Three Specialty Cutting Tools
When the need arises, it’s worth making some space in your tool belt for one of these cool cutters.
It’s easy to use your utility knife to cut everything, because it’s always in your tool belt. But just because it’s handy doesn’t mean it’s the best tool for the job. The Olfa Rolled Materials Cutter is great for cutting right off the roll because it won’t damage the underlying material, so it works well for housewrap and felt paper. It’s also good for floor-protection projects because you’re less likely to damage the floor you’re trying to protect. The Tajima snap-blade Rock Hard Aluminist Knife takes a thicker, more durable blade than other snap-blade knives. You can extend a snap blade much further than a utility-knife blade, making this tool perfect for cutting foam insulation. The Estwing Shingler’s Hammer’s large face is great for the occasions when you have to hand-nail. On the other end there’s a hook-knife blade that’s great for trimming valleys, and especially for trimming the multiple layers of shingles that go under vented ridges. In this episode of Tool Tech, host Patrick McCombe introduces you to these three lesser-known specialty cutters that make common home-building tasks easier.
Olfa Heavy-Duty Rolled Materials Cutter (45-C)
$30
Tajima Rock Hard Aluminist Dial Lock Knife
$21
Estwing Shingler’s Hammer (E3-CA)
$30
Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building.
View Comments
I like that snap blade cutter. I didn't know you could get thicker blades.
I'm not a roofer, but I've put on quite a few asphalt roofs in my life and I sure wish I'd had a hammer like that. I've seen them in the hardware store, but had no idea they were for asphalt shingles. Thanks.
I searched a bunch of sites looking for the Olfa Heavy-Duty Rolled Materials Cutter (35-C) but no luck. I only version I found was a plastic "Maru-Cutter 45-C" http://44tools.com/knives-blades/heavy-duty-rolled-materials-cutter/. Looks inferior to me. Has any one found a site that carries the 35-C (which looks metal to me)?
Hi viccooper,
We got the model number wrong. I changed it yesterday after OLFA sent me an email. It is the 45C you want.
Thanks for a great video.
Nice work on your tool reviews, great to see them all and their applications.
QUESTION: How many blades does the Tajima knife store in its blade magazine ?