"John" wrote in message
...
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

The problem here, is that the better quality companies are either going out
of business altogether, or getting with the program and selling stuff
manufactured in China with their name stamped on it so they can compete with
the prices of the big boy stores. Paint as much but things are getting
consolidated. Our choices are much fewer than they once were, even at the
mom and pops.

Ed

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