Welcome to the Auto Return Help Section

Description Of What A "Brain" Yo-Yo does:
The auto-retrun 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 the 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 responsive quick flick of the wrist - this will make the yo-yo return on command.

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

Quick fact: The auto-return yo-yo's are modular - meaning they unscrew for easy maintenance.

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.

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 it's 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 yoer's forget to put the rubber O ring back on the plastic spool before they put the yo-yo back together. Without that rubber O ring the auto return system is turned off.

My yo-yo won't sleep!

1. 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.

2. String thing - perhaps the string is knotted or pinched around the axle. You'll know this is the case if the yo-yo snaps back rapidly to your hand. If so, take the yo-yo apart, remove the string, put the yo-yo back together and then restring it using the double loop method.

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 part and restring it.

I lost a part!

Most parts are available in our online store. If not, give us a call at 1-800-338-8796 and we'll find it for you.