I know Park Tools has a well known name and well deserved reputation for bicycle tools. Are there other companies with equally good tools or does Park pretty much have that business to themselves? I believe a number of tools are similar to Craftsmen and others but the bike tool is thinner or otherwise modified to better suit bicycle mechanics. So, bottom line, if one wants to pursue bicycle mechanics at the hobbyist level with one's personal bikes do you track down the Park tools you need, go with another brand of bicycle tools and if so which one, or just get Craftsmen tools or similar?
Not sure what your asking. If your looking at getting a complete set of tools from Park I would never buy a tool set. I buy all my tools whether for bikes or cars or home etc, as I need them that way I don't have redundancy or tools I may never use.
I always try to buy Park when I need a tool of a bike. Craftsman tools these days are junk as are most retail outlets nowadays due to all the tools coming out of China with inferior steel. If you have to buy retail you might as well go to Harbor Freight and buy the same crappy Chinese made tools for less money and still have a lifetime warranty! I like Proto tools, but their hard to find retailers for, but their way cheaper then Snapon and other pro tools, and Proto is still made in the USA. Kobalt claims they pay for lost tools but you have to send it in for replacement, the shipping cost they quote to send you another plus your cost sending it to them usually exceeds the cost of a new tool!! If Craftsman is the only retail place near you then get them.