Originally Posted by
Arrowana
The two most expensive are the headset press and the crown race puller. While it is possible to improvise a headset press, the crown race puller is quite necessary for removing a crown race that is smaller in diameter than the fork crown. You also need a headset cup remover and a crown race setter.
I've done all that stuff easily and successfully with improvised tools. I don't dispute that real tools would be easier to use and would be an expense that would not be worthwhile for the
very occasional home mechanic's needs (including myself). And if a person isn't into improvising, it certainly is good advice to have a shop do it.