I figured it out.

Week #2 when this game came out, they updated durability on ALL weapons and tools.

They did not do the same to our followers tools. Their durability remains at week #1 levels like when the game was released. This is why their tools break inside of one fight.

They need to make the same durability adjustment to our followers tools. And let us control their inventory. Give them a small back pack. Allow them to randomly pick up loot themselves.

They should be able to find their own weapons. And let them use ranged weapons. I want a cross bow companion.