It's been a while since I last visited Carlson hardware. A broken fastener on my mountain bike while doing my daily exercise run out to West Chicago and back on the Prairie Path left me in need of a replacement fastener. The staff at Carlson was amazingly helpful, and together, we devised an improved fastening mechanism that outlasted the bike itself.
In an era of impersonal service at "big box" outlets where the employees may not know a lock washer from a microwave over, Carlson hardware is like a breath of fresh air. Like the classic hardware stores of my youth, Carlson is a place where they remember your name, and really care about the individual needs of the customer.
I recommend and endorse Carlson hardware. They're good people and a high quality hometown Wheaton business. This is everything a good local harware store should aspire to be.
Very helpful and always have whatever I need!