Hardware/Home Improvement Store Discussion

[Busguy2010]

I just got back from Harbor Freight, and I hadn't been there in a long time. I guess I kind of forgot about it, but it is basically an adult male's playground. I needed a tarp and a couple other things, and I can't believe I forgot about this place and how cheap it is. I spent $30, whereas if I went to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc., it probably would have been $80. Speaking from my experience with Harbor Freight, their electrical machinery pretty much blows, so if you're only gonna use a power tool in a limited capacity, I'd go there for it. But their hand tools, also in my experience are a-okay, especially the ones that don't have moving parts.

So I'm now seeking discussion on hardware stores and home improvement stores. What is your preferred?

Of the big three, I'd have to go Lowe's, Home Depot, then Menards, in that order. I'd say ACE Hardware barely registers my meter, but it does sometimes. And Harbor Freight, like I said is kind of an amusement park for me. Like I can't believe they can sell some of their stuff so cheap, it almost is amusing... Until it breaks down haha...

Thoughts?

[Brad]

The Lowes on 75th and Dodge is my go to. Ace Hardware is closer but usually only stop in there for something quick. There is no Home Depot near me. Menards is just a disaster. If you see me at Menard's its because I couldn't find something at Lowes and Menard's has it, which seem to happen from time to time.

[Busguy2010]

Yup, Menards has its niche for me, but I loathe them. Home Depot is okay-ish. I'd have to say my split is about 75% Lowe's, 22% Home Depot, and 3% Menards.

Ace is a little in a different league. They're not bad, but small. I've never bought a power tool there. I mainly go there for nostalgia, as if I recall correctly, Lowe's and Home Depot only entered Omaha in the early 2000's. So as a young kid, Ace was the place (haha). They have a meritable gardening selection though.

Then Harbor Freight is mainly for fun and kinda goofy, but they backdoor have some good stuff for cheap.

[Brad]

Hobo Freight as Derek calls it on Vice Grip Garage.

Don't forget back before we had Lowes and Home Depot we had Payless, which is where a lot of people got lumber.

[nebugeater]

Lowes leads the pack with HD a distant second. Menards is only if there is a desperate need.

When it comes to tools only one of the first places I look is at Northern Tool

https://www.northerntool.com/stores/omaha-nebraska.htm

[ita]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

[Brad]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

I got a floor jack from them about a decade ago, still works great.

[Busguy2010]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

I'm not ashamed either. That place is so much fun for me. And I agree, their wrenches and stuff like that are just fine and are huge money savers.

[bigredmed1]

Their bad rep comes from the plethora of use once and chuck it stuff. If you know what you are looking for, or you only need the tool once, it's ok.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

I’m going to derail this thread a moment and ask what kind of car(s) you possess and are working on?

[Busguy2010]

Their bad rep comes from the plethora of use once and chuck it stuff. If you know what you are looking for, or you only need the tool once, it's ok.

Yeah, I've done that before. I've had good luck with their hand tools, but not so much their power tools.

[ita]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

I’m going to derail this thread a moment and ask what kind of car(s) you possess and are working on?

I've done insurance salvage cars and CL junkers, mostly old economy cars and imports. Here's a recent list. Currently have a 05 92x Aero on jack stands, have had Volvos 850 T5, 240 and 940T, Geo Metro, Civic Wagon, Mazdaspeed3, and Dodge Neon. Those are some over the last 5 or so years. I currently drive an old Yukon I got on a trade for the Metro. Rusty, and has issues, but still runs for now while I button up the Saab.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I am not ashamed, I love Harbor Freight. I work on cars for fun, and their automotive related stuff have been huge money savers and have been perfectly fine.

I’m going to derail this thread a moment and ask what kind of car(s) you possess and are working on?

I've done insurance salvage cars and CL junkers, mostly old economy cars and imports. Here's a recent list. Currently have a 05 92x Aero on jack stands, have had Volvos 850 T5, 240 and 940T, Geo Metro, Civic Wagon, Mazdaspeed3, and Dodge Neon. Those are some over the last 5 or so years. I currently drive an old Yukon I got on a trade for the Metro. Rusty, and has issues, but still runs for now while I button up the Saab.

I admire this list of cars and wish I had this skill. Teenage/early 20s me really wanted to own something rare and fun yet cheap to purchase, but always talked myself out of it given unknown repair costs. At various times I was trying to figure out how I could buy and maintain an '80s Porsche 924, a late '90s Saab 900, a (specific) 1992 Alfa Spider, a VW Corrado, an E49 3-series, and a B7 A4, but never went through with it. Of course a couple of the cars I went with instead cost an arm and a leg to repair anyway..

[ChadJK]

I try and hit up the local Ace Hardware to "Support Local," but outside of that I usually go to Lowe's as it's the closest and they have a veteran discount.

[nebugeater]

I try and hit up the local Ace Hardware to "Support Local," but outside of that I usually go to Lowe's as it's the closest and they have a veteran discount.

I get that many Ace stores are local franchises but I dId a quick search and there are around 2,000 Lowes locations worldwide and over 5,200 Ace locations. Both employ local people so there is that. This is one "shop local" that I am not sure I follow.

[ChadJK]

I try and hit up the local Ace Hardware to "Support Local," but outside of that I usually go to Lowe's as it's the closest and they have a veteran discount.

I get that many Ace stores are local franchises but I dId a quick search and there are around 2,000 Lowes locations worldwide and over 5,200 Ace locations. Both employ local people so there is that. This is one "shop local" that I am not sure I follow.

I believe Lowe's are all owned by corporate while the Gretna Ace Hardware is a locally-owned franchise. You're right though. They all employ local people, contribute to local sales and property taxes, and so forth.

[nebugeater]

I try and hit up the local Ace Hardware to "Support Local," but outside of that I usually go to Lowe's as it's the closest and they have a veteran discount.

I get that many Ace stores are local franchises but I dId a quick search and there are around 2,000 Lowes locations worldwide and over 5,200 Ace locations. Both employ local people so there is that. This is one "shop local" that I am not sure I follow.

I believe Lowe's are all owned by corporate while the Gretna Ace Hardware is a locally-owned franchise. You're right though. They all employ local people, contribute to local sales and property taxes, and so forth.

Correct on the Franchise. You probably know that the owners of the one in Gretna also own the one in Springfield. They are also moving the current McKinney's location in the future. They already own the building.

[ProgKingHughesker]

I try and hit up the local Ace Hardware to "Support Local," but outside of that I usually go to Lowe's as it's the closest and they have a veteran discount.

I get that many Ace stores are local franchises but I dId a quick search and there are around 2,000 Lowes locations worldwide and over 5,200 Ace locations. Both employ local people so there is that. This is one "shop local" that I am not sure I follow.

I believe Lowe's are all owned by corporate while the Gretna Ace Hardware is a locally-owned franchise. You're right though. They all employ local people, contribute to local sales and property taxes, and so forth.

Correct on the Franchise. You probably know that the owners of the one in Gretna also own the one in Springfield. They are also moving the current McKinney's location in the future. They already own the building.

Is McKinney's throwing in the towel when the new HyVee opens or are they moving?

[damonhynes]

Is McKinney's throwing in the towel when the new HyVee opens or are they moving?

Slow-motion retirement for the owners, it was my understanding that they'd wind it up upon Fareway opening.

[nebugeater]

Is McKinney's throwing in the towel when the new HyVee opens or are they moving?

Slow-motion retirement for the owners, it was my understanding that they'd wind it up upon Fareway opening.

MCkinney's announced their retirement long before Hyvee was even announced. The Building has been sold for a long time and they are leasing it back a month to month.

I believe that Fairway factors into when they close as long as there is not a major repair expense. That window looks to have passed though with Fairway opening on March 30.

[ChadJK]

I asked one of McKinney's long time younger employees a few months ago if they had a firm closing date. She seemed completely confused as to what I was talking about. So, I mentioned Gretna Ace Hardware had bought the building and the rumor going around was that when Fareway opened that McKinney's would be closing permanently and Gretna Ace Hardware taking over their spot. This was all news to her. I'm not sure if she was just feigning ignorance (I'm not sure what the motivation would be for that) or if she seriously was unaware of any of that.

[Busguy2010]

I got burned today. Went to return something at Harbor Freight, didn't have my reciept, had the card though. Didn't matter. They are not as forgiving as the big three. No receipt no return. That's okay, as I kind of expected that outcome, and I think that's the way it should be everywhere. Luckily it was just a $20 tarp that I didn't need need, but can use some time in the future.