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How to Fix a Yo-Yo

Yo-yos can provide hours of fun, but as with many other toys, you must commit to regular maintenance to ensure your yo-yo stays in proper working condition. Two common problem areas include the string and the axle. Fixed-axle yo-yos are made from one solid piece and rarely suffer from axle problems. Transaxle yo-yos, on the other hand, use a slightly more complex spinning mechanism that requires regular care. Both types of yo-yos suffer from string knotting.

Things You'll Need

Paper clip
Teflon oil
Paper towel

Instructions

Fixing Knotted Yo-Yo Strings
- 1
  Release the yo-yo to expose the entire string. Inspect the string for knots.
- 2
  Untie easy-to-reach knots manually with your fingers. Grab the string from the knot and begin untangling.
- 3
  Unfold a paper clip and and insert the straightened edge into any extremely tight knots you cannot untangle with your fingers or any knots you cannot reach (near the axle and blocked by the sides). Move the paper clip up and down until the knot loosens. Use your fingers or the paper clip to untangle.
Fixing a Transaxle Yo-Yo
- 4
  Unscrew your yo-yo by twisting each side in opposite directions. Twist until the two sides separate.
- 5
  Remove the free-spinning piece located in the middle of the yo-yo axle. This piece holds and spins the string. Apply Teflon oil on this piece and on the rest of the axle.
- 6
  Apply Teflon oil on the ball bearings located at the ends of the axle.
- 7
  Place the free-spinning axle piece back in position and screw the yo-yo back together. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil.

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