We get lots of questions about the English Cane Teapot Handles we sell, so we've collected them up and put the answers here.

Who makes the English Cane Teapot Handles you sell?

How would you rate the quality?

Does the "look" vary from handle to handle? 

How do I know what size to buy?

Once I get my handle, how do I install it?

How should I shape my teapot lugs?

Who makes the English Cane Teapot Handles you sell?

The cane teapot handles we sell are made by Canetree.  They are manufactured in, and imported from, England.  This is the same company commonly known as Canecraft, Cane Craft or Canecraft-Treenery.  They changed their name a few years back.

How would you rate the quality?

Really excellent quality.  They are the nicest cane handles we are aware of.  Nicely shaped and finished.  Not cheap in any way.  Very sturdy.  We've looked at other brands and have always come back to these.

Does the "look" vary from handle to handle? 

Yes.  They are made from a naturally growing source and will have variations from handle to handle.  Each will have unique patterns and coloration.  To us, that variation is part of the beauty and appeal, and can really add to your work.  The photos on the main handle page are good examples.

How do I know what size to buy?

The handles are sized by the manufacturer and have a tolerance of about 1/4" larger or smaller from the published size (typically smaller).  The manufacturer measures across the handle to the outermost parts of the woven retaining ring on each side.  Therefore a 5" handle will be about 4 3/4" across at that point (see image below). 

To get the size you need, do the following:

1. Measure the distance between the outside of the lugs on your pot 
2. Look on the charts on the handle page for the closest matches 
3. If you have an exact match, pick that size or go one larger.  (If you pick the matching size, know that the handle will probably be a little small and you'll have to adjust it during installation.)
4. If you are close or between sizes, buy the larger one.

For example:

Once I get my handle, how do I install it?

Items needed:

Procedure:

1. Hold your handle up to your pot and notice how much larger or smaller the the handle is than the distance between the lugs.  This will give you a sense of how much the handle will need to adjust to the size of you pot.  (If it is more than 1/2" larger or smaller, you may want to consider getting a more closely sized handle.)
2. Pull the woven retaining ring up on one side, past the narrowing end of the handle loop.
3. Dip that end of the handle into boiling water for about 5 seconds.  This will temporally make the handle more pliable in that area.
4. Put the loop around the lug on the pot
5. Slide the woven retaining ring down into place.
   (One side complete!)
6. Pull the woven retaining ring up on the remaining side, past the narrowing end of the handle loop.
7. Dip that end of the handle into boiling water for about 5 seconds.
8. Put the loop around the lug on the pot.  
   (Note: It will be harder to do this time because you cannot maneuver the handle as freely as you could on the other side.  Don't panic, and if you find the handle is loosing it's pliability, dip it into the boiling water again.)
9. Once looped, slide the woven retaining ring down into place.
   (Complete!)

How should I shape my teapot lugs?

Here are some things to consider: