hey, i was in the same boat maybe four or six months ago as a pretty ********* DIYer who made the decision to go through my toolboxes, clear out the cheap junk out and double down on really nice, high quality euro and US made stuff. here's what i've got:
1/2" drive ratchet, accessories, metric and SAE sockets: proto, bonney
3/8" drive ratchet, accessories, metric and SAE sockets: S-K, old jcpenney, bonney
1/4" drive ratchet, accessories, metric and SAE sockets: S-K, bonney
metric wrenches (mostly comb. but some DBEs too): wright, bonney, facom, old cman
SAE wrenches (mostly comb. but some flares and DBEs too): wright, williams, bonney, old cman
screwdrivers: klein, proto, witte, S-K, old cman
nutdrivers (i don't have a lot of these): klein, vaco
allen keys: eklind
wire cutting/stripping/crimping tools: klein, knipex, ideal, crescent/xcelite
pliers: klein, knipex, channellock
electrical diagnostic and test equipment: fluke, klein, DPL, ideal, tektronix (but i am running an electronics lab, LOL)
hammers: vaughan, estwing, old easco
power tools: milwaukee, dewalt, skil, porter-cable and of course the obligatory dremel tool (sorry you won't find any of this stuff made in the US any more but i've had good luck with these makes). look out for the OLD B&D stuff (in the metal cases), old skil, they made some good stuff back in the day.
this should give you an idea... lots of good manufacturers to start with... don't be afraid to check out used stuff in nice condition on ebay, you can save a lot of money there... look at the alloy artifacts site or posts on here to learn about all the good old names you can find on the used market on ebay, craigslist, thrift stores, pawn shops, flea markets and so on.
check out harry epstein, that is a great place to find good US-made tools, they have a lot of nice closeout deals, too.
zoro tools, i like those guys, they sell on ebay or through their own site, you can find a lot of stuff there with good prices... they sell S-K, proto, xcelite, among other stuff. very fast shipping with those guys, which i like. edit: if you're ever buying from zoro, do a quick google search for "zoro tools coupon code" before you close the deal and you should be able to save 10% or maybe $15-20 on most every order you put in.
you can get a lot of klein stuff right off the shelf at home depot; the prices are reasonable.
if you have older guys in the family who are handy, maybe start sniffing around for some hand me downs, i've gotten some really nice tools from other guys in my family who were cleaning out their toolboxes and getting rid of odd lots and onesies.
have fun, shopping for, receiving and actually getting to use real good tools on a job is a pleasure.
i agree with others, you don't necessarily need to go whole hog all at once, just take your time with it, maybe 1/4" drive one paycheck, 3/8" the next, some screwdrivers here, a power tool there, or as a job demands... no need to drop a grand all in one go unless you are about to start a career as a tradesman and need to tool up ASAP.
) in fixing your stuff and not having to shell out bucks to others to do what you can do. 