My Kryponite

[Mailman]

Me and hardware stores are a dangerous combination. I like the ones that don’t sell nuts and screws in sealed plastic bags. I like the ones with walls of cabinets you have to rummage around in and pick your own stuff, throw everything in one bag and write the price on the outside yourself. It’s the honor system!
The trouble is, I can never JUST buy what I came there for.
Just now I got back from our local Ace hardware. I went there because I needed a couple 59cent screws. I found them and left after spending $40 . Well I just had to buy that 6” metal vernier caliper, and a 6” metal ruler with fine measuring lines, and a new knife sharpening stone, and I made the mistake of taking my wife and she always finds stuff for the house.......and well , as I said Kryptonite!

 

[Jim]

.....as I said Kryptonite!

You and me both brother....
Ever notice how all the hardware's in the back? So ya gotta walk past all the other stuff that's just yellin' "Buy me!!! Buy me!!!."

 

[Downeaster]

We have an outfit called "Mardens". It's a surplus and salvage place, they buy out the inventory of stores going out of business and such. Inventory changes daily, you literally never know what you might find.

They sell Grade 5 hardware by the pound. All sizes from 1/4-20 to 3/4-8 and lengths from 1/2 inch to 6 or more inches, plus washers, fender washers, lock washers, nylock nuts, wing nuts, etc. etc. etc. I have a set of bins I keep stocked. When I get low on one thing, I'll take inventory and stock up on anything that's below 50% stock.

They also have barrels of bulk chain in various sizes and grades, plus all the fittings that go with, slip hooks, snatch hooks, binders, logging chokers, etc.

Then there's the tools...

I go in there every time I'm in town and take a quick walk through the hardware/tool section. Lately I've been pretty good about coming out empty-handed, but that's more of an exception than a rule.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

More Kryptonite.
I used to live in Wichita.
Aviation capital of the world.
And huge underground custom car clubs.

The Yard Store.
http://www.theyardwichita.com
https://www.yardstore.com



A 4 acre playground.


I never could get outta there in under 3 hours.


Too bad that Boeing surplus sales closed down 10 years ago.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Also, about 20 miles south of me, is, I believe, the last of the Gibson's.

https://www.gibsonsdiscount.com



Another one that can't be escaped in under 3 hours.

 

[Downeaster]

@ 2M and The Yard Store:

Oh.
My.
Gawd.

I'd have bring a flatbed truck and pack a lunch. And a banker...

 

[gggGary]

Our local surplus is Delaney's Located across from the (now praire) Badger Army Ammunition Plant, The fairly well substantiated rumor was it got it's start with goods stolen from the Ammo plant.

 

[Mailman]

Boy everything really is bigger in Texas! I like both of those places! I can see me now in Gibson’s, “Let’s see....I’ll take a shotgun and give me one of them Stetsons!” “ And where’s the nearest BBQ joint?”

 

[MaxPete]

@ 2M and The Yard Store:

Oh.
My.
Gawd.

I'd have bring a flatbed truck and pack a lunch. And a banker...

....and a divorce lawyer....

 

[Downeaster]

....and a divorce lawyer....

You've met my wife?

 

[59Tebo]

My wife would kill me! I have enough trouble going to HFT!

 

[azman857]

Back in the mid '90's, I ordered a LOT of tools for my Aircraft Structures Repair course from "The Yard". The airplane in the overhead shot is supposed to be "THE" first aircraft the, then new, USAF bought. So it's the first Air Force 1.