PLUM CLIMBING FRAME: SHEARED SCREWS AND CORRODED FIXINGS

Ergates

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82015533#Comment_82015533

I concur with this - chances of getting a resolution from a company based in Hong Kong are very low.

Cost of sourcing replacement fittings would not be huge - and the effort in replacing them will be the same regardless of who supplies them. The sooner they are fitted the better, as once rust starts it generally accelerates.

Put some treatment on the wood too.

1winglow

Thanks for the comments. I'll add the following, additional information:

1. Climbing frame was purchased directly from Plum, the UK company/branch. I expect UK law would apply.
2. After construction I coated the wood with Roxil Wood Protection Cream which supposedly provides a waterproof coating for 10 years.
3. I do not want replacement fixings from Plum since, based on my experience, they appear to be of poor quality and not fit for purpose.
4. I have already replaced the screws with more durable, coated fixings-see the first picture with the green screw head.
5. I think it will be much harder to remove the bolts and T-nuts as they are corroded and buried in the wood.
6. I want compensation for the time, inconvenience and expense of replacing the fixtures.
7. The climbing wall on the frame consists of wooden panels with attached climbing "stones". Each panel is secured by 4 screws. If the screws fail, the panel[s] detach from the frame. That has implications for the integrity and safety of the product.

Grumpy_chap

It's a 4yo climbing frame.

The wood needs treating annually.

At most you might secure replacement fastenings from the supplier.

There won't be anything to compensate your for your time

sonearandyetsofa

"It is advised that on a regular basis (i.e. at the beginning of the
season and monthly thereafter) all main parts/fixings are checked
as secure, well oiled (if metallic), have no sharp points/edges and
are intact. Replace, oil and/or tighten when necessary. Failure to
do so may result in an injury or hazard. Replace defective parts
immediately, for further information contact customer services."

That's a direct quote from the care instructions on one of their wooden climbing frames, alongside this:

"The timber should be
treated with a proprietary product to act as a protective barrier,
i.e. a water repellent, on an annual basis."

I think you'll struggle to argue that they're liable for any of this. Replacing the fittings if they get damaged is suggested as part of the care instructions, so no compensation would be payable for your time spent doing that. You haven't mentioned oiling the fittings, so fair to assume that's why they've failed - clearly water got in. And they say you should treat it annually, so it doesn't sound like they could be held liable for you using a product that states it can last ten years and that product not doing the job.

Chances are they will be kind enough to provide the fittings, but I really can't imagine that they'll agree to pay you for your time, or for you to obtain different fittings elsewhere. Either way, if you want to prevent it from becoming a pile of wet wood in your garden, you should replace the fittings, clean the wood, treat it with a suitable product, and oil/grease the fittings thoroughly to keep the weather out.

Aylesbury_Duck

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82016693#Comment_82016693

6. How much are you after?

Boohoo

I would just let it go and move on and put wood preserver on the frame annually.

Good luck.