On Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:52:45 -0500, Steve Turner
wrote:

We do have a small home-town Ace Hardware store that's about the same
distance as the new Home Depot. They open at 11:00 this morning and
I'll be waiting on their doorstep. I don't know why I only think of
going to them *after* I've been screwed by Home Depot, but one of these
days I'll learn...

Keep in mind that HD (and Lowe's) didn't get to be a behemoth by
selling top-quality stuff. They got there by selling stuff cheap, and
that usually translates to selling cheap stuff.

When it comes to hardware, paint and the like, I prefer to start at
the local hardware store. Maybe a tad more expensive than the Borg,
but better quality stuff sold by knowlegeable and friendly people that
I like doing business with. And I like knowing that my money stays in
town, too.

I use HD and the like as a last resort except for brand-name power
tools where I must admit they have a far better selection and better
prices.

Reply-to address is real
John