Masking tape. I use masking tape to pull small metal particles off of magnets and magnetized metals. Any other good, sticky tape should work, too. Rip off a piece of tape and start blotting. Just keep blotting it until either the item is clean, or the tape is loaded up with particles, or the adhesive loses effectiveness. Then grab another piece of tape and repeat as necessary. I have pretty good luck with this method.
Degrease (and dry) everything FIRST, however. Tape doesn't stick good to greasy or oily items. 
