Two top tools for working with stone-coated metal roofing

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA. 

Learn why the Swenson Shears, Cutters and Benders should be in the toolbox of every metal roof installer. 

As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofing, the team at DECRA Metal Roofing knows the importance of having the right tools on the job. Being well equipped with the appropriate tools is key to saving waste and producing higher quality work. That’s why they recommend using Swenson Shear, a partner of DECRA that has been with them since the beginning in the 1950s. Keep reading to learn why these innovative and high-quality tools make a winning combination with DECRA stone-coated metal roofing. 1950s. 

The limitations of hand-held saws and metal-cutting blades  

Metal roofing jobs often require precision cuts at various angles. And while hand-held saws and metal-cutting blades will always have their place on the job site, they often fall short when it comes to precision cuts. 

Any roofer who has used a hand-held circular saw to take ½” off of stone-coated metal knows how tricky and hazardous it can be. Even high-quality metal-cutting blades can suffer from wear and tear or need to be replaced after just one heavy-duty job – a cost that quickly adds up given their $40-$50 price range. Factor in the time and labor for re-sharpening blades and it's clear that there's room for improvement. 

This is where Swenson Shear's Stone Coat Cutter changes the game.  

Swenson Shear Stone Coat Cutter: A clean cut every time 

Often referred to as “the Swenson utility knife” due to its many applications, the Swenson Shear Stone Coat Cutter is designed for a variety of metal roofing applications, including: 

• Stone-coated metal roofing 
• 14-gauge stainless flat sheets 
• Hemmed (layered) sheet metal up to .075 thickness 

Precision cuts are a breeze thanks to the Stone Coat Cutter’s 34” high-carbon steel blade. The dual-edged blade cuts straight and true regardless of user experience and can be easily rotated to prolong its cutting life. 

Weighing just 65 pounds and featuring removable legs and thumbscrews, the Stone Coat Cutter can be easily transported to any job site. Check out this demonstration! 

Swenson Shear Base and Ridge Bender: 2-in-1 tool for bending stone-coated steel 

The Swenson Shear Base and Ridge Bender is a 2-in-1 tool designed specifically for bending stone-coated steel. The base bender bends stone-coated steel panels at the rakes, side walls, hips and valley to control water from moving sideways into the roof. The ridge bender is used anywhere on steel panels where there’s a short course in the field, head wall and ridge. 

The Base and Ridge Bender offers a maximum ridge bend of 55" and an effective width of 56", making it ideal for bending stone-coated steel panels even on the full diagonal. 

And forget about hitching up a trailer to get this tool to the job site. The Base and Ridge Bender is easy to assemble, weighs less than 100 pounds and has convenient dimensions of 36”x24”x12”. 

The Base and Ridge Bender also works in unison with the Stone Coat Cutter to provide a comprehensive, effective solution for the installation of stone-coated metal roofing. Watch a demonstration of this tool! 

FAQs about Swenson Shear stone coat tools  

Q: What is the maintenance schedule for Swenson Shear tools?  
A: Both the Stone Coat Cutter and the Base and Ridge Bender are designed to be efficient and low maintenance. The high-carbon steel blades used in the Stone Coat Cutter are dual-edged and can be rotated to prolong cutting life. Generally, light lubrication and cleaning after use should suffice for most maintenance needs. In case of heavy usage, regular inspections for signs of wear or potential mechanical issues can prevent unexpected downtime on the job site. 

Q: Can Swenson Shear tools be used with other brands of stone-coated steel roofing materials or are they exclusive to DECRA Metal Roofing?  
A: Swenson Shear tools can be used with other brands of stone-coated steel roofing materials. The key is to always ensure the thickness and hardness of the materials fall within the specifications stated for the tools. 

Q: Are there any safety considerations while operating these tools?  
A: As with any tools, proper safety measures should be observed while using Swenson Shear tools. Always wear appropriate protective equipment, such as safety gloves and glasses. Both tools should be used on stable and level ground to avoid any tipping hazards. It's also important to keep the tools out of the reach of unauthorized personnel, especially when not in use. 

Q: Do Swenson Shear tools require any special training or skills to operate? 
A: One of the biggest advantages of Swenson Shear tools is that they are designed for simplicity and ease of use, so no special training is required. However, having a basic understanding of metal roofing installation and the roofing material you're working with can be beneficial in achieving the best results. 

Original article source: DECRA