimneys.
Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle
An ergonomic soft grip handle gives a comfortable, secure hold, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged or repeated use.
One-Handed Operation
Designed to be used with only one hand and minimal effort, unlike a slate ripper which typically needs two hands and considerable force — a meaningful safety advantage when working at height.
Labour & Material Cost Saving
Faster, cleaner slate removal reduces both the time spent on each repair and the risk of having to replace additional slates damaged during removal.
Product Details
Blade Type
Bimetallic steel
General Specifications
Dimensions
550 x 30 x 2.6mm
Blade Material
Bimetallic steel
Typical Applications
Roofing
General slate removal and replacement on pitched slate roofs
Solar PV Installation
Lifting slates to install roof anchor brackets
Heating & Gas
Accessing roof structure for flue or vent installation
Building & Renovation
Working on old roofs or listed buildings where minimal disturbance is required
Please Note: The Roof Toof is the companion product to the Roof Tingle, a 316 marine-grade stainless steel slate retaining hook supplied with its own bending tool. Once a slate has been removed with the Roof Toof, the Roof Tingle provides a permanent way to refit it in place.
What is the Roof Toof used for?
The Roof Toof is a specialist saw used to remove and replace cracked or damaged roof slates. It cuts through the slate's fixing nails cleanly, allowing the slate to be lifted without disturbing the surrounding roof covering.
How is the Roof Toof different from a traditional slate ripper?
A traditional slate ripper uses leverage to tear nails out, which can crack or dislodge neighbouring slates. The Roof Toof instead cuts the nail flush above the batten with its bimetallic blade, giving a cleaner, more controlled removal.
Can it be used with one hand?
Yes. The Roof Toof is designed for one-handed operation with minimal effort, compared to a slate ripper which typically requires two hands and significant force — particularly useful when working at height.
What is the blade made from and how long is it?
The blade is 550mm long, made from bimetallic steel with a 24 TPI tooth pattern, giving it the reach and flexibility to access slates near gutters, valleys, and chimneys.
Is the Roof Toof suitable for solar PV installation work?
Yes. It is commonly used by solar PV installers to lift slates cleanly when fitting roof anchor brackets, and pairs well with the Roof Tingle for permanently refitting the slate once the bracket is in place.
