Slaters Hammer - Steel Shaft This slaters hammer has been manufactured with a steel shaft, to provide durability, strength and power. Additionally, the slaters hammer has a durable rubber cover over the handle, which provides comfort, absorbs some shock and provides grip. The slater's hammer has a claw on the side, which helps to remove nails from slate roofs, a long thin point, which is used to punch holes in slate, and a hammer head at the other end of the top to drive nails into the roof.