Spring Clamps for Caning and Weaving, 3.5 in Plastic or 6 in Metal

Weaving often needs a third hand. A spring clamp holds the end of a cord on the rail while you start the first round, keeps the rim pieces of a basket in place while you lash them, or holds a sheet of cane webbing square on a frame while you reach for the staple gun. The padded tips grip without crushing the material or marking the wood.

Two kinds:

• 3.5 in plastic clamps, in packs of 12 or 24. Light and quick to open with one hand, for holding cane, reed, cord and webbing as you work.
• 6 in metal clamps, in a pack of 6, for a stronger grip: trim strips while the glue sets, thicker frames, and stiff material that springs back.

Where they help:

• Seat weaving: clamp the start of the Danish cord, fiber rush or seagrass to the rail until the first rounds hold it.
• Basket weaving: hold the stakes upright and keep the rim pieces in place while you lash them.
• Cabinet doors and headboards: hold the cane or the trim strip in position while the glue sets.
• Wicker and rattan repair: hold a glued strand or a wrap of binder cane flat until it dries.

Spring clamps press lightly. They hold small glue-ups such as a trim strip or a lifted strand, but a loose chair joint needs a bar or strap clamp to pull it tight.

Wipe them dry after working with soaked cane or reed, the metal ones especially, so the springs do not rust.

You will find them on the tool list for weaving your first basket.

For weaving, more clamps usually beat stronger clamps. A basket rim, or a seat with several cords on the go, can use many at once. The 12 pack suits one project at a time; take the 24 pack if you weave baskets often or work on more than one piece at once.

Choose the 6 in metal clamps when the clamp has to do some pulling: holding trim strips while the glue sets, reaching over a thicker rail or frame, or holding stiff round reed against its spring. Many people keep a few of each.