Hey everyone! This post is intended to break down the non-combat uses of various "tool" weapons which can be found in VoltAge:Genesis.

While tools can make effective weapons in a pinch, many of them can also be used to interact with the environment in a number of ways. For that reason, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for any tools you may not have encountered before, and to always keep at least one of each on hand. Generally speaking, if you discover something that can be manipulated with a tool, Nolan will make a comment as to what he needs. If you already have the appropriate tool in your possession, you will be asked whether you want to use it or not (why would you say "no?").

1. Flashlight - The Flashlight can be used to provide light in dark areas such as caves, and is automatically activated when appropriate.
2. Shovel - The Shovel can be used to dig through loose dirt, rubble, and trash for valuable items and cannot be bought or sold.
3. Screwdriver - The Screwdriver can be used to remove vent covers and other objects, and once Nyla joins the party she will be able to use the Screwdriver to access new areas, repair broken machinery, and loot additional items from some objects in the world.
4. Hooked Axe -  The Hooked Axe can be used to chop down certain small bushes, and while on the island of Mateyo it can be used to harvest additional parts from dead Corpse Flowers found in the jungle.
5. Machete - The Machete can be used to chop down vines which may block certain doorways. Additionally, the Machete has a “passive” use: when traveling through the jungle on the island of Mateyo, players who stray from the path will frequently step on poison thorns, mushrooms, etc.…having a Machete in your inventory (even if not equipped) will negate this danger. 
6. Pickaxe - The Pickaxe can be used to break through certain cracked walls to access hidden spaces.
7. Pipe Wrench - The Pipe Wrench can be used to remove heavy-duty bolts to allow access to the inner workings of some machinery…most often, this will mean taking apart the generators sometimes seen in out-of-the-way locations in order to access the Volt canister inside. Make a note of any old generators you see in abandoned places, and once you get the Pipe Wrench you can backtrack for big money!
8. Sledgehammer - The Sledgehammer can be used to break certain large or unusual rocks, clearing a path or revealing hidden items.
9. Crowbar - The Crowbar can be used to pry open doors to access new areas to explore, as well as car trunks and other containers.

Each tool has a quite a few locations where it can be used, and in some cases they are even required to complete certain quests. For that reason, it's a good idea to hold onto one of every tool you find...some of them can be very hard to find or may even be one-of-a-kind items. Hopefully you find this information to be helpful, and be sure to check out the accompanying post on tools and their usefulness as weapons in the "Hunters' Hall" thread. Until next time, stay safe out there!