Organising Your Climbing Frame Parts

We recently carried out a survey amongst thousands of our past customers and something that cropped up several times was the fact their climbing frame parts aren’t labelled. Although it can seem like a nightmare at the time, there is good reason why we don’t label the parts. In the past other climbing frame manufacturers have labelled parts using stickers. On the dry, hot journey from China the stickers would fall off and there would be part labels all over the shop. Other manufacturers have tried branding individual pieces but unless the wood was perfectly flat, which it often isn’t, then just 7 of the 9 numbers would show up and this would cause even more confusion.

So here is a few top tips for sorting out playset parts Pre-Build. We hope that these tips will make the build a lot quicker and a lot easier:

• First of all separate all the parts with pre-drilled holes. Looking at where the holes are drilled helps identify the parts.
• The length of the parts will always be accurate and will always match what the manual says. However something to note is that whilst the length is always accurate, the width written in the manual is the pre-plained dimensions (pre-plained dimensions are always quoted in the USA lumber market). For example where the manual states a piece is 2in thick it’s actual width will be more like 2.75in.
• Once all the parts with pre-drilled holes have been identified move onto parts with no holes. Have a tape measure to hand and get measuring the parts.
• Use chalk/post-it notes/pencil to mark the parts as you go along.
• Lay all parts out on the grass and group all identical parts together.
• The assembly manual will tell you what wood will be needed for the next section so gather these together as you go.
• The majority of the build can be done by one person but there are certain parts that it is essential there is a second pair of hands.

Some wise words from experience:

• Take your time – Spread the build over a weekend.
• Read the manual carefully all the way through before you start.
• As difficult as it may be try to keep the kids away during the build.