Solutions Center - Auto Return

Description Of What A ‘Brain’ Yo-Yo Does

The auto-return Rookie yo-yos are all centrifugal clutch yo-yos that have interior spools with rubber O rings. The O ring attaches to a groove on the spool and snaps into the half of the yo-yo with the clutch mechanism. Now this is how it works. When a Rookie yo-yo is thrown down hard enough, the clutch mechanism pushes outward and allows the interior spool to spin freely. When this happens the yo-yo spins or “sleeps” at the bottom of the string – that is until the yo-yo slows and the clutch arms grab the O ring and cause the yo-yo to automatically return to the player's hand.

Of course, you can always override the auto-return system with a quick, responsive flick of the wrist – this will make the yo-yo return on command.

Now that you know how the yo-yo works, let's see if we can solve what's causing your grief. Below are some common problems experienced with auto-return yo-yos and some solutions for each.

Quick Fact:The auto-return yo-yos are modular – meaning they unscrew for easy maintenance.

My yo-yo won't sleep!

Back to the throw– just like the yo-yo won't return unless you throw it hard enough, it won't sleep for the same reason. Remember, in order to get the yo-yo to sleep, you must get the centrifugal clutch to open and the only way that happens is to give it a hard enough downward throw.

I lost a part!

Most parts are available in our online store. If not, contact us at info@yomega.com and we'll find it for you.

My yo-yo is making some loud noises!

This is almost always due to a lubricant issue. To correct it, just put a drop of Brain Lube on the axle – and bye, bye noise!

My yo-yo snaps back to my hand really hard and fast!

Your string is pinched or there is a knot at the spool – take the yo-yo apart and restring it.

My yo-yo won't return!

Not good, but here are some reasons this may be – from the most obvious to the more remote.

1. Although the yo-yo is an auto-return yo-yo, you still have to give the yo-yo enough energy in the throw to allow it to return. So, if you're just dropping it down, try giving it a harder throw before trying to get it to return. Remember, it must spin to release the clutch before it can return.
2. One of the main reasons an auto-return yo-yo will not return has to do with the stringing. Remember the instructions? If you do, you'll recall that the Brain yo-yos require the double loop method of stringing. See our string replacement methods.
3. Lubricant– when the yo-yos leave the factory they have a small amount of lubricant on their axles. This lubricant allows for a more responsive yo-yo. After long use, this lubricant needs to be replenished. To solve this problem unscrew the yo-yo and place a small drop of Brain Lube on the axle (you must take the yo-yo apart to do this). If you don't have Brain Lube you may substitute with a small drop of mineral oil. Please Note: DO NOT use any type of spray oils, they are harmful to the yo-yo and its plastic.
4. Frayed or worn string– sometimes auto-return yo-yos will have a hard time returning if the string is worn down and dirty. In this case, try putting a new string on it – but remember the double loop method when you do!
5. O ring missing– silly but true. Some yo-yoers forget to put the rubber O ring back on the plastic spool before they put the yo-yo back together. Without that O ring, the yo-yo cannot auto return.