You can't go wrong hiring a qualified professional for a roofing project.

But with a little bit of time and knowledge, and often with the help of a few friends, replacing a roof can be a rewarding do it yourself project. The key to doing it yourself rather than doing yourself in is the right roofing tools. Look for these tools at a local hardware store.

Nothing beats a slate cutter for cutting slate and shingles. It cuts through most roofing materials like the proverbial hot knife through butter. Industrial versions cut 1/2” thick shingles easily. For an easier start and more control make sure to get a model with a punch.

Shingles and refuse can be disposed of by trekking to the edge and tossing them to the ground, right? Wrong! Use a ridge bucket. These buckets are designed to hug the roof so they don't slip even on a steep incline. It's safer and faster to use this bucket to dispose of shingles.

When it comes time to install hip ridges and ridge cap, it's time to pull out a hip runner. Contractors use hip runners, so do it yourself roofers should take the hint.

Seaming pliers aren't for sewing. They're for pulling off shingles, especially stubborn shingles that almost have a mind of their own intent on staying in place. Seaming pliers have teeth to grip the shingle without tearing it. Combine the pliers with a good pair of thick work gloves to save your fingers and hands from injuries such as scrapes, bruises and blisters from gripping and pulling rough shingles.

A slater's hammer has a hammer head, as well as a small ax and a blade on the opposite side. This roofing tool can be used both for removing the old roof and installing the new roof. It's also useful as a regular hammer and with the ax and blade for other projects besides roofing.

Not only will most local hardware stores carry these tools, they'll rent some of the larger ones such as a slate cutter. This way a home owner can use the best quality tools rather than one that's cheaper to purchase. Knowledge is also a roofing tool, perhaps the most important of them. Local hardware stores, as well as the Internet, are great sources of information on roofing and roofing tools. Between books they carry and staff on hand who can give you advice, they can prepare a person for every step of the roofing process.