which hardware store to actually hit for what
big box vs the specialty counter, when each one is worth the extra ten minutes
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1
Home Depot
same-day anything, don't have to think about it. pro desk folks know more than the average associate on a slow morning
2
Lowe's
basically interchangeable with Home Depot for me. their return desk has saved me twice on a wrong-size part
3
the local Ace Hardware
(rental-friendly) this is where you go for the one weird fastener size. they'll actually walk the aisle with you
4
a real plumbing supply house, not the big box counter
had a part Home Depot didn't carry, they had three variations of it behind the counter. worth the extra ten minutes if it's not urgent
5
an electrical supply house
better wire selection and someone who actually knows code, not just the sticker
6
a tile and flooring specialty shop
samples you can actually take home instead of guessing from a photo
7
the paint counter, not the big box paint aisle
color match came out right on the first try, unlike my last big box attempt
8
the local lumber yard
measure twice, the lumber here is straighter than what's been sitting in a big box rack for months
9
an actual hardware store with a working key counter
10
the tool rental counter
for the one-time tools. the drum floor sander lives here, not in my garage
11
an appliance parts store
has the exact dryer belt in stock instead of ordering it and waiting a week
12
a fastener and screw specialty shop
13
the garden center at the big box, in spring
separate trip from the renovation aisle but worth mentioning, the seasonal stuff sells out fast
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