Depending on how often you use your yo-yo, it may wear out and the lanyard may need to be replaced. If you play it for a long time, like the pros, you may have to change it more than a couple of times a week. Fortunately, a new yo-yo lanyard costs around 20 cents, so you can keep it looking new for a fraction of the time. This article will provide you with information on everything about the yo-yo lanyard - from removing and replacing it, to adjusting its tension and length, even experimenting with different materials. With the right knowledge, the rest is just skill and practice.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove an Old Lanyard
Step 1. Let your yo-yo fall freely
Unroll the string so there is nothing wrapped around the yo-yo, but leave it knotted at the base. Then grab the string with the other hand about 7 centimeters above the yo-yo.
For some yo-yos, you just have to unscrew the two halves and pull off the lanyard easily. However, this could damage the spool. For this reason, we'll walk you through how to remove a lanyard from a yo-yo without separating the two halves
Step 2. Turn the yo-yo counterclockwise
The cord is actually a long wire folded in two halves twisted together with the two open ends tied to one end. Then, as you spin the yo-yo, the two twisted halves that make up the lanyard will loosen, allowing you to slide it out of the reel. As it turns, you will begin to see the base of the lanyard form a sort of loop that grows more and more.
- All you need is a loop at the base that is large enough for your yo-yo to pass through. Once you get it, you can stop spinning your spool.
- Counterclockwise means that the yo-yo must turn to the left.
Step 3. Release the yo-yo from the lanyard
To pass the yo-yo through the pair, insert your fingers between the two strings, put the string aside and pull the base of the yo-yo, (the axis), freeing it from the string.
If the lanyard is still in good condition (that is, if it is still intact), you will simply need to rewind it. You can do this once it is tied back to your yo-yo
Method 2 of 3: Insert a New Lanyard
Step 1. Choose the type of lanyard you want to use
It is possible to buy different types of lanyards in specialized stores. Having some on hand, even just to experiment, is always a good idea. Here are more details:
- Cotton / polyester blend. This type of lanyard is also known as 50/50. It is very strong and suitable for any movement and exercise. If you are unsure which type of cord to buy, this may be the best option.
- 100% polyester. This type of lanyard is even more resistant than the previous one. It is thin and very smooth; for this reason, it is the favorite of many professionals in the sector.
- 100% cotton. This type of lanyard was very popular about ten years ago, but has been replaced by those of mixed materials or pure polyester.
-
Occasionally, variants are seen on the market, such as nylon cords. These are rarer and less used.
Don't use a polyester lanyard if your yo-yo has a Starburst response system. Friction can actually melt the polyester, breaking the lanyard and could damage your yo-yo
Step 2. Separate the two parts of the cord from the untangled part to create a loop
If you have purchased a new cord, you will notice that it is made up of one end wrapped and knotted for your fingers and another free end. Also it could be twisted - a yo-yo string is actually, as mentioned earlier, a long string split into two twisted halves. Place your thumb and forefinger around the untangled end and untangle it to form a loop.
Step 3. Slide the yo-yo into this loop of the lanyard
Put your fingers in the loop to keep it open. The yo-yo will rest halfway on either side of the lanyard, with the lanyard on its axis. Then twist the cord by intertwining the strands, allowing it to twist around the yo-yo axis.
If you don't have a yo-yo with an automatic return system, that's it. Just turn the yo-yo clockwise (to the right) to twist the lanyard and help it find its balance. That's it - your yo-yo is fixed
Step 4. If you have a yo-yo with an automatic return system, wrap the lanyard at least twice
For this type of yo-yo, you have to wrap the wires twice, (or even three), around the axis. Once the yo-yo is placed in the loop, before twisting the lanyard again, twist it only once and then pull the yo-yo back into the loop. You may have to do it a third time as well.
If you don't wind the lanyard at least twice, the auto-return function will not activate
Step 5. Wrap the lanyard
A ball-bearing yo-yo will keep spinning and won't stop if you simply try to wrap the lanyard. To get around this, use the thumb of your hand to hold the lanyard firmly against one side of the yo-yo as you begin wrapping it. After wrapping it a few times, you can let go of your thumb and finish twisting the cord.
Step 6. Replace your yo-yo lanyard frequently
If you are a yo-yo enthusiast but are just starting out, it is advisable to replace the lanyard every three months, or at least if you find that it is frayed or if your yo-yo is increasingly difficult to control. A bad lanyard can greatly affect a yo-yo's performance, so make sure you always keep a lanyard or two close at hand.
Professionals, on the other hand, replace the lines at least once a day. The more frequently and vigorously you use the yo-yo, the more frequently the lanyard will need to be replaced
Method 3 of 3: Adjust and Tighten the Lanyard
Step 1. Cut the cord to the correct length
People taller than 170cm may be able to use the lanyard as it appears in the package. However, for people of smaller stature, it is necessary to shorten the lanyard to maneuver the yo-yo more easily and with greater agility. Here's how to do it:
- Unroll the yo-yo string, causing it to fall to the ground in front of you.
- Place your index finger on your navel and wrap the top of the string around your finger at that point.
- Tie a knot in the cord, forming a new loop.
-
Carefully cut off the excess string and throw it away.
There is no "right" length for the cord, but the length at the navel height could be a valid indication. Some players prefer a slightly shorter line, others longer. Experiment to find the length that's right for you
Step 2. Make a slip knot to insert your finger
A yo-yo lanyard has a knot at the top which, contrary to popular belief, is not for finger insertion. This knot is not suitable for the size of a finger - you will therefore need to tie a slip knot to maneuver the yo-yo and improve your performance. It's a very quick and easy process - here's how:
- Fold the loop over the string.
- Pull it into the noose.
- Put it on your middle finger and adjust the size.
Step 3. Adjust the tension of the lanyard
To make it work best, a new lanyard must be tight. To start, slip your middle finger into the loop you made earlier, as if you want to play, but drop the yo-yo and unroll the lanyard. Watch the yo-yo move - if the lanyard is too tight, the yo-yo will turn to the left, or counterclockwise. If it is too wide, the yo-yo will turn to the right, or clockwise.
To remedy this, simply remove the lanyard from your finger, keeping your yo-yo in your hand, and let it fall freely. The twist in the lanyard will undo itself, disappearing quickly
Advice
- Purchase plenty of yo-yo lanyards if you want to participate in competitions or if you intend to practice for long periods of time. Depending on the tricks performed, the lanyard may wear out quickly and will need to be replaced more frequently. For non-professional use, you can instead go on for several months without replacing the lanyard.
- The type of lanyard you use is your choice, but if you are going to do a lot of tricks, you may need to use a polyester lanyard for better performance, as it will not break or come off as easily as the yo-yo lanyards do. cotton.
