Slate Ripper

• A slate ripper has a grooved, rubber-coated handle and a long shaft. This shaft terminates in a head with two points; you slide this head under the slate that you need to remove. This tool is only for removing individual slates, allowing you to easily replace a cracked or broken piece of slate. Your slate section is attached to your roof usually via two nails; this tool physically pulls the nails out of the roof. Usually, a slate ripper costs between $80 and $100 as of February 2011.
  
  

Slate Cutter

• A slate cutter has two handles and works in a scissors-like fashion. This tool helps you cut the slate so that it fits between the other two slate tiles. To use this tool, mark the slate tile where you need to cut it. Slide the mark under the blade of the slate cutter, and press the two sections together. If the slate does not cut all the way through, reposition it under the blade again, and repeat the process. This tool usually costs between $90 and $100 as of February 2011.
  
  

Slate Hammer

• A slate hammer works nearly the same way as a standard hammer, except that it is solely for working with slate. It has a pointed end, which helps you make holes for nails in the slate. It also has a claw on the back, which helps you remove nails from both your roof and slate. This hammer also usually has a beveled section, which helps you trim off jagged pieces of slate. Use this tool in conjunction with the slaters stake as a slate cutter tool. This tool usually costs about $100 as of February 2011.
  
  

Slaters Stake

• A slaters stake looks like the head of a hammerhead shark. The head forms a T with the shaft, but the head is slightly bent. It provides a flat, straight edge for cutting and trimming your slate. Usually, this tool costs about $60 as of February 2011.