Yes, they can be--with a little improvisation! As a parent, you don’t have to simply rely on the product page and manufacturer itself to get all of your needs met!  Often, if one thing goes wrong with a product’s accessories, parents feel compelled to return the entire thing!  Not so, if your child still has an interest, and the integrity of the wheel is still good, simply pop down to the arts and crafts store, or an art supply place, buy some replacement tools.  I’m sure they have some durable wooden versions.  Or, if worse comes to worse, you can always use some of that old plastic silverware in the cabinet you refuse to throw away!