So, I am playing through Overture, and in one of the earlier levels, I find a broom. It can be used as a melee weapon, but I just stuck with the pick axe throughout the game...in the very beginning of the game, I pick up the key lock on the locker, in the hopes of using it to trap creatures, or even to conduct electricity (as if it could ever do that...).
Now, what were their purposes? Really? I hope you get to use them later on in Episodes 2/3...
Oh, and
Spoiler below!
I even tried to sweep up Red's supposed ashes, but, alas, to no avail...it is one large solid object, with the properties of a rock.