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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388733
04/07/15 10:14 AM
04/07/15 10:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318 LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE
Owner
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Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
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I was looking online to order a stealth wheel but I think 50 dollars is a little high for a wheel that could get chewed threw etc. It says their chew proof but their are reviews saying other wise I have not found a how to video but found a list of supplies and was thinking I could make my own? Have any of you guys done this? There are some gliders it seems who can manage to chew through just about anything. They just can and will. The majority may chew a little here and there, but most don't.
I have been here it seems like forever, and honestly can barely remember when there weren't Stealth wheels.
I've used just about every wheel that has come along and by far, the Stealth is one of my favorites.
There have been attempts to clone the Stealth with some coming very close, but IMO, Anita has by far perfected her product.
For what it's worth, you may spend more trying to make one than you would if you just went ahead and ordered it.
There are other wheel options out there, and some very good ones, however, if you want a Stealth, then there is really nothing better than the real thing, IMO.
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388735
04/07/15 10:33 AM
04/07/15 10:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138 Lutz Florida
CandyOtte
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138
Lutz Florida
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Sometimes is seems easier to make something yourself to save a few dollars but the safety of the wheel you make will depend entirely on the quality of your assembly of the parts - as well as the parts you choose to use. If you choose to make your own wheel - you may find it hard to get the same quality bearing (the Stealth wheel bearing is enclosed as are the bearings on most other glider wheels). The plastic track you purchase will most likely be just as much of a 'chewable' as the track used on the currently available wheels. The method you choose to attach the wheel to the bucket lids will determine how well your construction holds together. You might end up spending more than you expect to make one wheel because you may need to purchase enough of the plastic gutter guard to make 20 wheels (it may be sold only by the roll not the just the yard you will need for one wheel. You may be able to make something similar to the widely used glider wheels and save a few dollars - but you will not get the same TIME TESTED SAFETY and long lasting quality product with that you will get by purchasing a wheel. I have 6 Stealth wheels that have all been in use for over 6 years. They are still silent. My gliders have left a few chew marks on the bucket lid parts edges but they have not chewed through the sturdy plastic screen used for the tracks. Other glider safe wheels are probably just as long lasting - Stealth and Wodent were the two choices I had when I purchased my first gliders so I do not have personal experience with the other 'brands'.
Candy Otte & the Glider Kids Sassy, Corky, Mehitabel & Missy Wacco, Yacco, & Dot Mindy, Kanobles, Elmo, & Chipper http://www.gliderkids-diet.comCandyOtte@aol.com
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388739
04/07/15 01:34 PM
04/07/15 01:34 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 99 us
sassafras
OP
Joey Member
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OP
Joey Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 99
us
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I have found instructions for making one for 13.00 unfortunately I can't spend 50 something dollars on a wheel this month if I only needed one I might but I need two from what I can see the design is similar everything is covered so the gliders can't get their nails/hands/tails or anything caught I believe the only difference would be the hardware and if I really wanted it to be exactly like a stealth wheel I could just look into the exact hardware used it's a bit pricey for a couple pieces of plastic held together with things you could pay way less for I found some other ideas but I didn't like how certain things in the back were not covered I definitely want my gliders to be safe that's why if I do go about this idea I will make sure anything they can get something stuck in will be covered this is what I am looking at right now https://tsugielove.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/diy-sugar-glider-wheel-web-version/ I have access to all the tools and you can simply put something in the pvc pip to insure it doesn't tip or fall over
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388761
04/08/15 12:26 PM
04/08/15 12:26 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305 SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
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Here is the best link I know of for a DIY glider safe wheel. https://tsugielove.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/diy-sugar-glider-wheel-web-version/I have made my own wheel from watching a UTube video, but it was too noisey, so I checked this website out for their input. Cost wise it comes out almost the same if not more if you have to buy the tools. They are the first to admit the cost, but due to requests, they made a tutorial.
Dawn Be patient, and Trust your journey.... Grace Ruby Mom Dad Fiona, Dot and Stewie wish I could turn back time... Miss you
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388770
04/08/15 03:05 PM
04/08/15 03:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318 LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE
Owner
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Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
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If you want a wheel you can buy in a store, I have used the Large Comfort Wheel in the past with no problems other than it can be noisy after vigorously used over time, but that can be remedied with a little vasoline or olive oil.
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388884
04/12/15 12:11 PM
04/12/15 12:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318 LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE
Owner
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Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
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They have no problem gripping at all.
As for cleaning, you will have to clean more often than you do with a mesh wheel because things don't fall out like they do with mesh, and let's face it, some gliders are just messier than others
I soaked mine in the bathtub while they slept during the day, but you could put them in the dishwasher - top rack only. I personally don't prefer that option.
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388893
04/13/15 02:11 AM
04/13/15 02:11 AM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 99 us
sassafras
OP
Joey Member
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OP
Joey Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 99
us
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mmmm I just might get one! atleast till I can afford two stealth wheels lol it seems like a good option do you just use water to clean it? I usually only use water to clean my cages I heard you could use vinegar and water to I'd rather not use dish soap can you cut the axel off and sand it down so it's not a danger to them?
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388897
04/13/15 09:42 AM
04/13/15 09:42 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138 Lutz Florida
CandyOtte
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138
Lutz Florida
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You cannot cut the axle off of the comfort wheel. It is molded as part of the plastic wheel itself and snaps on a center axle that it spins on. The axle part of the wheel acts as a shield for the actual fixed axle it spins on. As for cleaning the cage and other plastic items in the cage - a little vinegar will help cut the dirt and dried urine so it can be removed more easily if you are cleaning the cage indoors. I prefer taking my cages outside for a real scrubbing and I use Dawn dish soap to get them really clean. Rinsing the cage with the hose removes all of the grunge and any remaining soap. RINSING the cage thoroughly is the only way I feel they have actually got them clean. I clean the wheels and plastic toys in place along with the cage. I can do all 3 cages in about 3 hours - 5 minutes to wash each and about an hour in the sunshine to completely dry. Sunshine is also a natural 'sanitizer'. If you are using water only to wipe down your cage and not actually rinsing it - In effect what you are doing is diluting the waste, and glider pee on the cage and just smearing a thin layer of it all over the cage rather than actually removing the waste. It would be like rinsing you hands with water only to remove greasy dirt from your hands. They look OK but would feel like they still have a greasy coating.
Candy Otte & the Glider Kids Sassy, Corky, Mehitabel & Missy Wacco, Yacco, & Dot Mindy, Kanobles, Elmo, & Chipper http://www.gliderkids-diet.comCandyOtte@aol.com
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: CandyOtte]
#1388909
04/13/15 11:10 AM
04/13/15 11:10 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318 LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE
Owner
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Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
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Great post, Candy.
I also used dish soap, usually Dawn, to wash/soak things in the bathtub. Then rinse thoroughly. Sun drying is the best way to go whenever possible.
As for modifying the comfort wheel, I would strongly urge against doing that. IMO, the manufacturer has made the wheel as safe as possible so any injury due to owner modifications would be on them.
The comfort can be mounted to the side of the cage rather than free standing which is how I used mine, mounting it as close to the bottom of the cage as possible.
Don't panic if your gliders make up some very interesting games to play in the wheel. They are very ingenious little ones and do love fast wheels.
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Re: thoughts on making a "stealth wheel"
[Re: sassafras]
#1388943
04/13/15 04:12 PM
04/13/15 04:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 42 Alberta, Canada
Raelea
Out of Pouch
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Out of Pouch
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 42
Alberta, Canada
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I have the comfort wheel. It is loud, Not unbearably so but it makes watching TV or listening to the radio hard. The noise doesn't bother me as I don't watch TV much anyway. It washes really easily as well. The problem I have is that my gliders don't really like it. There's no rim on the opening and there's nothing for them to grip in the wheel so when they pick up any speed they get flung out of the wheel. Then tend to do kind of a lope that's pretty slow and they never stay in long, the wheel doesn't get much use and the older they get the less they seem to use it. It is cheap but unless you have no other option I wouldn't recommend it at all. As for cleaning, I live in northern Alberta, Canada, so taking my cage outside for cleaning isn't really possible for at least 7 months of the year. I take the tray out and spray it with a cleaner I get at the petstore that helps release any dried up feces then I wash it with hot soapy water, rinse it really well and let it dry before replacing it. I then get a bowl of dish soap and hot water and use a microfiber cloth to wash all the cage bars. Some times it takes a little elbow grease but I've found microfiber works better than other cloths and even better than any 'scrotchbright' style scrubbers. the I rinse with a wet cloth. Not including drying of the tray it doesn't even take 45 min to do a reasonably thorough job on the whole cage. I take the wheel out and any hard plastic toys on the ground and wash them in the sink at the same time as I'm doing the tray.
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