THE CR / CM GAP: MORE MAGNETIC MISCHIEF
Und zoh, we were dealing with physical problems found in CM & CR mic elements. Because they contain magnets, a whole different sort of trouble can dog these pups. I'd stated:
"Another problem that occurs involving foreign materials in the CM/CR is the collection of tiny metallic fragments in the magnetic gap inside the element where the actuator attached to the central pin passes between them. These little chunks can sometimes obstruct the free movement of the actuator bar. I'll be back with a couple methods for dealing with these troublemakers that don't require a SEAL team or NSA clearance..."
Two of the lesser effective methods I've found: "Canned air", or compressed gas, the sort of thing used to blow foreign materials out of computer keyboards; A toothpick or other small non-magnetic invasive instrument. Problem is, the particles are there because they are magnetic. Pushing them around with air pressure or a toothpick does just that. It only pushes them around on the surface of the magnet. The mission is to remove the particulates.
The most effective method I could safely recommend? Tape. Sticky tape. Painter's tape or duct tape wiped over the magnet's surface and thru its gap will overcome the magnetism between your element and the little culprits and give them something more disposable to stick to.
MIC MORSEL: On the subject of removing flotsam and jetsam from your mics -especially SHURE CM / CR elements, but other elements with magnetic armatures or components as well- sometimes the old axiomatic phrase "fight fire with fire" proves to be the wise solution. If your element has shed flecks of its on-board magnet (they do) or you made the choice to clean the grill with steel wool (DON'T!) you'll have tiny bits of metal adhered to a variety of surfaces adjacent to the magnetic sources within. Besides removing them by way of actual contact with sticky tape, another method is to employ a small but relatively powerful magnet -such as the type found on the telescopic extendable wands found in tool boxes and machine shops. Great for fishing ferrous nits and chiggers (dropped nuts and screws) out of tight spaces, I've used one of these to clean many an element. A few swipes -and PRESTO!