Tony's is a local hardware store that's close to my house. I prefer to shop small businesses in my…read morecommunity so this fits the ticket. You will pay a tiny bit more here than big box stores but that's okay when you know you won't be standing in long lines, deal with crabby staff and can get assistance carrying something to your car if needed. Tony's usually has what I'm looking for but doesn't always have a huge selection of some items. But if you're looking for helpful service, someplace to get a key cut or a gallon of paint without having to travel too far, Tony's is your place.

I prefer to visit small independent stores. I bought a large fan and had to wait for my husband to…read morepick me up. It was 95 degrees outside and across the street was a large shade tree. I piled my purchases in the shopping cart and waited under the tree where I told my husband I would wait. My plan was to load my stuff in the car and return the cart. An employee came out to tell me this was personal property and it had to be returned, not "can I help you?" I am an older woman and just purchased over $100 at the store, seriously, I need this cart? I returned the cart and struggled to carry the items to my shady spot. Meanwhile, a woman in another car told me to stop stealing! My daughter lives in this neighborhood so I am there a lot. I was so disappointed in their response.

Knowledgeable staff that helps give guidance on repair projects and find products unlike the big…read morebox stores

Be aware of their return policy I opened the packaging to a…read moreoverpriced drop cloth when I realized I had made a mistake, as it was too narrow for my project. I called to inquire about an exchange and was told I cannot return or exchange the item that I bought a half hour ago, so be aware Sometimes it doesn't pay to buy from the local guy rather than the big box store. Lesson learned

Please support Detroit business! This hardware store has been here forever and provides the old…read moretime hardware experience. The guys who run it are friendly, funny and knowledgeable about everything "hardware". Start here and if they don't have it they'll direct you to Brooks, Atlas, etc etc.

Back in 2010/11 I spent a few months managing an apartment building near here. I was in 3rd Ave…read moreHardware at least 3 or 4 days a week, and sometimes 5 or 6. A couple of times I had to make multiple trips in one day. The staff was always professional and helpful, and almost always had what I needed, which is saying a lot since I managed an old 50-unit building that needed a lot of things for a lot of problems. Sometimes I would grab the wrong thing, and it was never a problem bringing it back and exchanging it for the right thing. Sometimes my boss would get a bit behind in paying for it all, and they would gently remind me, and the ol' slumlord would send them a check from Florida. They were cool but firm about it. It seemed to be a situation they'd been through many times before. They have homey touches here - a small tv on the counter that's always showing something. A fridge with Faygo in the can. My favorite thing about 3rd Ave Hardware is the bicycle selection. In the warmer months there's a whole row chained together on the sidewalk out front. Old ten speeds, 70s 3 speeds, cruisers, mountain bikes, etc. But, wait, there's more inside! Another row between the front door and the register and still more up and down the cramped aisles! (3rd Ave Hardware could really use a more spacious locale.) The prices won't break the bank either. I just bought my second bike from there - a green mountain bike from CCM, that Canadian company that makes hockey equipment. It's a pretty sweet bike for $100. My last one was, too. It was an old 70s 3 speed with a big comfy seat and a glistening orange paint job that just looked like candy. Too bad it got ripped off. Oh well, that's life in the D. I won't pack it in, and I'm glad 3rd Ave won't either. I'm only knocking them down one star because of their paint selection. It's lousy and overpriced. Go somewhere else for paint.

Gilbert's pro hardware. Located in at Clair shores on Harper avenue. They have a small private…read morelot in the rear with ample parking and you enter from the rear as well. I have been coming to Gilbert's for a little over 10 years now. It seems they always the things the box box stores don't have. This is a hardware store the way hardware stores used to be. I come in here mostly for stem and diverter rebuilds for the old bath/shower systems in rental properties: they will rebuild the hot, cold and diverter stems while you wait. I have always been very pleased with their services and they also build screens for windows and replace screens if you bring them in. Overall, Gilbert's is a great hardware store with good pricing and very helpful employees.

This was the first time that I visited Gilbert's pro hardware as an observer. My nephew asked me to…read morego to the hardware store with them to replace an obscure outdoor water faucet. I remembered Gilbert's from way back when they helped me out with the plumbing parts of very obscure valves the young lady behind the counter took us to the back area where the plumbing supplies and workbench was, and she proceeded to create an a duplicate valve and bonnet for my nephew's outdoor faucet. He was very satisfied with the work this young lady did and very knowledgeable, but as I said, I was just an observer and I didn't catch your name. She impressed me. Vic Karian Paton50@aol.com

This is my go-to neighborhood hardware store. It's close to me and they always seem to have what I…read moreneed, despite not being a big box store. The staff are extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The prices are definitely above the big box stores, but the proximity and staff knowledge make up for the additional cost.

I'll give them credit for having the item I needed. I'll give them low marks for the kid behind the…read morecounter being a prick about a coupon. Overall clean and nice store, but only as good as its worst employee helping customers.