Hardware Store

[QRTRHRS]

I would define a hardware store as a place to buy a bolt that does not have a bar code sticker stuck to it or two or so parts in a plastic bag.

I recently discovered an industrial supply house while hunting for some heavy duty heim joints. While they did not have what I wanted, the cool part was the salesperson taking me out into the warehouse to where they might possibly have something I could make do with.

 

[lhfarm]

Seeing a question like that is about like someone asking if anyone has a gas station or a grocery store near them:laughing:... I didnt know that hardware stores were only in certain parts of the country....

In the nearest town, there isn't a single hardware store. Two box stores, but they AREN'T hardware stores. It has been a couple of years since the last store closed. It was run by a guy who remembered what string trim I had purchased 10 years ago and based his recommendation for a new one on how many times I had been in for service. He had just a few retired types who worked there as much for fun as for the wages. It was pure pleasure shopping there. Then the owner decided he needed to retire and sold out.

The young kid who purchased it was out of business in a year. The help all disappeared and were replaced by people who didn't have a clue about anything. But that had a computer inventory system.

If you are lucky enough to have a good hardware store, support it. And if you would like to be in the hardware business, I know a town that really needs one...

 

[RobertN]

Placerville Hardware(link in previous post) has wooden floors, and along wall, floor to ceiling cubbies and cabinets. They have a rolling ladder to get to stuff.

You can go in, get a gold pan, a pick, candles of all sorts, food processors, pocket knives, files, drills, nails(individually or by pound from bin), wire..... the place is great!

 

[tsteahr]

My favorite small town hardware store from the town I grew up in, Mansfield Supply is a classic, independent family run business since the 1950's. A place where you walk in and they know you by name. The best part is they are thriving.

 

[Maxx Tinkerer]

Our local 107 year old hardware (and industrial supply) store closed some 12 years ago. I shopped there for 35 years. I knew they usually had what I wanted and if they didn't, they could tell me when they could get it and it would be there.

All we have now is the 2 big box stores and a national hardware chain store. Half the time shopping at these stores is like going on a wild goose chase. I have to go to 2 or 3 of them to get what I need and sometimes come home empty handed. Of course, you all know the quality of their hardware and my 91 year old mother knows more about hardware than most of their sales people. So I have to put my projects on hold until I can get a day off during the week to drive 90 miles to a store that carries what I need.

Like some of you already said, if you have one of these great, old hardware stores . . . patronize them. I GENUINELY miss ours!

 

[smstonypoint]

I would define a hardware store as a place to buy a bolt that does not have a bar code sticker stuck to it or two or so parts in a plastic bag.

And they put your bolt purchase in a paper sack or poke (aka as a paper bag outside the South).

Steve