driveway repairs gone wrong? This Pry Bar holds the unexpected truth

Sun, 03 May 2026 05:07:10 +0000

driveway Repairs Gone Wrong? The Pry Bar Predicament You Didn’t See Coming When it comes to driveway repairs, most homeowners trust professionals to get the job done right—until something unexpected happens. One of the most common culprits behind expensive fixes and months of frustration? The misuse of a pry bar. Yes, that humble tool you’ve seen in home improvement commercials and maybe even used occasionally, can actually cause more damage than good if applied incorrectly. The Misconception: A Simple Tool, Big Consequences
At first glance, a pry bar seems harmless. Designed to lift or remove materials, it’s meant for light tasks like shifting broken pavers or loosening stubborn concrete. But when improperly used—hammering, levering, or prying without care—it can crack concrete, crack pavers, or even damage underground utilities. These mistakes often go unnoticed at first, only to resurface months later with costly repairs. What Often Goes Wrong
- Overuse and Force: Many DIYers or untrained helpers rely too heavily on a pry bar, applying brute force instead of precision. This risks cracking the surface or importing structural damage.
- Incorrect Angles: Using the bar at the wrong angle can tear at the driveway’s base, undermining stability and accelerating deterioration.
- Neglecting Hidden Lines: Without proper planning, forcing a pry bar under tiles or near pipes can crack underground lines—from gas to drainage—leading to costly, invisible leaks.
- Ignoring Safety: Prying near edges or weak spots can cause slab shifts or collapse, endangering workers and homeowners alike.