Originally Posted by
JonathanGennick
At first I began by buying just the tools I needed for a given job. The first couple times I just walked into the LBS and told them what job I wanted to do, and had them pick out the tools for me, which I then bought on the spot. Then I got more comfortable in sorting that out for myself. Now I scan new bikes for any tools I might need, and buy whatever the bike might require that I don't already have.
The "problem" the OP has is that he isn't sure what tools specific to his and his wife's bikes he needs but won't buy directly from an LBS to obtain their advice. So, he will have to develop the tool requirements by reading.