Tips on Tuning Your Yo-Yo


The most usual place for there to be a problem with your yo-yo is the string. Replace the string often, especially if you yo-yo inside. There' nothing as scary as seeing a fly-away yo-yo headed for your TV or aquarium. Also, an old string will make it harder to do tricks. If the string shows any sign of wear or starts looking dirty then it needs replacing. To replace it, simply hold the string a few inches above the yo-yo and unwind it until the string will slip over the yo-yo half. Take the new string, unwind the loop end and slip it over the yo-yo half, wind the yo-yo to tighten the string and you're ready to yo. It's a good idea to keep plenty of strings on hand.

In case the string gets knotted you'll have to use a narrow sharp object to cut the string, just be careful not to nick the axle. That's why a take-apart yo-yo is important; they make it easier to remove knots inside the yo-yo.

Correct string tension is important for every trick. Tricks that require a sleepy yo-yo need a loose string and tricks that require looping need a tighter string. To loosen a string, let the yo-yo hang at the end of the string and turn the yo-yo counter-clock-wise several times. To tighten a string simply do the same but turn the yo-yo clock-wise several times.

Some tricks that require a loose string are:

Some tricks that require a tight string are:
Created: Wednesday, October 18, 1995, 9:35:26 PM
Last Updated: Friday, February 14, 1997 - 8:59:03 PM
Copyright © 1995 1996 1997 American YO-YO Association