Why does my edger keep catching on the driveway?

Clear the overhanging grass first with a string trimmer, so you can see where the driveway actually ends. Then set the edger wheel against the hard surface and make a slow, light pass beside the edge. A couple of shallow passes are easier to control than trying to cut the whole overgrown strip at once.

If the blade keeps bouncing, stop and check for packed dirt, roots, or stones. Don’t force it forward. If the driveway surface is crumbling, avoid cutting into it, since the edger can make that damage worse.

Take it slow and let the tool do the work. You may touch the pavement now and then, but don’t lean the blade into it or keep pushing when it catches. Wear eye protection, long pants, and closed shoes, and keep kids and pets well away.

If there’s loose gravel beside the edge, be extra cautious. Trimmers and edgers can throw stones, so clear what you can by hand or with a rake before cutting.

You don’t have to get a perfect line in one go. Trim the loose grass, make a first pass, then tidy any remaining bits once the edge is visible. Keeping up with it regularly should make each cleanup less of a wrestling match.

If you want a very crisp line that stays put, a physical border can help. Without one, the edge will need occasional touch-ups.