Caning Wedges, Hardwood, 3.9 in, Packs of 10, 20 or 40

A pressed cane seat goes in with dozens of small taps, and these wedges take them. Each one is smooth hardwood, 3.94 x 1.18 x 1.18 in, with a thin edge at one end. Set that edge on the cane right over the groove, tap the top with a mallet, and the cane folds down into the groove. Leave the wedge where it is and it holds the cane while you move on.

How they are used:

• Lay the soaked cane over the seat, shiny side up, with the weave square to the front edge.
• Drive the first wedge at the middle of the front groove, then the middle of the back, drawing the cane snug between them. Then do the middle of each side.
• Work outward from those four points toward the corners, keeping the rows of the weave straight, until the cane is down in the groove all the way round.
• Most seats need 4 to 8 wedges in at once. Pull each one out as you come to it and leapfrog it ahead.

The smooth faces slide over wet cane without snagging it. Tap firmly but not so hard that the thin edge cuts the strands at the lip of the groove.

They also press spline home. Hitting wet spline straight on with a mallet can dent the rounded top; a wedge laid on the spline takes the blow and spreads it, so the spline goes down evenly and keeps its shape.

One chair at a time: the 10 pack covers the 4 to 8 wedges a seat needs at once, with spares for when an edge gets chewed up by the mallet.

A set of chairs, or two people working side by side: the 20 pack, so each of you has a full set going.

A shop, a class or a caning workshop: the 40 pack, enough for several seats on the bench at the same time. The wedges are reusable, so a pack lasts many seats.