IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Wobbly or loose learning tower? Click here for the solution

Dowels replacement with pre-glued blue dowels

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE FOR ALL PETIT APPRENTI LEARNING TOWERS

If your petit apprenti learning tower becomes loose or wobbly over time, stop using it immediately for safety reasons and perform this simple DIY (Do It Yourself) fix. Once completed, the product can be used again.

Here is the 5-step replacement procedure, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

*** This procedure should be performed by someone with basic handyman skills to ensure proper installation and help prevent further issues. ***

Materials needed:

  • Blue dowels (pre-glued)
  • LePage Pro Carpenter's Glue (or equivalent wood glue)
  • A few sheets of paper towel (to wipe away any excess glue)
  • A pair of pliers, such as this model
  • A star screwdriver (Phillips)
  • A rubber mallet, here is a such as this example

Take your time and carefully follow the steps below. Please also refer to the appropriate assembly manual for your model: the 2-in-1 Learning Tower Assembly Manual or the Simone Learning Tower Assembly Manual (Single or Twin version).

STEPS

1. You will need to disassemble the learning tower using a common star screwdriver (Phillips) and a rubber mallet. During disassembly, make sure the fitting cams (the round metal connectors) remain in their original alignment. The correct position is when the small engraved arrow on each fitting cam points outward, as shown in the image below.


2. On the middle sections of the tower (the stability bars and step), remove the existing wooden dowels. Using a pair of pliers, firmly grip each dowel and gently pull while twisting it left and right to remove it from the hole. Repeat this process for all removable wooden dowels. If some dowels cannot be removed because they are firmly stuck in place, there is no need to remove them, as they are already secure and will not move. Forcing them out may damage the dowels or the wood components.

3. Once all removable dowels have been removed, install the new blue dowels one at a time. Before installation, briefly soak each dowel in a cup of water for approximately two seconds to activate the pre-applied glue (delayed activation). Please note that once wet, a small amount of the blue dye may transfer from the dowels.

If some original dowels could not be removed because they were firmly stuck in place, apply wood glue into the corresponding dowel holes on the side panels of the learning tower. This will help ensure that the dowels are securely bonded at both ends once the learning tower is reassembled.

4. Once all dowels have been glued and reinserted into place, promptly begin reassembling the learning tower. Using a rubber mallet, gently tap the pieces together until they are fully seated, with no visible gaps between the parts. Wipe away any excess glue immediately using a sheet of paper towel. Make sure to securely lock all fitting cams (the round metal hardware connectors) by turning them clockwise until fully tightened, typically about 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn. If needed, refer to the assembly manual for proper alignment and tightening instructions.

5. Once the learning tower has been fully reassembled, allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using the product again.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: info@petitapprenti.ca 

As a last resort, if the recommended solution does not permanently resolve the issue, screws may be installed from the outside of the learning tower toward the inside to further secure the middle components in place. Pre-drilling is required, as installing screws without pre-drilling may damage or crack the wood. This procedure requires a more advanced level of handyman skill and should only be performed if you are confident in your abilities. It must be carried out carefully to avoid damaging the product or causing injury. We cannot be held responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from this modification or installation method.