Maker Studio HATCHEdu Thinkfun Customizable Yoyo Build

In this instructable I will show you how to make a yo-yo out of a MakerStudio Winches set, a pen case, and duct tape. Check out the video for step by step instructions.

The body set up is a rubber connector, followed by a wheel, followed by a rubber connector and another wheel, finished off with another rubber connector. This is done twice, once for each side. The body pieces are finished by wrapping duct tape or some other weight adding material around the perimeter of each body piece, 15 or more times to desired weight. The more weight the smoother and more stable the yo-yo's spin will be.

Find a pen case that fits over the smallest shaft from the MakerStudio Winches set. Hacksaw about a 1/4" off the end of the pen case and ensure it rotates smoothly over the shaft. This piece will serve as your bearing.

Place the previously built components on the shaft with the two body pieces on either side of the bearing. Clamp the body pieces down completely if you want a dollar-store yo-yo effect, or loosen them slightly (just enough to allow free rotation of the bearing) if you want a sleeping yo-yo to do tricks on.

Take your yo-yo string (or any generic string with loops on both ends) and pass it through itself to create a loop to cinch down on the bearing. Attach this string to the yo-yo body and pull it tight and wind it up. You now have a fully functioning yo-yo!