Cheers for REAL hardware stores

[Kingcreek]

My thread file (thread restoration tool) has been missing for a couple years and I was determined to find another. Tried farm supply, auto supply, and big box Menard's type stores and not one person even knew what I was talking about, let alone where I could find one. Found myself in a real family owned hardware store 60 miles from home yesterday and thought what the heck, maybe just maybe.
I walked back to the tool section and asked a young (under 25) lady if she sold a thread file. Without hesitation she said, "I've got a standard thread but no metric." I happily paid $14 for it and told her I hope her store is here at least as long as I am.

 

[methomas70]

Please, do tell where this Mecca of files is located.

 

[Cato]

Real hardware stores got some good stuff. I found some USA Vice Grips just last month.

The downside is sometimes I'm not looking for conversation and one on one customer service. Sometimes I just want to wander around by myself.

 

[Kingcreek]

K&K hardware Bettendorf Iowa.
a few years ago I was restoring a 1927 Model T Ford Touring car and ran short of Lift-A-Dot fasteners. I was in this same store while my wife was looking for something garden related. I was kinda wandering around and a nice old guy asked if I needed any help. I laughed and told him he probably didn't have what I needed. When I told him he said, "Well, you must be working on an old boat or a model T and yes I've got all the fasteners right around the corner here. My jaw dropped and I bought a paper sack full of bulk Lift-A-Dot fasteners from him.