"John" wrote:

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.
snip

As far as the fastener industry is concerned it has all gone off shore
years ago.

Rolled thread fasteners are the lowest cost to manufacture so that is
what you are going to find in mass merchandise outlets.

Want some thing else, go to a fastener house and buy spec grade.
Expect to pay a minimum order charge.

As far as paint is concerned, freight is a major cost item.

Paint, especially the architectural stuff, will come from
manufacturing facilities located as close to the end user as
practical.

As far as tools are concerned, the big box stores stock the bottom end
of the product line.

They play the 80/20 game.

80% of sales come from 20% of items.

Works for the week end warrior, but if you want quality, look
elsewhere.

Lew