I am still working (for myself) but mean to retire sometime. I suppose as long as clients beg me not to stop and I can still earn lots of points over at Experts-Exchange, I shall keep on going. You can tell, then, that I did not graduate from University yesterday.
So in that light - "Forever is a long time"
1. I purchased a Knirps Umbrella whilst in University because it was guaranteed forever. It is collapsible and continues to work just fine. I worry more about losing it, than it breaking.
2. My pen is a Parker fountain pen that I also purchased in University. I continue to use it daily. I took out the "load from bottle" cartridge and now use purchased ink cartridges. But it still goes.
3. I am happy to purchase Klein pliers and have a good strong pair of Klein diagonal cutters. But my best diagonal cutters are by Utica (long gone) and came to me via my long deceased machinist uncle. They cut piano wire with aplomb and zero damage. They are still good to cleanly cut fine copper wire. In this case, forever is older than me. No - NO ONE is allowed to borrow them. They might lose them.
4. My Proto ratchet (purchased when I was a teenager) can still break bolts. It is as good as the day I bought it.
5. I acquired a Fluke 8022A DVM for nothing (legally) over 30 years ago. It is certainly not as flexible as newer ones, so I don't use it much. But the LCD turned yellow and useless about 10 years ago. Fluke Canada was able to sell a replacement display, so the 8022 continues to work fine. But it did not last forever.
6. A Weller soldering gun is hardly an electronics tool, but it is good for number 24 wire and above on my model railroad. I purchased it when I was a teenager, tips are still readily available and it continues to work.
7. SWMBO has Pyrex and other dishes that we got as wedding presents and we still have them.
With regard to electronics equipment, I have some good old gear around, but I prefer new, more modern gear. That is just keeping up with the times.
At my stage in life, forever is indeed a long time. ... C