DIY Sugar Glider Wheel Tutorial

This is the updated video. It's basically the same video as the old one but with updated recommendations.
Here's a direct link to the written tutorial: tsugielove.wor...
The written version has a lot more details, options, advice and comments that could be very helpful/useful when making the wheel.
Please check it out to make sure you follow all my recommendations and make it as safe as possible.
If you think this tutorial is not good, then feel free to contact me to improve it. ([e-mail])
There are people out there who want to make their own wheels and if you think the wheel made from this tutorial, even though it follows the Fast Track design, is unsafe and you're all about safety, then act on it.
Make a tutorial yourself or email me your recommendations and/or concerns.
I am very open to a discussion. I do not believe I know it all (as evidenced by all the updates I have made and the comments I have added as the time has passed).
Here are links to buy safe wheels:
Stealth Wheels
atticworx.com/1...
Raptor Wheels
www.mygliderwhe...
Fast Track Wheels
www.spinzoneglo...
Custom Choice Cruisers
www.cccruiser.com

[@collinmichaelson]

I made a wheel similar to this, in the process I noticed one small flaw. The way you get those bearings in. The pvc inner dimension is a bit too tight. So the bearing isn’t actually spinning smoothly, hence using the plumbers tape to make it less squeaky. The squeak comes from the bolt spinning in the bearing. You can easily fix that by A) using your rotary tool with a cylinder sander to take some material out of the T before inserting the bearings, or B) use a heat gun to get the pvc to about 200 degrees F after snugging the bearings in. I did B and my wheel is silent and fast without plumber tape. Plus you can add a nut on the wheel side of the bearings and snug up the T side nut a bit more for less wobble. Our boys love it. Oh we also added in a second layer of plastic with intermittent removable fine sand paper for claw trimming🐿

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

The wheel makers who I got that idea from sand down material inside so the bearings aren't tight. They still use the plumber's tape.

[@kevindavis8855]

I make these wheels and sell them. Some people are crazy about them, others are nothing but haters. My gliders love them, thank you for sharing.

[@brendonkozolup7494]

how much I need one... also why the offset in the wheel so it wobbles?

[@oceancrystal8781]

How much do you charge to make one I might buy one from you

[@didntknoicouldchangethis]

I don't have a sugar glider, but I think that they're adorable😃, maybe one day... I do have Syrian Hamsters, And a gerbil, this tutorial is amazing... very advanced, but surprisingly easy to understand! I would definitely think about using an off center wheel for my gerbil, because she has a hop, but the hams, don't...I would just center the wheel for the hams...thanks for sharing your design!🐹

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

You're welcome!
I'm glad you found it useful. :)

[@Chris.Rhodes]

So the 4 holes you spoke about? That you would drill through the front to back? Is that just for security of holding it together?

[@BryanLopez-lg8lt]

Why does it orbital spin? Is necessary??

[@becky8508]

what size is the tubing?? 10' of what size??

[@user-qd8lo3jo1h]

It's so good.wow

[@deniseficzeri9943]

have you been able to come up with a way to add the grit paper/cloth to help with their nails by chance ?

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

I just saw this comment. I don't use it so I haven't bothered trying. But I'm sure the same things used with the other wheels will work. It's just nylon nuts and bolts that hold the sandpaper.

[@Reza-nz2re]

Good one. I can't find any wheel that big for my sugar glider. So i need to make one my self i guess

[@vanessadazo2800]

Can this work for smaller travel size wheels. Kinda like the baby raptor that is no longer in production right now

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

I don't see why it wouldn't. But that size isn't meant for permanent use. It's temporary. Gliders need bigger wheels.

[@sugarglidershauna12sugargl15]

Awesome

[@ginascreations612]

This is amaze

[@lacpugh]

Where do you purchase your gutter guard or what brand is it? I ordered some but it is very flimsy and will not work. The hardware cloth I found is too big.

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

Lisa Wynne I apologize for answering so late.
I bought the gutter guard at Lowe's.
I'm not sure if they changed the quality but when I bought mine it was pretty thick.
But the plastic hardware cloth should be ok as long as it's 1/2".
The new Freedom wheel by Atticworx has 1/2" holes and it's considered safe. :)

[@FarmhouseFelts]

Great tutorial!! I just wanted to add:
- If you want to find a bucket lid without the tear tab (in your written tutorial you mentioned some people were saying it was a hazard although, I do agree it’s usually small enough where it shouldn’t catch a foot or toe in it)
US Plastic Corp sells bucket lids without the tear tab: www.usplastic.com/
You have to get the STANDARD bucket lid. They specify which ones have the tear tab and which ones don’t.
I believe these are the same bucket lids used in the Raptor wheels. But you’ll be limited with colors, they only have red, black, white, yellow, or green. I’m still trying to find a pink bucket lid without the tear tabs on it 🤓
The backing piece: you mentioned having trouble finding a strong enough backing piece that won’t wear or crack over time.
I bought a piece of 12x12 HDPE plastic sheeting (3/4 inch thick) and used a hole hog to cut it into circle. I believe this is the same backing used on the Raptor wheels as well.
I tried to find pre cut HDPE plastic discs.. but couldn’t find the right thickness. This is the same plastic they use for plastic cutting boards. It’s light but very strong.
You could cut it yourself, or have it cut by which ever vendor you buy it from.
I made our wheels going by the same design of the Raptor wheels, but I needed a custom sized small one for our travel cage so we decided to make it ourselves.
We used a thicker backing piece because I wanted to hide the center (axle) screw. So we attached the plastic backing with finishing posts and used a threaded nut screw on the back to screw in the hex bolt that’s housed in the pvc piece with the bearings.
But great tutorial! Really helpful!

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

I know about those lids. If I remember correctly, they cost more and people typically want to make wheels to keep costs down. lol
So my tutorial is with that in mind.
But I haven't had an issue with the lids with tabs and I've been using them for over 5 years. It really is just people exaggerating the danger.
I don't remember saying that about the backing (didn't re-watch the video lol) but I actually haven't had issues with the ones I'm using. I haven't had to make any changes in years. None have cracke or anything.

[@FarmhouseFelts]

Tsugie Suggies I might be mistaken (or maybe I saw it else where) about the cracking of the backing.
I agree though with tear tabs... they’re harmless and you can always remove them if wanted.
I might do that with the pink lid for my pink wheel. But this tutorial was great though!
I needed a smaller sized wheel and this really helped with the assembly.
Especially with bearings.. using the ratchets was brilliant! Thanks again

[@scottbogle8181]

do you use pvc glue?

[@tsugiesuggies1221]

I have personally not used PVC glue on any of my wheels or treadmills.
But some vendors use it. You just have to make sure that the gliders do not have access to any of it.

[@ussarng4649]

To bad he didn't make scripted and explain what his doing, like a sound over.