Recently, we faced a challenge when our young client experienced an unfortunate mishap; one of the two vertical supports broke, likely due to wear over time. The original threaded inserts in the frame had been damaged too. After thorough examination, it became clear that the hand bolts securing the backrest had loosened, leading to movement that ultimately caused failure at a critical point.

In response to this issue, our tech expert Mike undertook repairs using thicker plywood for added strength—18mm instead of 15mm—and redesigned the profile for improved stability. He replaced all six threaded inserts with deeper 20mm options and reinforced them securely with epoxy where needed. To ensure longevity, he sourced longer hand bolts that would fit snugly into these new inserts.

Instead of purchasing large quantities of plywood that would go to waste Mike reached out to the local Henley Woodworkers group. Their generous offer not only provided a perfect offcut but also included their expertise in crafting the repairs.

Now stronger than ever before while retaining its playful charm, it’s essential to regularly check the backrest hand bolts for tightness as part of ongoing maintenance. With this proactive approach and community support behind us, young Tess can confidently enjoy her Kidoo Chair for both therapeutic use and endless fun!