Getting tangles in your yo-yo is not uncommon - but bearing knots are the worst.

In the past I've used a toothpick to pull these out, but when your yo-yo string gets “crossed” under itself, a hook shape can help to pull it up and un-wedge the trapped piece of string. And while a toothpick still works in theory, I figured why not try to create something that works better?

While I was designing this I was expecting the end result to be very weak, but I've been using it for a few days in different sizes (100%, 125%, and 150%, the size difference of which you can see in the attached image next to some of my throws) and I'm very surprised at how flexible the pick actually is. It's far bendier than a toothpick and seems to work great. My preferred size is right in the middle @ 125% scale. I haven't broken one yet, and I only ever printed the three in the image.

I am using eSun PLA+.

Print a few and toss em in your yo-yo carrier of choice.

Printer Settings

I am using a Sovol SV-06 and was able to print all three sizes in about 15 minutes, with the speed turned way down. This was my smallest print to date and I wanted it to be slow and methodical. Here are some key settings that will help this print cleaner.

• Layer Height: 0.1
• Initial Layer Height: 0.2
• Line Width: 0.3
• Infill: 100%
• Base Speed: 35mm/s
• Wall Speed: 18mm/s
• Scale: 125%

Note that you can also do a filament change at the layer where the grips start, if you want to blend colors and make a really spiffy pick.

Have fun picking your strings!