Wicker Weaving and Prying Tool, Stainless Steel, for Wicker Repair

Replacing a broken strand in woven wicker comes down to one fiddly step: getting the new strip under strands that sit packed tight against each other. Fingers are too thick, and a screwdriver tears or crushes what it touches. This tool is made for that gap.

It is flat stainless steel, about 7 in long, with a slim curved tip and a silicone-covered handle. Slide the tip under a tight strand, lift it just enough to open a gap, and feed the new strip through underneath. The curve lets you lift from the face of the weave without levering against the frame, and the flat blade spreads the pressure so the strand is lifted rather than pinched.

Use it on:

• Synthetic (PE) resin wicker on patio chairs, sofas and tables
• Natural wicker and rattan furniture
• Cane and basket repairs, including tucking loose ends back under the weave

Working tips:

• Natural wicker and cane turn brittle when dry. Dampen the area first so the old strands bend instead of cracking. PE wicker is worked dry.
• Lift, do not pry hard. If a strand will not give, ease the strands next to it first.
• Keep your other hand out of the tip's path. A tight strand can let go suddenly and send the tip sideways.
• Lift gently and avoid dragging the tip across the surface; steel can scuff resin and cane if forced.

Dry the tool after work on damp cane, and it is ready for the next repair.

This tool earns its place in repairs, where the old weave is tight and you are threading new material into it: a broken strand on a patio chair, a gap in a basket rim, a loose end on a cane seat. If you are weaving a new piece on an open frame, you will reach for it far less often.

For outdoor furniture, pair it with PE wicker strip in a color and width that match your weave. For natural wicker, have a spray bottle of water at hand to dampen each section before you lift it.