Breed & Co

Generally, whenever I am about to start a project, I try to look for local shops to purchase tools or material from. As an example, I won't go anywhere besides Crump Plumbing supply for my plumbing material needs, period. Venturing into a Home Depot or Lowe's tends to be an exercise in patience. The tools or materials on the shelves fit at least one of the following criteria: out of stock; not carried at the store at all; or cheaply manufactured in China or Taiwan. Beyond that, the average staff member knows how to help you find what you need. Enter Breed & Co.: I can go into B&C feeling confident that I will find what I need to get the job done. Anything from replacement handles for axes and hammers, to wood carving tools (excellent array, btw), and even to grabbing a truffle or two on the way out the door for the wife. The majority of the items carried are well made here in America, (with some good German, Swedish, and Japanese tools in the mix, too); there are minor exceptions to this rule, but it is hard to stock a tool room and not have at least one or two things made cheaply in China, at least in these modern times. The staff is helpful and attentive, (unless it is within an hour of closing), and anything that they do not have, they can get for you. I recommend them. (4 out of 5 stars; 1 star taken away for inconsistency in staff's willingness to help) more

Breed's is the only centrally located hardware store I know of, so I run over there a lot. There are always plenty of people to help you find the right tool for a repair, locate the right size air filter, or give advice on staining cabinets. They are a little pricier than the big box places, but I save time because the parking is closer and you can find people to help you!\r There is also a household/garden section. The garden section is limited, but has all of the basics-dirt, fertilizer, hoses, plants, pots. The kitchen/household gift section is very extensive and has all of the brand name pots, pans, utensils, knives and dishes you could possibly want. Pros: central location, customer service Cons: limited inventory compared to big box hardware stores more

This place may not have as many big box items like lumber and light fixtures, but they've got the most amazing assortment of screws, nuts, bolts, hooks, dremmel bits, an other small, hard to find items. Salespeople actually come looking for YOU to see if you have questions or need help finding something. How novel! I can go in with any of my unusual do it yourself or art projects and their knowledgable and friendly staff will help me come up with ideas. You won't notice the minimal price difference, but you will be out the door with a better product in a fraction of the time. Pros: Great Service, convenient location Cons: small store means limited selection and no large items. more

these guys still believe in customer service. Walk in, and they ask to help you. Ask, and they have an answer. Increible! Compare to your local hellhouse store. They're not terribly expensive either. How much is your time worth? more

Any place where I can buy sandpaper, an extra housekey, chocolate truffles and a birthday card under one roof is alright with me. Admittedly, I have no idea how their prices compare to warehouse chains. But, unless you're buying, like, an arc welder or tablesaw or something (I just didn't happen to see any of those while perusing the sandpaper) I recommend it. Twice I was asked if I needed assistance. I parked right near the door and was outta there in less than 10. Pros: friendly staff, hardware & home Cons: , ? more