Precision Wheel Spacing

Here's a little wheel spacer you can make if you want all your car's wheels to be spaced exactly the same. Use it when putting the wheels on your car. It may also help shield your wheel bores from excess hot glue.

How to make a wheel spacer

First, decide what spacing you want. Too close and your wheels can't help but rub the body or axle head. Too far and your wheels can travel back and forth, making your car slide across the track. That increases the chance that the wheels will strike the lane median and slow it down. If you have trouble deciding, try about 1/32 of an inch.

Now, what material will you make it from? Many times, it is easy to find a plastic lid that will work. For thinner spacers, cut up an aluminum soft drink can (with scissors). The aluminum can be double or triple folded to make one.

Make it about half an inch wide and an inch long. Make it a little longer to punch a hole in it to fasten to a key chain. That way it's harder to lose.

Make a notch in one of the narrow ends that is about a quarter inch deep and a tenth of an inch wide.

How to use a wheel spacer

As you put a wheel on your car, put the notch of the spacer around the axle toward the body of the car. Make sure the spacer is pushed between the inner wheel bore hub and the car body. The spacer should lay flat against the car body. With practice, you will be able to hold the spacer in place with one finger.

Push the axle head into the wheel as far as it will go. This is trickier than it seems, especially if the axle fits tightly in the axle slot. If the wheel can not spin freely, you are getting it right.

Glue the axle in place.

When the glue has set - a few seconds for hot glue - pull the spacer out.

Enjoy your equally spaced wheels.