Q&A for How to Spin a Pencil Around Your Thumb

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  • Question
    How long will it take until I get it right?
    Community Answer
    It can take a while to perfect it, but everybody is different. For me it took 4-5 months to get it down.
  • Question
    What's the best pencil for spinning?
    Community Answer
    A soft Number 2 pencil is the best.
  • Question
    Where do I place my fingers to spin a pencil?
    Community Answer
    You are going to lay your thumb under the pencil, your index finger above the pencil (slightly left to where your thumb is), and your middle finger below the pencil while the middle finger's nail is touching the pencil (again, placed slightly to the left of the index finger).
  • Question
    Will it be easier if I master the zen rollover on a butterfly knife first?
    Community Answer
    It may help you get a feel for rotating something around your thumb, but it probably won't make a huge difference.
  • Question
    I always catch it too early. What should I do?
    Layla Smith
    Community Answer
    Try steadying on counting, or breathing anything to keep your heart at a steady enough beat. If you must, try counting/breathing slower than usual.
  • Question
    When I do this, my index finger won't let go and the pencil won't spin. What should I do to get better at it?
    Community Answer
    Just keep practicing and you will get it, eventually.
  • Question
    My thumb always jerks up when I flick the pencil. How do I keep my thumb steady?
    Community Answer
    Try doing it slowly without your pencil first, and concentrate on your thumb. The more you practice, the easier it will get.
  • Question
    How can I make my pencil spin faster?
    Community Answer
    Push it harder with your middle finger, but not too hard or it will go flying.
  • Question
    How do I spin a pencil around my thumb repeatedly without stopping?
    Community Answer
    Just practice, practice and more practice. It took me 2 months to not drop the pencil and another 3 to spin it around my thumb nonstop.
  • Question
    What if I’m incapable of letting go of the pen when spinning it?
    Community Answer
    Try relaxing while doing it. If you too tense then it'll be harder. If you still can't do it, try a different way of doing it, as there are many other ways to try.
  • Question
    How do I switch the pencil to the other finger to spin it?
    Community Answer
    Mirror the videos and images shown here. Meaning, if you were practicing with your right hand, just mirror the same motions with the left and vise versa.
  • Question
    It goes so fast around my finger that I can't catch it. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try using less pressure on your middle finger as you spin the pen. Use small amounts of pressure and gradually work your way up until you find that golden spot.
  • Question
    Could a mechanical pencil work?
    the_End_Walker
    Community Answer
    Yes, it could. You just need to account for anything else on the mechanical pencil, such as clips and such. It should be the same weight, so spinning it is just a matter of getting used to the feel of it.
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