Replies

1. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | Jul 27, 2007 08:48am | #1

   There's a couple of companies that make a long handled narrow flat shovel with a built-on lever fulcrum and several small slots to grab nails.  Those are very effective and easy to use.  They're available at most large home centers.  You could also check with any roofing supplier/wholesaler.

1. 
   jagwah | Jul 27, 2007 11:56pm | #9

   Here in Tulsa I found the best shingle removing tool is a crew of 10-12 hard working men who bring what ever tool they want. Either way I get the roof stripped and back on in a day. No sweat, really! 

1. 
   DanH | Jul 28, 2007 12:00am | #10

   I can't quite believe the "no sweat" part, unless you have anhydrosis.
   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

   Edited 7/27/2007 5:00 pm by DanH

2. 
   seeyou | Jul 27, 2007 12:54pm | #2

   Check this out: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=92569.1

   View Image

   http://grantlogan.net/

    

   I've never met a man that was owed as much as he thought he was.

3. 
   PeteDraganic | Jul 27, 2007 04:41pm | #3

   Money is usually the best tool for shingle removal in my experience.  Apply an adequate amount to the right person and your shingles will be removed and cleaned up with very little effort.

    

   http://www.petedraganic.com/

4. 
   BryanSayer | Jul 27, 2007 04:54pm | #4

   I presume you are talking pry up type removers, not the type used for slate.

   Be sure the handle is long enough and that you don't have to bend over too far to be able to pry with it. I think I have seen one with an offset in the handle that keeps the user from having to bend down as far as the old shovel with a round fulcrum on the back requires.

5. 
   DanH | Jul 27, 2007 06:09pm | #5

   Most of the responses appear to assume you're after a "bulk" shingle remover, for use when reroofing. If you want to remove a single shingle (or two or three) you want a "shingle thief" or "shingle ripper" like this:

   View Image

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
6. 
   DanH | Jul 27, 2007 06:12pm | #6

   (For a small "bulk" job, a garden fork is often effective. Not as good as the purpose-made tools, though.)

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
1. 
   Adam05 | Jul 27, 2007 07:52pm | #7

   Thanks everyone. I did mean to find out the best tool for a whole roof removal, not the single shingle option. Didn't think about that until after I posted. I will check at the building supply this weekend.Adam

1. 
   Dinosaur | Jul 27, 2007 08:24pm | #8

   I use a standard, garden-type flat-blade forged shovel. The extra weight of the heavier blade helps it plow through gunk easier. I don't find the notches in the purpose-made roofing shovels to be that useful. When I strip a roof, I don't care how neatly it come off; I just want it off and in the dumpster.

   Dinosaur

    

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....

7. 
   hughmus | Jul 28, 2007 04:47am | #11

   I've found that a potato fork works quite well for removing the bulk of the shingles.  Seems like once you get under a corner working from the top down, the shingles peel off.