Mom and Pop hardware store

B

ba49

Senior Member
As I was returning home from my 3rd trip of the day from our local hardware store which is about a mile from my house I thought about how lucky I am to still have them there. When working on my coupe and I need a bolt, some sheetmetal or some tool I need because I just broke mine, they always seem to have what I need. They are part of a dying breed that has been swallowed up by the big chain stores filled with employees that either don't care or don't have a clue how to help you. The owner is an older gentleman who truely cares and is more interested in helping people repair their own items as reasonable as possible rather than selling you something you don't really need. I often hear them telling a customer " Mam, you don't need to replace the whole thing, just replace this part and save yourself some money". I'm afraid when the gentleman decides he needs to retire we will lose another part of our past and it makes me sad to see the changes in our country just in my 61 yr. lifetime. We really need to support these great treasures while we still have them even if it may cost a couple of cents more sometimes for that nut and bolt. Bill
 
I will pay more for a product to buy it from a Mom and Pop operation that offers genuine customer support.
 
I got 1 3 blocks up the street,,he has everything and i mean everything. I am lucky the old owner has 2 sons working there. They will take it over. ken ct.
 
Had one near me for years became a ace hardware about 6 years ago. The other day I went in and asked for a pipe plug no one knew what I was talking about I describe it they tried to look it up on there computer did not find it.
 
We lost a great one next town over last year and another one this year next town over going the other way. There's a pretty good tru value in town, older Polish owner in the predominately Polish section of town, the kids are being "groomed" and always helpful.
Paul in CT
 
There used to be a great hardware store in North Beach in San Francisco, called Figoni's. I always went in there whenever I was in the City just to take it in. About 20 years ago I went over there, and it was closed up and empty. I heard from locals that Mr. Figoni tried to find a buyer and no one was interested. I bet he had stuff in there that was a 100 years old, not to mention the ancient cabinetry. Now the space is completely gutted and empty and nothing has ever moved in that I am aware of.
 
Our hardware store in Placerville CA. has been there for 150 years and has many hard to find items, or will try to find it for you. If you're ever in Placerville, the hardware store is a must see place.
 
I lost 2 here in my town, but one is still standing. It's like walking into a time warp. It's the only place I know of where you can listen to Herb Alpert or Dionne Warwick while rummaging through the bolt bins. Aside from that they huge stocks of odd sized fasteners, most in 40-50 yr old boxes.

Needless to say I'll drive out of my way to trade at that store.
 
I always thought that when I retired, that I would love to own an old fashioned Hardware Store. We have one, in town that is family owned, and they have stuff that the big box stores don't carry.
 
local hardware store is 5+ miles closer to home than Lowes.
I always go there first, don't mind paying a little more.
 
Our mom and pop shop is more modern, and the owners rarely there. I still go there before a big box store.
 
What price Progress? A local parts supplier who carried an extensive range of spare parts and allways very helpfull has recently been taken over by a large National parts supplier. A large portion of their stock was disposed of to the local scrap metal dealer. In the name of Progress.
Another gripe for me is very inexperienced and untrained staff. On a recent visit to a parts supplier I enquired about a Timing Light. I received a blank stare and then asked "what's it used for" "Lord, give me patience"
Runnerbun
 
Regarding the small hardware store, we are privileged to have two of them in our rural Ohio area.

Muskingum True Value in Beverly, Ohio, is owned and operated by Bob and Donna. They are just what you described, very customer oriented and helpful. Bob also makes custom window screens, repairs glass windows and services mowers!!

Also, Seamans Hardware in Barlow is good and carries really unusual stock.
If you need wicks for a kerosine lamp or odd canning supplies, they have it.

These are old fashioned merchants who are gradually fading due to the superstores. Personally, I avoid the big chains unless there is absolutely no alternative. Ever try to have useful conversation with a big chain clerk?

Regards,

Martin in Watertown, Ohio
 

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We have one here in town that is third generation and the best. We buy a lot from them for our restoration shop, if not them we buy from McMaster - Carr, not old fashioned but they have all kinds of things and they ship QUICK.
 
San Diego Hardware has been around since before the beginning of the 1900's in downtown. They were a true hardware store with eveything you would expect but times change and they moved to a suburb and now only carry designer cabinet & door hardware. It is true, nothing is forever, all we can do is support the great ones as long as we can.
 
We used top have 2 good harware stores here, now we have none. We are now forced to drive 35 miles to find a decent harware store or attempt to find something at the local Orschelns (simular to TSC, but not as good) store. Rod
 
As Hurricane Francis zeroed us in, I discoverd that we were missing a dozen machine screws for a shutter tie down for a wide, flimsy front door. Jupiter Farms Hardware was packed with people but Sy, the owner, helped in spite of the crowd. For less than five bucks our problem was solved in no time. Yes, I shop there all the time. My hats off to all independent busines owners.
 
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Went into a local Bunnings.

A female staffer served me.

I asked if she had taps and dies.

She looked puzzled, then pointed me to the plumbing section, where I went and could not find any taps (thread cutting ones... to the yanks, your water faucet is called a TAP too here).

Called her over and asked .. where?.. she pointed out the taps/faucets.

So far a waste of time.

Then I asked if she had any dies.....

Again, a puzzled look, then she said I would have to go to a CHEMIST for that. and it took me a while to figure out she was sending me there for hair DYE.

DOHHHH>

I know big chain may have an equal opportunity gender workforce agenda, but they should train some people if they are working in hardware.
 
We recently did a tour to Pulaski, Tn . and found an old hardware store still in business with ladder that moves back & forth to reach the items 10 to 15 feet up the wall. Sure wish is was near me. This is probably been there since the 30's. Downtown all these years.
 
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