PICK

The soldering pick is used to manipulate the solder, or to place it in the desired location. Because it is frequently subjected to the heat of the flame, it should be made of metal, or some other heat-resistant substance. Commercial picks are available, made of exotic metals that are more heat resistant than steel, but this might be considered, by some, to be a luxury. The pick I've used for years is a piece of sharpened coat hanger mounted in a wooden dowell handle I made. As the "business end" of the pick becomes damaged from use, it can easily be restored with a file or grinding wheel. I consider coat hangers to be a renewable resource.