Using the right tools to install stone-coated metal roofing is a game changer for contractors and home builders. Whether you’re new to working with DECRA or looking to streamline your installation process, using specialized tools designed for stone-coated steel will save time, reduce waste, and improve safety on the job site.
Keep reading to learn:
- Why traditional tools fall short and how specialized equipment makes cutting and bending stone-coated metal roofing faster, safer, and more accurate.
- The top tools to invest in to improve craftsmanship, reduce material loss, and maximize efficiency for your roofing team.
- Answers to frequently asked questions from contractors about Swenson Shear tools, the industry standard for installing DECRA roofing systems.
When you invest in the right tools, you’re not just making installations smoother—you’re improving craftsmanship, protecting your team, and increasing profitability for your business.
The Benefits of Using the Right Tools
Run a More Efficient Contracting Business
Installing a stone-coated metal roof requires a different approach than working with traditional materials like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or ceramic tile. Using the wrong tools slows down every step of the process, limiting the number of jobs you can complete each month, and ultimately reducing your revenue.
Inadequate tools can frustrate your crew and increase the risk of injuries, workers’ compensation claims, and costly downtime due to understaffing. Equipping your team with the right tools minimizes these risks and helps maintain morale on the job site.
Precision also matters. The right tools improve accuracy, which speeds up installation and significantly reduces waste. Less waste means lower cleanup costs and stronger appeal to eco- and budget-conscious clients who appreciate sustainable, cost-effective practices.
The Problem with Hand-Held Saws and Metal-Cutting Blades
Precision cuts are essential when installing stone-coated metal roofing, but hand-held saws and standard metal-cutting blades aren’t up to the task. These tools can make it difficult, and even dangerous, to achieve the exact angles you need.
Imagine trying to shave just half an inch off stone-coated metal roofing with a hand-held circular saw. If you’ve done it before, you know it’s tricky and dangerous. Even the most high quality metal cutting blades endure wear and tear over the course of a job. If you have to re-sharpen or replace blades, that cuts into your profits. And working with a dull blade increases the likelihood of injuries to you or your crew.
That’s why professional-grade cutting and bending tools are a game-changer. Swenson Shear’s stone-cutting tools, highlighted in the next section, are designed for DECRA metal roofing. They deliver cleaner cuts, safer operation, and long-lasting performance. Plus, their bending tools help you finish edges correctly and prevent water intrusion, one of the key reasons homeowners invest in stone-coated metal roofing in the first place.
Recommended Tools for Cutting and Bending Stone-Coated Roofing
The two tools below are purpose-built to save time, deliver flawless finishes, and enhance the performance of all DECRA roofing profiles, or any metal roofing system.
Proudly designed and built in the USA, these tools streamline your installations and consistently produce professional, high-quality results.
Swenson Shear Stone Coat Cutter
There’s a reason contractors call this tool “the Swenson Utility Knife.” It can be used for multiple metal roofing applications, including:
- Stone-coated metal roofing
- 14-gauge stainless flat sheets
- Hemmed (layered) sheet metal up to .075” thickness
Its 34-inch high-carbon steel blade makes precision cutting effortless. Thanks to its dual-edged design, the blade can be rotated to extend its cutting life, ensuring straight, true cuts every time. Built with user safety in mind, the Stone Coat Cutter is suitable for roofing professionals of all experience levels.
Plus, you can take the Stone Coat Cutter to any job site with ease. It weighs just 65 points and has removable legs and thumbscrews for convenient storage and transport.
Swenson Shear Base & Ridge Bender
The Swenson Shear Base & Ridge Bender is a versatile two-in-one tool designed specifically for bending stone-coated steel roofing components. By combining both base and ridge bending functions in one unit, it streamlines your workflow and helps ensure superior water control across every installation.
- Base Bender Function: Use at rakes, sidewalls, hips, and valleys to create precise bends that prevent water from moving sideways onto the roof.
- Ridge Bender Function: Ideal for short courses in the field, headwalls, or ridges. With a maximum ridge bend of 55 inches and an effective width of 56 inches, it’s perfect for bending stone-coated steel panels, even at full diagonals.
Like the Stone Coat Cutter, the Base & Ridge Bender is simple to assemble and bring to any roofing job—no trailer needed. Measuring 36”x24”12”, it weighs under 100 pounds.
Contractor FAQs About Swenson Shear Tools
Q: What kind of maintenance is required with Swenson Shear tools?
A: Both tools are designed to be low maintenance. You can extend the life of Stone Coat Cutter blades by rotating them. Otherwise, cleaning followed by light lubrication after use should suffice. Remember to inspect your tools regularly if they’re getting heavy usage to prevent issues and downtime.
Q: Are Swenson Shear tools solely for use with DECRA products, or can they be used with other stone-coated steel roofing systems?
A: You can use Swenson Sheer tools with other brands of stone-coated steel roofing, as long as the materials you’re working with fall within the specifications for thickness and hardness.
Q: Should we be concerned about any safety concerns with these tools?
A: We recommend wearing protective equipment when operating the tools, such as safety gloves and glasses. For further risk reduction, always use Swenson Shear tools on stable and level ground, and keep them out of reach of unauthorized personnel at all times.
Q: Do we need special training or skills to use Swenson Shear tools?
A: No, no special training is required, and they can be used by contractors of all skill levels. We suggest having a basic understanding of metal roofing installation and knowing your roofing material to get the best results when using Swenson Shear tools.
Add DECRA and Swenson Shear to Your Contractor Toolbox
New to DECRA stone-coated metal roofing? Be sure to join our Contractor Network for regular newsletters, special discounts, and inclusion in our database for customers searching for qualified contractors to do their roof installations.
Pair your DECRA installations with Swenson Shear tools to achieve the kind of precision and craftsmanship that win our annual DECRA Project of the Year Contest. Visit our blog to see this year’s contest announcement, the winner will gain industry-wide recognition and exciting prizes, including a premium tool from Swenson Shear!
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in June, 2023 but has been updated with relevant information.
