WEEKLY MORSEL: AN ABRASIVE TIP

Some of the most effective tools are also the most affordable.

When it comes to mic maintenance requiring the smoothing of a problematic surface (taking a burr off the head of a machine screw that could open-up your finger, leveling the positive contact point of a thread-on connector, feathering the edge of chipped paint or plastic to prevent further damage), I've found nothing better than the foam-cored emery boards -or 'sanding wands'- used as fingernail files and utilized in beauty shops all over the planet. They come in a variety of grits from 80 thru 600 (the smaller the number, the coarser the grit) and many are practical two-sided double-grit combos. The good news is that they're NOT specialty items and that you'll find them in most drug stores. For serious variety in grits, shapes, and alternate styles you'll want to locate a beauty supply shop. For under $5 you'll walk out with more than a year's supply!