The small magnets on the end of a small pickup tool aren't strong enough to damage the computerized parts of the machine. Especially if you're using it around the bobbin area. I doubt it would cause damage but I wouldn't go waving it around the area where the board is. Today's computerized machines are shielded due to the magnetic field that is created by the motor when its turned on.

i lost a piece of needle b4 it went under my bobbin case machine was making a louder noise as my machine is quiet..took casing out removed it and it was fine again

i lost a piece of needle b4 it went under my bobbin case machine was making a louder noise as my machine is quiet..took casing out removed it and it was fine again

I used to use compressed air also but have been told by MANY experts that's a NO, NO as it tends to blow the dust etc. further into your machine & can lead to parts getting rusty, because of the moisture from the spray. I DO NOT use compressed air anymore.

Get yourself a strong magnetic thing the mechanics use to pick up dropped screws.

Well. paranoia took over and we made the 2 hour trek to the janome dealer. Turns out I'm just a crazy lunatic and there was nothing wrong. AT ALL. It doesn't even need a service for a year. They couldn't hear anything.

Then again...the vacuum could have sucked something out. :/ Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

better safe than sorry

Ditto - I have also noticed that my bobbin sometimes makes a little more noise when the thread is near the end.

Actually I meant to say when the bobbin is almost empty - just a small amount of thread left on it.