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How to Replace the String on a Wooden Axle

The wooden yoyo existed in Ancient Greece and has been around for over 2000 years. In the last century, some yoyo manufacturers have updated the simple toy and added moveable metal axles and flashing lights. In spite of the new, fancier versions, the original wooden yoyo with a fixed wooden axle is still manufactured and less prone to breakage and needing repair than those with metal axles and lights. The only typical maintenance required for a wooden yoyo is periodically replacing a worn string.

Things You'll Need

Yoyo string
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the old string by unwinding the full length of the string, pinching the string tightly a couple inches above the yoyo and spinning the string until a gap opens in the loop.
- 2
  Slide your fingers in the gap in the old string. Extend your fingers to widen the gap and slide the string off over one side of the yoyo. Untwist the new string by carefully untwisting it until the loop at the bottom opens up. Slide your thumb and first finger into the loop and extend them to enlarge the size of the loop.
- 3
  Untwist the new string by carefully untwisting it until the loop at the bottom opens up. Slide your thumb and first finger into the loop and extend them to enlarge the size of the loop.
- 4
  Slide the open loop over one of the discs so the loop is encircling the axle. While keeping just a little tension on the string, allow it to rewind and tighten itself around the axle.
- 5
  Measure the string by resting the yoyo on the floor and cutting the string approximately 3 inches above your navel.
- 6
  Fold the string over and make an overhand knot to make the loop. Cut off any excess string. Pull the string through the loop you just created to form a slipknot.
- 7
  Place the slipknot on the finger you normally use to yoyo and pull tight. This is commonly the middle finger, between the first and second knuckles on your dominant hand.

Wooden Toys