Northbrook Ace Hardware at 1941 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, Illinois.

A few years ago, our local neighborhood hardware store switched affiliations from Do It Best to Ace Hardware, but they still have the same friendly people working there. I am a big fan of this store, mainly because it is so convenient and they have good hours. I could get a lower price by driving up to the big warehouse store in the next town, but I would waste at least an additional hour if not more by going there.

What I can say about Northbrook Ace is that they are very helpful and they have just about everything you really need. It's small town friendly service like you won't find in the big box stores. Also, you don't have to wait a long time at the checkout and there's generally plenty of parking right at the door.

Yes, you will sometimes pay a little more, so if all you are interested in is price, go to a discount place. Personally, I really like having this store handy when I need something in a hurry. They will take the time to tell you what to do when your "quick 5 minute" plumbing repair job suddenly turns into a 2 hour nightmare.

Despite the fact that some prices are higher, a lot of things are actually competitively priced. They also give you reward points and $5 gift certificates from time to time. I appreciate this store and I hope they will be around for a long time.

I have to mention one especially nice thing that happened. I was trying to run a new TV cable through my wall, and I didn't have the right tool for that. One of the "helpful hardware guys" sent me over to his home to get the tool and instructed his wife to give it to me. How many people can you think of that would do that? I was really impressed!