Slate Ripper - Forged Professional This is a slate ripper that has been designed for professional use, but can also be used by DIYers and other people who are working with slate roofs. This slate ripper has been designed to be used when working on slate roofs, and particularly to remove damaged slates or unwanted slates from the roof. The slate ripper has a long, thin flat blade that is pushed under the slate, and the blade has a hook on each side which are used cut through roofing nails. When the slate ripper has been slid under the slate, the handle can be hit, which will force the slate up and out of the roofline.