As much as I like the puns "Dom Depot" and "Home Despot," I really dislike shopping at Home Depot. I do like that they are open late and on weekends. but I don't like big-box retailers in general, and the service, frankly, sucks. The quality of their hardware is abysmal.
It really is worth it to go to a real lumberyard for lumber, and a plumbing supply for pipe. Sure, the prices on base stock are higher than a warehouse store, but the trained and specialized staff will can you save money by making sure you have what you need, and getting the most out of your base materials.
In the East Bay, Pastime Hardware (in El Cerrito) is a great hardware store, and Truitt & White in Berkeley is a great Lumberyard. Both have a customer service aproach wheer you take a number and ask for what you want. This can be a little daunting if you are used to a "supermarket" type of store, but once you get comfortable sking for what you need, you will find that you save a lot of time, and probably save a lot of money.
In the City, Discount Builders' Supply is a awesome place for hardware and Lumber, although the customer service is a bit lacking, especially on weekends.
A-1 Plumbing Supply in SF is great, super nice guys who will help you plan your project to get the most for your money.
Both DBS and A-1 are easy to get to via public transit, something I can't say for most Home Depots.
Any good recommendations in the South Bay? I could never do much better than OSH, which is better than Home Depot, but not by much. OSH has a higher standard for quality than HD or even Pastime and DBS, both ACE franchises.) IMO, OSH does sell some cheap/crappy hardware and tools, but they usually keep it separated into "bargain bins."
If you really need to get something cheap, maybe because you are flat out broke or are only going to use it a few times, check out Bonanza Hardware in Oakland on East 14th (right by Fruitvalle BART.) This is "flea market" quality stuff, all I can say is wear safety goggles and don't use anything from there for human suspension without the utmost caution.
It really is worth it to go to a real lumberyard for lumber, and a plumbing supply for pipe. Sure, the prices on base stock are higher than a warehouse store, but the trained and specialized staff will can you save money by making sure you have what you need, and getting the most out of your base materials.
In the East Bay, Pastime Hardware (in El Cerrito) is a great hardware store, and Truitt & White in Berkeley is a great Lumberyard. Both have a customer service aproach wheer you take a number and ask for what you want. This can be a little daunting if you are used to a "supermarket" type of store, but once you get comfortable sking for what you need, you will find that you save a lot of time, and probably save a lot of money.
In the City, Discount Builders' Supply is a awesome place for hardware and Lumber, although the customer service is a bit lacking, especially on weekends.
A-1 Plumbing Supply in SF is great, super nice guys who will help you plan your project to get the most for your money.
Both DBS and A-1 are easy to get to via public transit, something I can't say for most Home Depots.
Any good recommendations in the South Bay? I could never do much better than OSH, which is better than Home Depot, but not by much. OSH has a higher standard for quality than HD or even Pastime and DBS, both ACE franchises.) IMO, OSH does sell some cheap/crappy hardware and tools, but they usually keep it separated into "bargain bins."
If you really need to get something cheap, maybe because you are flat out broke or are only going to use it a few times, check out Bonanza Hardware in Oakland on East 14th (right by Fruitvalle BART.) This is "flea market" quality stuff, all I can say is wear safety goggles and don't use anything from there for human suspension without the utmost caution.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: Home Depot
Fri, December 14, 2007 - 10:50 AMI have to agree. Home Depot doesn't do much for me - impossible to find help, and their selection in some areas isn't actually that great - OSH has better stuff. But supporting local stores is even better - they have a greater selection of stuff, and more knowledgeable clerks. The prices aren't that much higher, and the quality is usually far superior.
Thanks for the post, Mike, and the listing of local stores. -
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Re: Home Depot
Wed, December 26, 2007 - 2:34 PMIn Dallas it's Elliot's Hardware, I allways stop in when I'm in town for SouthPlains/Beyond Vanilla
Bought some great teal and blue rope at Elliot's hardware on Maple, emptied both spools(only 30' pieces just enough for a karada harness, will have to get back for more). I'm allways amazed at what I find there amongst the 'normal' hardware, some how I doubt the stores out in the 'burbs are as well stocked as Maple street store. In the cheap chinese import section(as apposed to the back of the store where the fine tools are) one finds an quite array of medical tweezers, clamps, and bandage cutters. I picked up the industrial size stainless syringe last time.
Found this little plastic citris knife gadget that will rock for sensation play $1.50. Charles had to grab few of the wartenburg wheels, oh excuse me they are calling them 'stitch spacing tools' at $6 a piece. We each ended up with a compleltly full grocery bag.
If you get up to Dallas, stop in at the original dom's depot, be prepared you may a lose a few hours and fill a cart
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