All,
I've got an old toolkit that I've been using for years (a gift from my dad 20+ years ago), but it's starting to reach end of life. Recently all the screwdriver bits spontaneously rusted(?!) just from sitting in a moderately humid room (my home office, which happens to have the worst HVAC service in the whole house). And some of the tools are starting to rust or otherwise show their age.
I'd like to replace it with a quality toolkit that would be BifL, or at least worth trying to maintain/restore in a similar scenario[1]. Just wondering if there are recommended brands or specific sets? I know tool branding runs in downward cycles[2], so I don't want to just guess based on name recognition.
The vast majority of my use is the screwdriver with various heads. The current kit also has a socket wrench & sockets, some plyers, adjustable wrenches, and a hammer. I don't have to have all of that in one kit, but it sure is convenient. But individual kits and a small toolbox would also work.
[1]My dad got fooled by the "Sears" vs. "Craftsman" distinction, back when the former was known for the latter tools. I'm confident that he'd meant to get me Craftsman tools, which had a BifL reputation and possibly even a lifetime warranty? But these tools are "Sears" brand and made in China (before everything was); while they've been serviceable for many years, they were never top tier in terms of quality (the case, in particular, has always been awkward due to cheapness; also the propensity to rust was there from the beginning).
[2]The basic cycle, as I understand it: 1) New profesional-grade brand is established, and gains a positive reputation. 2) laymen and DIYers start to hear about it and prefer said brand. 3) company converts the brand to mass-market. 4) brand quality is progressively cut in the name of cost savings, while still leaning on its earlier reputation to make sales. 5) meanwhile, a new pro brand is created... "lather, rinse, repeat"
