mrb627
Well-known member
Which hardware store is your favorite?
1)Home Depot
2)Ace Hardware
3)Lowes
4)Other
And Why?
1)Home Depot
2)Ace Hardware
3)Lowes
4)Other
And Why?
POLL: Favorite Hardware Store?
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mrb627
Well-known member
Lowes
I tend to prefer Lowes over the others. I can generally find what I need on my own. The store is clean and well lit. And they have a pretty nice appliance department.
Although, as I understand it, Ace stores are locally owned and operated. I thought I read somewhere that they sold more "Made in the USA" merchandise than the other two.
Malcolm
I tend to prefer Lowes over the others. I can generally find what I need on my own. The store is clean and well lit. And they have a pretty nice appliance department.
Although, as I understand it, Ace stores are locally owned and operated. I thought I read somewhere that they sold more "Made in the USA" merchandise than the other two.
Malcolm
An independent!
because there's a greater chance that they know what they sell, greater chance of being able to make USEFUL suggestions as to the project, and to support local business.
Failing that (though there still are several independents within driving distance-)
The Home Depot.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
because there's a greater chance that they know what they sell, greater chance of being able to make USEFUL suggestions as to the project, and to support local business.
Failing that (though there still are several independents within driving distance-)
The Home Depot.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Typically the independent hardware stores are best. They are often franchised with Ace. Do-It-Best or Hardware Hank etc though. This gives them a easy distribution chain for their products. I used to work in a local Hardware Hank a few years back before it went belly up.
In our area the good hardware stores still have an aisle of "Hillman" bins that allow you to buy a good selection of screws, bolts and nuts etc. in a single piece quantities. A good hardware store will also have someone on hand that can cut a key (not a "foolproof" machine that _tries_ to cut keys), provide cut glass, repair window screens or generally provide decent advice. The Box stores generally offer none of this.
Note I don't consider Home Depot, Lowes or Menards to actually be a "Hardware" store, I think they are more aptly called a home supply store. Of the three I think I like Lowes best, they seem to have the best selection of names I like. I find it a pity in today's retail world that different retailers can't carry the same product for fear of direct price comparison. So when I want to buy a Philips light bulb I have to go to Home Depot as the others carry different brands only...
I try at all costs to frequent the local independents, if we don't do this they aren't going to be there when we need them in the future. I will admit that most of my hardware today is ordered from McMaster Carr though, the selection and easy of online ordering wins out for me!
In our area the good hardware stores still have an aisle of "Hillman" bins that allow you to buy a good selection of screws, bolts and nuts etc. in a single piece quantities. A good hardware store will also have someone on hand that can cut a key (not a "foolproof" machine that _tries_ to cut keys), provide cut glass, repair window screens or generally provide decent advice. The Box stores generally offer none of this.
Note I don't consider Home Depot, Lowes or Menards to actually be a "Hardware" store, I think they are more aptly called a home supply store. Of the three I think I like Lowes best, they seem to have the best selection of names I like. I find it a pity in today's retail world that different retailers can't carry the same product for fear of direct price comparison. So when I want to buy a Philips light bulb I have to go to Home Depot as the others carry different brands only...
I try at all costs to frequent the local independents, if we don't do this they aren't going to be there when we need them in the future. I will admit that most of my hardware today is ordered from McMaster Carr though, the selection and easy of online ordering wins out for me!
Generally an independent is best but the better Ace stores are as good. The beauty of Home Depot and Lowe's is that they are much more than just hardware stores but as such can't be expected to excel in every department. Saturday I was having some plumbing work done at my parent's house and ended out running around to both Home Depot and Lowe's plus an independent plumbing supply shop to source all the bits, thank goodness for variety!
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Ace!
True Value is decent, but an Ace-affiliated independent is as good as it gets. Lots of HTF stuff in stock, sales help that knows what they're talking about, and the occasional breathtaking NOS find of something you've been looking for forever.
True Value is decent, but an Ace-affiliated independent is as good as it gets. Lots of HTF stuff in stock, sales help that knows what they're talking about, and the occasional breathtaking NOS find of something you've been looking for forever.
rinso
Well-known member
Ace-affiliated independents get my top vote. They were patient and helpful with my late father who was a home-handyman wannabe. Also, they have glass wax.
retromania
Well-known member
White Jones (Ace Hardware)
Ace is near my house. Small. Easy to find what I'm looking for and if I cannot find it there are people available and ready to assist. I don't have to go looking for someone.
Ace is near my house. Small. Easy to find what I'm looking for and if I cannot find it there are people available and ready to assist. I don't have to go looking for someone.
whirlcool
Well-known member
For most stuff we gave up on Home Depot & Lowes. These places that take too much time searching for what you are looking for and it's really hard to find someone to direct you to what you want.
Enter our local Ace Hardware. It's half the distance to our home as the Home Depot or Lowes stores are. When you walk in there are nice young men that will ask you what you are looking for and they'll take you directly to the area and then just stand by to answer any questions you may have about the item. And they do know their stuff and how to use products. This store also offers screen replacements, glass replacement, knife sharpening services at a reasonable cost. I find their prices are very close to what the other big box stores charge or just a buck or two more. If I need something I can spend two or three hours going to HD or Lowes to try to find it or just go to Ace and be back home in 30 minutes.
And I found out about another service with ACE today. We needed a new mailbox. The old one has probably been sanded & repainted 10 times or so in the last 20 years.
This week the hinge on the door broke. So I wanted one that was powder coated. I looked at Ebay and people wanted too much for them. So I looked at ACE online and sure enough they had them at a reasonable price. So I was able to purchase the mailbox online and then just take the receipt I printed to my local ACE store and they just handed me over the mailbox and that was that. No shipping because it was a local order.
So ACE is our choice.
Enter our local Ace Hardware. It's half the distance to our home as the Home Depot or Lowes stores are. When you walk in there are nice young men that will ask you what you are looking for and they'll take you directly to the area and then just stand by to answer any questions you may have about the item. And they do know their stuff and how to use products. This store also offers screen replacements, glass replacement, knife sharpening services at a reasonable cost. I find their prices are very close to what the other big box stores charge or just a buck or two more. If I need something I can spend two or three hours going to HD or Lowes to try to find it or just go to Ace and be back home in 30 minutes.
And I found out about another service with ACE today. We needed a new mailbox. The old one has probably been sanded & repainted 10 times or so in the last 20 years.
This week the hinge on the door broke. So I wanted one that was powder coated. I looked at Ebay and people wanted too much for them. So I looked at ACE online and sure enough they had them at a reasonable price. So I was able to purchase the mailbox online and then just take the receipt I printed to my local ACE store and they just handed me over the mailbox and that was that. No shipping because it was a local order.
So ACE is our choice.
polkanut
Well-known member
I have to agree with the majority and vote for Ace Hardware also. Locally owned/operated with knowledgeable and helpful staff that doesn't run and hide like they seem to do in a big box store. Do-It-Best stores also get my vote.
ACE Is The Place
I will drive almost ten miles to go to the large ACE that used to be down the street from our previous house. The first time I went into that store over 20 years ago, it felt like a slightly more compact version of Orchard Supply Hardware, a chain that began from a single store here in town, and that lived up to its slogan, "If we don't have it, it probably doesn't exist." OSH went downhill after Sears bought them, and now they carry off-beat merchandise that doesn't match the exact item you need, and they have a strange ability to be out of stock on whatever it is I'm looking for. They're closer to me, but all too often they're also a wasted trip.
I can count on my old ACE store to have whatever I need, within reason. If I want a good selection on lumber and major building materials, Lowes is where I go, but for almost any other hardware need, ACE gets it done for me. Now if I could just get that polite, professional, knowledgeable, hot, beefy and sometimes sexily brooding dreamboat manager Zack to help me with a particular hardware issue outside of the workplace, life would be so good. He's been the other incentive for me to shop there over the past couple of decades.
I will drive almost ten miles to go to the large ACE that used to be down the street from our previous house. The first time I went into that store over 20 years ago, it felt like a slightly more compact version of Orchard Supply Hardware, a chain that began from a single store here in town, and that lived up to its slogan, "If we don't have it, it probably doesn't exist." OSH went downhill after Sears bought them, and now they carry off-beat merchandise that doesn't match the exact item you need, and they have a strange ability to be out of stock on whatever it is I'm looking for. They're closer to me, but all too often they're also a wasted trip.
I can count on my old ACE store to have whatever I need, within reason. If I want a good selection on lumber and major building materials, Lowes is where I go, but for almost any other hardware need, ACE gets it done for me. Now if I could just get that polite, professional, knowledgeable, hot, beefy and sometimes sexily brooding dreamboat manager Zack to help me with a particular hardware issue outside of the workplace, life would be so good. He's been the other incentive for me to shop there over the past couple of decades.
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
I love Lowe's, I am there so much they are trying to charge me rent.
I also love ACE. I have them on time share.
We used to have a local owned independent Clark's Hardware. For over 50 years we shopped with Mr. Clark for Paint, hardware etc. Mom always said "If Mr. Clark doesn't have it, then we just don't need it."
Since Mr. Clark passed away, and none of his family were interested in continuing the store, I fall back to ACE or Lowe's. Both are easy to find things, or there is always someone there to help if needed.
I recently tried another local building supply/hardware store, Star Lumber when I was looking for a fitting when installing my new dishwasher. They were so incredibility rude and unhelpful I shall never darken their door again.
Note to Star: I plan to buy new carpet in the next year, Won't be buying it from you.
I also love ACE. I have them on time share.
We used to have a local owned independent Clark's Hardware. For over 50 years we shopped with Mr. Clark for Paint, hardware etc. Mom always said "If Mr. Clark doesn't have it, then we just don't need it."
Since Mr. Clark passed away, and none of his family were interested in continuing the store, I fall back to ACE or Lowe's. Both are easy to find things, or there is always someone there to help if needed.
I recently tried another local building supply/hardware store, Star Lumber when I was looking for a fitting when installing my new dishwasher. They were so incredibility rude and unhelpful I shall never darken their door again.
Note to Star: I plan to buy new carpet in the next year, Won't be buying it from you.
ptcruiser51
Well-known member
As a former employee...
I have to be true to the Orange Apron. When my store opened, we were of the new design that was less "vertical", brighter, and more sensibly laid out. I often had customers tell me that they bypassed other THD's to come to mine. Ladies, in particular, used to regularly breeze-thru the appliance department "just to look" and then ask me "where is birdseed, doorstops, batteries, velcro, etc." Then come back to me several times to ask where is something else. I was blessed with a good memory, thank God!
My #2 choice is a hometown independent, Denville Hardware. Great to find odd things like weird lighbulbs and basic housewares. They've been in business since we moved to the 'burbs in 1959.
I have yet to set foot in a bLowe's, just on principle.
I have to be true to the Orange Apron. When my store opened, we were of the new design that was less "vertical", brighter, and more sensibly laid out. I often had customers tell me that they bypassed other THD's to come to mine. Ladies, in particular, used to regularly breeze-thru the appliance department "just to look" and then ask me "where is birdseed, doorstops, batteries, velcro, etc." Then come back to me several times to ask where is something else. I was blessed with a good memory, thank God!
My #2 choice is a hometown independent, Denville Hardware. Great to find odd things like weird lighbulbs and basic housewares. They've been in business since we moved to the 'burbs in 1959.
I have yet to set foot in a bLowe's, just on principle.
I have pretty much given up on both Lowes and Home Depot. In our area, the HD is a ghost town. They don't get much business and the number on staff reflect this. Lowes has good foot traffic, but they're in the habit of slipping lots of "everyday low price" ads in their flyers and seem more oriented to lifestyle shopping than 2x4's and bulk nails. This, and you spend half an hour waiting for someone to open a second checkout.
We've got Menards in this area and they've really given the competition a run for their money. I'd hate to work for them, though. I've heard stories that if you're not ontime, knowledgeable about your area and customer driven, they show you the door. No ifs, ands or buts.
We've got Menards in this area and they've really given the competition a run for their money. I'd hate to work for them, though. I've heard stories that if you're not ontime, knowledgeable about your area and customer driven, they show you the door. No ifs, ands or buts.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Folks:
Cory (cadman) is talking about the same HD, Lowes and Menards that I am.
Incredible difference between Menards and the other two.
Cory (cadman) is talking about the same HD, Lowes and Menards that I am.
Incredible difference between Menards and the other two.
"Incredible difference between Menards and the other two."
Sandy, do you mean in terms of customer service or what?
I find that the big difference with Menards is that often the products they sell are lower quality. Their "Tool Shop" private label seems like a 1/2 step up from Harbor Freight. I will admit that their pricing is generally decent, but I never buy for price only.
I can't comment on the knowledge of the staff from any of them, I generally go out of my way not to talk to anyone one of these stores. I generally know what I need and where to find it better then the staff.
I did work for a Summer just out of high school at a Menards. The Save Big Money jingle still haunts me... I can't say if they were hard on the employees back then but that was 30 years ago now.
Sandy, do you mean in terms of customer service or what?
I find that the big difference with Menards is that often the products they sell are lower quality. Their "Tool Shop" private label seems like a 1/2 step up from Harbor Freight. I will admit that their pricing is generally decent, but I never buy for price only.
I can't comment on the knowledge of the staff from any of them, I generally go out of my way not to talk to anyone one of these stores. I generally know what I need and where to find it better then the staff.
I did work for a Summer just out of high school at a Menards. The Save Big Money jingle still haunts me... I can't say if they were hard on the employees back then but that was 30 years ago now.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
kb0nes:
"Sandy, do you mean in terms of customer service or what?"
That's exactly what I mean. In Menards, sales help is reasonably plentiful, always willing to help, decently knowledgeable and never condescending.
I know their tool quality is not the greatest, but I'm a DIY'er who doesn't use tools frequently or hard enough to need the very best under normal circumstances. Their price/value point is usually just right for my needs.
I hear you about the "Save Big Money" jingle. I'm willing to bet that Menards employees are devoutly religious, because they're afraid their punishment in Hell would be to have to hear that jingle for all eternity.
"Sandy, do you mean in terms of customer service or what?"
That's exactly what I mean. In Menards, sales help is reasonably plentiful, always willing to help, decently knowledgeable and never condescending.
I know their tool quality is not the greatest, but I'm a DIY'er who doesn't use tools frequently or hard enough to need the very best under normal circumstances. Their price/value point is usually just right for my needs.
I hear you about the "Save Big Money" jingle. I'm willing to bet that Menards employees are devoutly religious, because they're afraid their punishment in Hell would be to have to hear that jingle for all eternity.
Ace Hardware! Local owner, excellent service, knowledgable staff.
Beck's Paint and Hardware in Goshen, OH. They have excellent and friendly service. Have bought lots of Porter paint there, and always satisfied.
Otherwise, I'd say it's a tie between Home Depot, Menard's and Lowes. Menard's does have some unusual items such as food and clothing.
Otherwise, I'd say it's a tie between Home Depot, Menard's and Lowes. Menard's does have some unusual items such as food and clothing.
