For some yo-yos, you will be able to just to unscrew the halves and take the string immediately off the yo-yo. However, that can damage the yo-yo. Therefore, we’ll be talking about removing a string from a yo-yo without separating it.
You only need a loop at the base large enough for the yo-yo to slip through. Once you see that, you can stop the spinning. Counterclockwise means the yo-yo will be spinning to the left.
If the string is still good (that is, if it was undamaged before), it just needs to be retwisted. You can do that once you put it back on your yo-yo.
Cotton/polyester blend. This is otherwise known as 50/50. It’s a very strong string and effective for just about any style of yo-yoing. If you’re not sure which to buy, this should be your default. 100% polyester. This type of string is even stronger than the cotton/polyester blend. It is thin and very smooth; because of this, many professionals prefer it. 100% cotton. This style was popular a decade or so ago, but is being replaced by blends and pure polyester. Occasionally you see variants, like nylon string. These are uncommon and less popular. Do not use polyester string if your yo-yo uses a starburst response system. The friction can actually melt the polyester, breaking your string and potentially damaging your yo-yo.
If you don’t have an auto-return yo-yo, you’re essentially done. Just spin the yo-yo clockwise (to the right) to retwist the string and help it find its balance. That’s it – your yo-yo is restrung.
If you don’t wrap the string at least twice, the auto-return function will not work – the yo-yo will not come back to you on its own.
The professionals, on the other hand, replace their strings at least once a day. The more you use your yo-yo, and the more vigorously you use your yo-yo, the more often you’ll need the string replaced.
Unwind the yo-yo, dropping it to the floor, holding it in front of you. Put your forefinger on your belly button and wrap the top of the string around your forefinger at that point. Tie a knot in the string, making a new loop. Carefully cut off the excess string and throw it away. There is no “correct” string length, but belly button length is a good guideline. Some players prefer a slightly shorter string, while others prefer a string that’s a little longer. Experiment to find the length that suits you.
Fold the loop over the string Pull it through the loop Place it on your middle finger and adjust it to size
To remedy this, just take the string off your finger, hold the actual yo-yo in your hand, and let the string dangle down freely. The twist in the string will undo itself, quickly disappearing.
