i was looking at pre boxed tool sets for basic DIY bicycle maintenance on ebay
i see many kits contain everything from bottom bracket specialty wrenches or crank pullers and chain whip tools. but many kits have what appear to be standard allen wrenches and screw drivers,hammers and stuff thrown as as filler.
when choosing a tool set . what tools are must haves vs. tools most people already have ?
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IMO some of those tools are not worth buying. Stuff like bottom bracket wrenches or crank pullers are rarely used, and the cheap ones are more likely to injure you or damage your bike. Plus there are so many different types of cranks and bottom brackets for example, that you are unlikely to find a kit that has all the tools that fit your particular bike.
If you need work done that requires a rare tool, either have a bike shop do it or find a bike co-op. I can go to a local co-op and use their Park tools for $5 a day.
What you should get is
chain whip
cassette lockring tool
good set of hex/allen wrenches
a good cable/housing cutter if you will be re-cabling your own bike (I would just wait and buy when you decide to re-cable)
a chain tool
pedal wrench
Maybe a chain wear gauge
Good tire levers. Pedros, you only need one or two for even the tightest tires
I would get stuff to clean your drivetrain. Lube/cleaner/solvent of your choice, either rags or a chain cleaning tool.
Any other tools I would not categorize under maintenance and I would buy those tools as needed. Like crank pullers or bottom bracket wrenches.