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Categories: Hardware Stores, Plumbing [Edit]
Neighborhood: Rogers ParkMon-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Walking in here is like you've died and gone to hardware store heaven.
Better than the big box stores, both in quality inventory as well as customer service. The staff is always asking if you need help, and throws out tons of experience and recommendations for whatever project you're working on.
I'm a hardware store weirdo. Ever since I was a kid, I love, love, love hanging out in hardware stores.
For me, there are four things that make a GREAT hardware store:
1) Knowledgeable staff who know how to use everything they sell and can help you SOLVE A PROBLEM, not just point you towards an aisle.
2) Staff that is polite and respectful, not condescending, to women. Yeah, I'm a girl. But I own a Sawzall and I know how to use it.
3) Quality inventory which includes the funky, rare elements needed to fix ALL HOUSES, including old houses with steam heat and wood windows. Not just generic McMansion supplies.
4) Reasonable prices.
Clark & Devon gets high marks on all of these requirements. Unlike Home Depot (where floor staff have a- told me I was crazy for restoring versus replacing my wood windows, b- didn't know what backer rod was, c- didn't sell steam radiator shut off valves, d-can't make a new key correctly to save their lives), C & D has the stuff AND knows their stuff.
Big love for C & D.
Over the last few years I've been working with my parents to rehab the condo I bought in Andersonville. During this time, I would on occasion hear my dad say "I've got to run up to Clark-Devon, be back soon." or "I ordered it from Clark-Devon, your mom is picking it up after work today."
Little did I know what a magical place this Clark-Devon was!
I took my first trip there just last week to have some glass cut for a couple of pictures I was framing. (Yes! They do that!) The moment I walked in a very nice & nice looking guy asked me if I needed help and not in the way that sounds sexist or condescending!
I didn't wander the store as much as I would have liked, still dealing with a bum leg and all - but I'm dreaming of the day when I can go back in order to have some very nice, hot guys help me with all my hardware needs.
Especially the guy with the tattoo sleeves. I'd rent a jackhammer from you any day.
I am posting a complaint about Devon Hardware regarding a recent experience.
On 9/19, I place on order for extension pipes for my ceiling fixture. I was told to check with them in a couple business days.
On 9/25, I called Devon Hardware for an update. I was told the order didn't come in yet because of the supplier's holiday schedule. I was told to allow 10 business days.
On 10/7, I called Devon Hardware. I was told they didn't even put the order in because they were short-staffed. I asked why they failed to tell me this when I called on 9/25. They had no response. They offered no apology and said I must wait another 10 business days.
This has been the worst customer service I've received during my home renovation project. I have worked with Lowe's, Home Depot and Ace Hardware. Devon Hardware has been the worst experience among all others. I used them because of the convenience of the short drive from my home. I will never use them again. The price is generally more expansive than I found at other hardware stores and service is downright terrible.
I suggest you look elsewhere as well.
Clark-Devon is what a hardware store is supposed to be.
Anyone who has wasted their time in a Home Depot or other big box is in danger of passing out the first time they walk into Clark-Devon and somebody walks up to them and asks if they can be of help. And the kicker is this: They can actually be of help!!
Doesn't matter if you're in the trades or just a weekend project person, Clark-Devon is the place for you!
I work at an industrial supplier and I still go to Clark-Devon Hardware several times a year.
Great service and suggestions are available when they're needed and the staff uses the products they sell so they know what works for your task at hand.
It's great to have this local hardware store down the street.
Clark Devon is the largest independantly owned hardware in the (city, state, country ??? I don't remember which category it is).
They have free instructional classes every 2-4 weeks Wednesdays for anyone who shows up. The classes are always helpful.
Outstanding in every area.
Selection,
Service,
Rentals,
Helpfulness,
Locksmith services,
The only downside is that there are not more of them, or one more convenient to my own neighborhood.
This is probably the BEST hardware store I have ever been too. My father has been shopping at this location for the past several decades, and has been able to find whatever he has needed. Their prices are great, and the staff has always been willing to help us. Also, they make EXCELLENT key copies; I have made keys at Home Depot and Lowes before, only to have them not work or even jam locks. The copies I get at this place are reliable, inexpensive, and durable.
I have very odd size windows and when I went into this place I figured I would get the same response as most places and walk out disappointed. To my surprise they HAD THEM IN STOCK.. in 3 COLORS...
They also have a ton of other good stuff with friendly and helpful salespeople
Bravo!
This place bailed me out of a huge jam recently. My usual go-to plumbing supply place, The Faucet Shoppe, was closed for two weeks over the holidays, and I was up the creek with two cracked shower stems (that apparently happens when a tenant leaves his door open when it's 30 below zero), that were unlabled and apparently uncommon.
After driving all over the city in blinding snow and frigid cold, in my own personal planes-trains-and-automobiles style odyssey, and getting blank stares from so-called professionals at other so-called plumbing supply stores, these folks were able to recognize and give me the right part.
In general, shopping here warms the Special Area of my anti-big-box soul. It's like a slightly scaled down Home Depot, but with a genuine small business vibe. They have pretty much everything you want, in a warmer more welcoming atmosphere. For some reason the main thing that struck me about this place was the low (compared to Home Depot) ceilings. It was nice shopping in a hardware super store without the imminent threat of an improperly shelved pallet of toilets falling on top of me and thereby bringing my meager existence to a merciful, ignominous yet somehow fitting end.
There are a couple reasons why I can't give this place the full five stars, though.
First, when I bought the stems ($70) I made it very clear to the guy at the plumbing desk I was not a plumber and was unfamiliar with ceramic disk cartridges specifically, and asked if there was anything I needed to know to install it without ballsing the whole thing up. He said no and it was as easy as could be. When I got back to the building I noticed the stems were both in several pieces inside the bag (I don't know if they gave them to me that way or that happened in transit, but I wasn't particularly rough with them). I put them back together and installed them, but I had cracked the disks either putting them together or installing them and so had to go back the next day and do the whole thing over again.
When I explained what happened, the guys at the desk first made fun of me then explained that ceramic disk cartridges are very expensive and very delicate and I needed to take care to keep them in one piece and not overtighten them otherwise they would break. I was like, "Okay, but didn't I kind of ask this question one day and $70 ago?" All in all, I can't blame them for my incompetence but I still feel like the guy could have been a little more helpful up front.
Lastly, it took me like twenty minutes to check out, which was kind of annoying. They only had two lanes open and as soon as I got to the front of the one lane the older lady at the register closed it to take a quick break. I can't be too hard on her--she was about 700 years old, had obviously been on her feet drinking coffee all day, and probably just had to make a quick BMW. But couldn't they have one of the other 50 people working there cover the register if they're only going to have two lanes for the whole store? I switched over to the back of the only remaining line, and by the time I got to the register the girl at the counter continued to chat with the guy in front of me (a contractor, obviously a regular) for a while as though there was no one behind him, which probably wouldn't have irked me otherwise but given all the above was irritating.
The day was thoroughly saved though by the fact that they have Tootsie Roll Pops at the register. These are probably my favorite candy ever despite the fact they make me think of the old creepy commercial where the owl who is really a pedophile gets off on licking kids' Tootsie Pops. I bought like twenty and nom-nomed them on the way home, put in the second set of $70 stems and forgot about all the above.
So I guess I'm saying I liked the place. Like I said, they bailed me out of a jam.
if you buy a cordless canutervalveremover because you need one, you are likely to buy some made in gongchow peiceacrap. it will only work half of the time, and suck every day you own it until you toss it into the landfill. what's a cheapassed repair person to do?.
you can rent anything that you might need here. rent quality, do a good job, and return it at the end of the day. these people will rent anything to anyone bearing 2 forms of id and a credit card. they will tell you how to use it, and how not to cut your dinky off.
-sod stripper (wow, you could actually go to the suburbs and steal sod) - check
-post hole digger? - check.
-bobcat? (urgh! that could be bad) - check
-masonry lift? - check
shit, for the right price, these guys would probably even rent me a tower crane for a price. boy wouldn't that freak out the neighbors!
I absolutely LOVE this hardware store. They seriously have everything you could need and I find the prices are very reasonable and pretty comparable to a big box. The staff has always been extremely helpful and offers solutions that save us money. We saved close to $200 on a screen door because they were able to show us how to salvage and install an old one that one of our neighbors were getting rid of. I went in today to get soldering materials and I was in and out in 7 minutes thanks to a super helpful man in the plumbing dept. who also went out of his way to show me how to solder. You just can't get that kind of service at a big box store. I am a woman and have never felt demeaned and will always go to this store when I need hardware supplies and help with my never ending projects.
Clark-Devon Hardware seems to have... EVERYTHING.
I used to go to Lowes to get supplies for my small household projects... But I'd inevitably have to go back a second or third time... Not with Clark-Devon Hardware however! Everyone there is unbelievably helpful and friendly and they seem to have everything from the smallest washers and gaskets, to major appliances.
But the best thing about Clark-Devon hardware is... They've gotten me to start thinking about what else I can fix, rather than just replace.
The first day in my new place, I discovered three things:
1) my front door had a strip of wood that was separating from the rest of the door and making an awful screech against the door frame when I'd open it.
2) my bathroom door gets stuck if I close it all the way [imagine my surprise at THAT one... especially having stepped out of the shower and, still being in the process of unpacking, not having the towel in the bathroom with me].
3) I did not have enough shelf space.
I headed on down to Clark-Devon, a place I'd passed for the last four years without going in. I went in with a vague mission: buy something to fix all of the above. I only got sidetracked twice -- once when passing the tape measures and realizing I need one, and once when I passed the cables/cords/etc. and remembering my phone jack's unfortunate location compared to the length of my modem's cord.
Everyone I talked to in there was incredibly helpful -- one man said glue and epoxy was his favorite department, and I believe it just might be [he went through the pros and cons of every single option for my door]. I had someone help me find all the hardware for creating a shelf in my bathroom, and got a sanding block for my bathroom door.
I must have walked out of there with $50+ worth of stuff (had I been shopping at one of the big names, that is), but I spent closer to $30.
General hardware stuff... Hey this place is great I have only walked out once without what I came looking for, the staff is helpful and unlike Home Depot you can find someone to help you.
Change your air filter.
This is really a great hardware store and I'm happy that it's in my area! It's way better than any Lowe's or Home Depot. The staff is super friendly and I really appreciate the fact that they don't treat me any different because I'm a woman.
This is my favorite hardware store in the entire city, and I'm glad they've remained more of a mom & pop type of joint. Lowe's and Home Depot have nothing on this place.
The service, for the most part, is always pretty good although, I usually go in knowing what I want because I don't like looking like the "clueless female" that I'm sure they're programmed to try to assist. [Nothing's really wrong with getting help if you need it, I guess...]
My only gripe is that the layout of the store is a little...confusing. Unfortunately though, I'm sure that's a function of the small space in which they try to cram so much stuff. Still pretty neat and organized--just not the most efficient layout, IMHO.
Love it, will keep shopping there.
Two reasons why this is the best hardware store to go to:
1) it has everything
2) Workers really go out of their way to help you, despite it being quite busy inside. Case in point- I ask where I can find caulking, guy takes me to aisle, asks what job I am doing precisely, and recommends which products I could buy depending on my job.
Then I ask where I can find pest control. Guy asks me what pests I have, different strategies, and then recommends products based upon my comments and concerns.
Both times I never asked for help, I just asked for a direction, but these guys were great.
I'd be lost without Clark-Devon Hardware. I'm the owner of an old two flat. I've gone in there many times without the right vocabulary to describe what I need, but most of the time they have it and the personnel there are good about saving you a few bucks. I like that you hear 4 - 5 languages spoken, and that's by the staff. It feels like home there, and if I haven't been for a while, I invent an excuse to go there. Never close, NEVER!
I should first say that I am a complete dummy in the home improvement department. Let me also admit that places like Lowes and Home Depot overwhelm me.
Ok then........
I've been to Clark-Devon Hardware several times and have been pleased with the service and selection. I've not gone in to buy a ton of building supplies, but I have gotten misc. items, keys cut, wood cut, etc.
The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable and they don't make you feel stupid for asking for something that you have no idea about. A few months ago I had to have a shelf cut apart. I took it to Lowe's and they wouldn't do it b/c it didn't meet the size requirement. Clark-Devon did it in less than 5 minutes for only a couple of bucks.
Last summer my boyfriend wanted to hang a flat screen TV and didn't know how to do it on an "exterior wall". Clark-Devon walked him through the process and told him exactly what supplies to get to make sure the TV was securely anchored. He was impressed with the help.
Anyway, It's not a huge store but they seem to cram a lot into a little space. I highly recommend for your home improvement needs.
The staff is very helpful, and it's very easy to navigate around. Big enough to have reasonable prices and small enough that you are not overwhelmed.
There's also free parking in the small lot at the entrance.
If you need something for your home, plumbing, electric, you name it... this is the place- especially if you want to avoid a big box store.
Clark-Devon is a contractors dream as well as a homeowners assistant! They are friendly, helpful, and do not treat you like an idiot.
As a new homeowner, owning a place that had fixtures and plumbing from the late 60's, I found myself in need of parts that were not carried at the big box stores.
My brother- who helped fix things, would send me here. The employees never laughed at me- which is pretty amazing considering the fact that half of the time I was trying to read my brothers handwriting and explain what was broken.
I am convinced that they saved me big $$. I still go here when I need things, and I still sound like an idiot. We have now had this relationship for over 10 years. The employees still smile, and treat me with respect and courtesy. I appreciate it.
THANK YOU CLARK-DEVON!
THIS is the hardware store that I go to when I have a home fix it problem that only a hardware dude can fix. A look of utter chick-bewilderment will usually get an amused, yet very helpful "Can I help you?" YES! Please!
You can also rent tools and buy lumber here, if you're into that sort of thing. An incredibly comprehensive store. If they don't have it, it's likely they know where to find it.
It has everything IN STOCK. Everybody in the department knows everything you need to know. Pricecheck what you're buying against other stores but if you need something now, they have it.
I've walked in here once and it was to have keys made. I loved it, mostly because I was so thoroughly intimidated by how "manly hardware" it looked. I was thrilled that it didn't have any of the friendliness of Lowe's or Home Depot. It's a store who knows who it is: It's a Hardware Store.
Obviously, my job almost didn't qualify as a real one but for the 10 minutes I was there I felt like if I had a more complex problem, I could ask and the wouldn't treat me like an idiot (well, they might, but I AM actually a hardware idiot so I'd give them points for recognizing that and being actual authorities on hardware.) For a long time I've searched for reasons to go back and, despite heartfelt attempts, haven't destroyed anything enough to the point of warranting another trip...but I'm still hoping.
This also may be excessively "girlie" for such a "Manly Hardware Store" but I love the clock on the outside of the building (as part of their sign.) It tells you everything you need to know about this place. They're not messin' around in there.
Ace may be the place for the helpful hardware man but I'm still gonna go to CDH.
A great place to run to when you absolutely need something for fixing up your place. This is a great local hardware store, and they have a very helpful staff. I recommend this place before any one of the big box stores.
This place also has the distinction of having staff members who were able to read my keys from a distance when I needed copies made. That is unique!
Very helpful with custom projects. Helped me modify a trailer for a boat and showed me how to do fiberglassing projects.
I've been away from Chicago for 2 years and besides the food, the thing I miss most is Clark Devon Hardware. I wish that Lowe's or Home Depot could come close in not only selection but knowledge of staff. Gods, I'm redoing my house now and I miss you Clark Devon Hardware!
Wait one thing, the first time you try and park there, it sucks. Aftter you figure out how easy it is to sneak down 3 side streets and wrap your Rav4 around a contractors pick-up, parking's a snap.
How is it that the two best hardware stores in the city are "Clark and..." (see Clark and Barlow Hardware...not named after an intersection) Waaaaaay on the north side. Used to go there a ton when I lived in the neighborhood and still do, even though I've since moved twice, when I have jobs in the area. Tool rental service that rivals that big orange sign store.
Nice, cluttery old-fashioned hardware store. The main reason I come here is to duplicate keys. They have forms for all the odd keys that the big box stores don't have -- like those for screen doors. Pleasant staff.
The staff is very helpful and friendly. Always find what I am looking for. The prices aren't that great, but the location and service make up for it.
This is a great hardware store! It's big and they have a large selection of stuff. They have affordable tool rentals. Their prices are pretty cheap all around. The staff has always been friendly and helpful - the only complaint I have is the tend to "dumb it down" a bit for the women. (Both myself and my girlfriend have experienced this on separate occasions.) It's definitely better than any Home Depot or Lowe's.
A true classic. Don't be put off by the sometimes gruff staff - they usually know their stuff. This is what a hardware store should be. And they apparently finally gave in to pressure from the alderman and put some sort of displays in the formerly eyesore Devon-side windows. I will bet that said displays will remain unchanged, gathering dust until doomsday. But anyway, these guys definitely deserve your business.
This is what hardware should be. A big store, a knowledgeable (if not always helpful) staff, everything you need without a lot of frou-frou. But what sells it for me is the coolest clock on a hardware store ever!
Good competitive prices? People who actually know what they're talking about?! In this day and age?! That's exactly what you'll find at Clark and Devon Hardware, and it's been like that since I can remember. Half of the things in my home are probably working thanks to the parts (and knowledge) found at this hardware store. It's unfortunate that places like Home Depot and Lowe's are driving places like these out of business. I for one know that I'll keep coming here as long as they're open, oh and that clock is pretty sweet.
Not a fan of this place. It's a big mom and pop looking place without the touch of mom and pop. It seems like they never know what they are doing. Only reason why I would shop here is for convieience.
I've been in here a few times and found exactly what i needed every time. If the staff weren't so nice and helpful I'd go out of my way to go to the nearest Home Depot cause they're bigger and have more tools to drool over... I'm always dreaming of the day when I'd have a garage full of all the tools I'd ever need to build stuff =)
You would think that this place wouldn't have much of a selection, from the size of it on the outside. But when you go inside, there's nothing you won't be able to find here. Its at a great location, but the area is very busy and parking can be hard to find.
Way over priced items, but great selection and friendly staff.
best outdoor clock! super helpful staff! decent prices! parking!
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