Not everyone loves the hardware store. For those who don't frequent it, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where everything is. Not only is it not intuitive, but things can get moved around by customers, old products can be discontinued, and new products can be moved in. Here are some tips for figuring out what you need, getting in, and getting out.
Take an Item or Photo With You
Don't rely on your memory. If you're looking for a screw, take an old screw of the same type with you. You might be surprised to find out just how many types of screws there are. If you're looking for something that fits an item you can't bring with you, take a very clear photo, with a measuring tape or ruler beside it. Otherwise, no one will be able to tell you exactly what you need.
Look Online First
Most hardware stores today have their inventory online. It tells you whether it's in stock, where it's in stock, and often which aisle or bay it's in. Even if you don't want to buy the item online, you should usually look it up online before you walk into the store. That way, you know whether it's even in stock.
Pay Attention to the Details
If you're fixing old furniture, you're going to need to know the exact colors of some things, not just the specifications. The brands of things might matter, too. When you're in doubt, bring a label with you. You don't want to mix up something like oil, epoxy, or acrylic paint. Even if it's exactly the same color, it just isn't going to work.
Think of the Hardware Store as a Series of Themes
Nearly all hardware stores are designed so that you'll have everything you need for a project pretty close by. That means wood screws aren't always by the other screws; sometimes they're by the wood. If you're in doubt as to where to find something furniture-related, move toward the furniture section. You may find things like wood glue, wood protectors, wood oil, and so forth by the furniture rather than by finishes and varnishes.
Of course, you also shouldn't be afraid to ask for assistance. But if everyone's busy, you should also be able to figure out roughly where everything is — even if you've never been to that hardware store before.
To learn more, contact a hardware store.
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