Most of the time, if I need it more than once, I buy it.

But the answer to the question is, lift.

Hit my head one too many times crawling out from under a Trans Am one day putting gears in. Picked up the phone, called my parts store guy and had one on it's way in about 5 minutes. Never once regretted spending that money.


#2 would be A/C for the shop when we were building. So nice. Never regretted that purchase either.

#3 would be lights and electric for the shop. I spent an obscene amount of money on lighting and outlets after spending my life working in dark caves with no where to plug stuff in. No regrets.


Your shop really is your most important tool, unless you like working outside in the driveway.