Hey AskUK, sorry if this isn’t the right sub. I just haven’t got a clue where else to ask.
I work with a lady, who sold me a children’s train table set in the summer (https://www.littlehelper.co.uk/products/wooden-train-set-2-in-1-wooden-train-table-120-piece-train-set). It was boxed and unopened, the thing is she bought it back in 2017 for he daughter, never opened it or set it up. She stored it in her attic for several years, until she offered it to and sold it to me.
I then decided to keep the gift for my children for Xmas! Things were looking well as the tiny train set they already had they had been loving on the buildup to Xmas. I knew this new table would be their favourite present!
Xmas morning comes and we’re all unboxing it, happier than ever only to find inside the box is no screws to build the table. I was devastated!
I have contacted little helper to see if they could send me the spare parts but they are requesting an order number from me. I returned to work today and the issue is the lady I bought it from can’t remember where she got it and has no email confirmation etc.
I would really like to try and get this built for my children as they would love it! My only current option I can think of is to order a new one, take the screws out and return it? Does anyone have any better ideas or suggestions?
Any and all responses would be appreciated. Thank you!
10 comments
It might help to know more about where the screws are used. Do they screw into wood, or plastic, or metal, or wood/plastic with metal inserts? Or do go through a hole and are secured with a nut/etc on the other side? It might help to post a photo of the item.
(I’m wondering it it might be possible to come up with an alternative solution.)
I might also try explaining to the retailer that you don’t have an order number but are throwing yourself upon their mercy (and it’s Christmas, don’t you know?)
Edit: Just checked out the product photo. When the screws go into the end of the boards are their pre-drilled holes? Is there a space for a barrel nut, like this? https://www.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/uploadedimages/fine_woodworking_network/image_resources/web_only/align-bed-bolts-01_xl.jpg
Is there an instruction manual with a parts list? Even if it just has pictures rather than text descriptions it might help
Thanks for your responses! I have made a post on my profile of the instructions. Apologies for not doing it on the post
You could bodge it by putting a piece of wood (1.5″x1.5″?) vertically inside each corner and screwing through into it from the end and the side.
These look like the instructions?
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0539/4402/5275/files/651472_Real_Wooden_Train_and_Table_Set.pdf?v=1630961263
But sadly don’t say the length, but if you measure the holes, you can likely work out an appropriate barrell nut and bolt that you can buy at your favourite local iron monger (well you can order online)
Look like these type of [screw](https://www.furnitureparts.com/collections/ikea-screws/products/ikea-wood-screws-100212). if not it will be one of [these](https://www.furnitureparts.com/collections/ikea-screws).
Screws are generally defined in thickness and length of the shaft so you can easily measure those and buy some replacements
Have a look over your garden fence, for someone with a shed. Any good shed owner will have a box full of odd screws, and be able to give you a couple of the right screws.
What a shitty thing to do
Any handyman will have a jar of assorted screws. You must know somebody who does DIY.