PLUM CLIMBING FRAME: SHEARED SCREWS AND CORRODED FIXINGS

1winglow

I purchased a Plum UK Cube Climbing Frame in October 2022. The parts and fixings were stored, unopened, in a dry garage until construction of the frame in June 2023.

I periodically check the frame and noticed that the screws on a wood panel wall with climbing stones were corroded. Further investigation showed that a significant number of screws had sheared. Additionally, the bolts and T-nuts are badly corroded meaning it’s not possible to tighten them.

I have contacted Plum who replied that their fixings are warranted for a period of one year,

only.
I think that is completely unacceptable. I do not think it is unreasonable to expect a climbing frame to have a life of 7-10 years.

I have replied to Plum and advised I shall pursue a claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The item was bought with a credit card.

Does anyone have any advice or similar experience with a climbing frame?

GrumpyDil

What exactly do.you want to get from this? I assume new fittings, in which case have you priced them up yourself as I wouldn't expect them to be that expensive?

Aylesbury_Duck

What outcome are you after? That will dictate your next steps.

Baldytyke88

When you tighten a screw, the rotational force (torque) turns into clamping tension, which stretches the screw slightly. If you continue to apply force past the material's strength limit, the screw will permanently deform, "neck" (thin out), and eventually snap.

PTP123

I'll say it, you have no chance of getting anything unless they're feeling generous.

But I'm sure you'll eventually come back on here to tell us we were all wrong and you got a full refund and a gold clock.

subjecttocontract

It does look like a reasonably easy fix. Id expect the cost to be relatively small & the work involved to replace all the screws and bolts with decent quality replacements would be far, far easier than pursuing a company in Hong Kong. Sometimes life isn't what you expect it should be.

GDB2222

I'm with the OP in so far as his expectation of lifespan is about right. The fixings ought to be good for that lifespan, ie 10 years.

born_again

Was this bought direct from Manufacture?

A 4 year old item stored outside. Looks like wood has not been treated since purchase.

Metal will rust if not treated over time. Screws will suffer from constant stress while being climbed on.

Trip to local ironmongers to get some new fittings is in order. Bolts, nuts & washers. 👍

Given they have confirmed a 1 year warranty on fittings, then nothing under CC as there is no breach of contract.

Grumpy_chap

I note the address is in Hong Kong.

Where did you purchase from? Is the purchase under UK law or Hong Kong law?

Are the fastening provided galvanised? How much would new fastenings cost? Probably not a great deal from any DIY store. It might be simplest to just buy new stainless steel fastenings and get the job done.

S75 against the CC would only give you the same rights as you have against the retailer. Those rights may be different to your expectation if Hong Kong law applies.

Aylesbury_Duck

When my kids were younger and we had things like this, I use to add my own fixings because I was never confident in the quality and quantity of fixings, and I'd dip each screw and bolt in vaseline before inserting them, to give them a little bit of weather protection and me a sporting chance of getting them out if I ever needed to. I'd also treat all the wood before assembly.

There are a lot of questions asked here, the answers to which will inform your next steps and chances of any kind of resolution. Personally, for the sake what will probably amount to £20 and some time, I'd DIY fix it and be confident it's safe. That's probably better than spending what might be the whole summer arguing with the retailer for no outcome, meanwhile your kids can't use it. I know there are principles and all that, but sometimes you need to take the pragmatic way forward.

Boohoo

So 3 years next month it would of been outside?

According to the very long t&c on their site it does mention about a yearly application of wood preserver or similar.

I would just do as some have suggested and get yourself some more appropriate fixings and replace all the old ones.

Good job you checked them before your kids were playing on the climbing frame and it became unstable.