The state of hardware stores in Australia is a bit sad. I do understand that this isn’t the most technologically switched on of industries, but when only the largest (yes, Bunnings) can actually provide the combination of a) the phone number of a local store and b) someone who knows what they’re talking about, I’m disappointed.

Mitre 10, apparently “fixing hardware”, got a few things right. Unfortunately, the guy I got on the phone didn’t listen and didn’t know squat.

Home Hardware don’t provide phone numbers of local stores. Screw them.

True Value Paddington don’t answer their phone. Oh well.

Bunnings took a while to answer and three goes to get me to the right person, but at least he knew what he was talking about, gave honest advice and had something worthwhile in stock.

Not buying hardware yet? Good for you. This is apparently what being a home-owning dad comes down to sometimes.