Yes, as Pennsy484 says above, the 'light touch' when using the thumbwheel will improve it's life considerably. I learned this the hard way, but I press down much easier on the thumbwheel now after breaking the first one and having to install a new one.
I said this earlier, but I think it's worth repeating... Even being more careful now, I really do like the 'drilled hole and inserted button' method Pennsy shows above, great idea there!