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Chicago’s essential hardware stores, mapped

These are essential businesses still open where you can get cleaning supplies, housewares, and maybe even a roll of toilet paper.

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In Chicago, we’re under a strict “stay-at-home” order—and that means everyone should be spending as much time inside as possible. With that said, there are certain necessary home items everyone needs—replacement light bulbs, heaters, tools to fix a leaky faucet. Along with grocery stores and hospitals, hardware stores are also deemed essential businesses and many of them offer more than just the typical home improvement items. You can find toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Plus, anything you’d ever need at Menard’s.

But unless you’re shopping for essentials, it’s really best to stay at home. Still itching to tackle a home improvement project? We’ve got 21 easy ideas that you can do without buying a single thing.

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Clark Devon Hardware

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Worried about spending too much time a crowded store? Clark Devon Hardware is taking order via email (mgr@clarkdevon.com). Staff will give you a call when you’re order is ready and you’ll be able to pick it up at the service desk.

Kim's Hardware

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Need advice on how to fix your AC unit or tighten that wobbly toilet seat? You’ll get equal parts education, service, and convenience at Kim’s Hardware. One reviewer of the shop loves its “local, old-school” vibe.

Crafty Beaver Home Center

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This mid-size hardware store will have most every item that a Home Depot or Lowe’s would carry, but it’s much more personal. There are three locations across Chicago which all offer services like propane tank exchange, paint matching, and free ship-to store.

Home Depot

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Alright, we know—Home Depot is a big box store. But we’re throwing in this location because it’s the largest one in the city and likely to be well-stocked with whatever you need. Plus, it’s got an incredible garden center if you’re looking to prep your backyard for spring.

Yu Hardware

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Customers from new homeowners to folks who just need a key copied rave about the service at Yu Hardware. They’ve got paint supplies, plumbing fixtures, electrical items, glass shelving, and cleaning supplies. Coming in for a necessary repair but have no idea what to do? “They’ll get you what you need and explain how to fix it,” wrote one online reviewer.

Menard’s

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We can’t talk about hardware stores in Chicago without mentioning Menard’s. The Midwest chain has anything you’d ever want from grocery items to rugs and screws. If you need a one-stop shop to minimize your time at home, this is it.

JC Licht True Value

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Previously just a paint store, this new and improved shop now has a fully equipped hardware section and offers services focused on window treatments and blinds. They have a bit of everything here—kids’ toys, housewares, and organizational items, too. Plus, staff is offering delivery and curbside pick up.

Alvarez Hardware

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This family-owned and operated hardware store has a lot of local support. Here you’ll be able to rent power tools, find art materials, and get hard-to-find replacement parts. One online review wrote, “Don’t even bother with Home Depot,”

Mitchell Hardware Supply

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This mom-and-pop hardwareware store has items covering every bit of open shelf space and on the wall all the way up to the ceiling. You’ll want to head elsewhere for big ticket items like appliances, but the shop sells all other hardware supplies (at a great price, too).

Elston Ace Hardware

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There are a number of Ace Hardware stores across Chicago, but unlike Menard’s or Home Depot, each location is individually owned and operated. They have housewares, power tools, cleaning supplies, and automotive items. Can’t find something in the store? They’ll order it.

Clark Devon Hardware

Worried about spending too much time a crowded store? Clark Devon Hardware is taking order via email (mgr@clarkdevon.com). Staff will give you a call when you’re order is ready and you’ll be able to pick it up at the service desk.

Kim's Hardware

Need advice on how to fix your AC unit or tighten that wobbly toilet seat? You’ll get equal parts education, service, and convenience at Kim’s Hardware. One reviewer of the shop loves its “local, old-school” vibe.

Crafty Beaver Home Center

This mid-size hardware store will have most every item that a Home Depot or Lowe’s would carry, but it’s much more personal. There are three locations across Chicago which all offer services like propane tank exchange, paint matching, and free ship-to store.

Home Depot

Alright, we know—Home Depot is a big box store. But we’re throwing in this location because it’s the largest one in the city and likely to be well-stocked with whatever you need. Plus, it’s got an incredible garden center if you’re looking to prep your backyard for spring.

Yu Hardware

Customers from new homeowners to folks who just need a key copied rave about the service at Yu Hardware. They’ve got paint supplies, plumbing fixtures, electrical items, glass shelving, and cleaning supplies. Coming in for a necessary repair but have no idea what to do? “They’ll get you what you need and explain how to fix it,” wrote one online reviewer.

Menard’s

We can’t talk about hardware stores in Chicago without mentioning Menard’s. The Midwest chain has anything you’d ever want from grocery items to rugs and screws. If you need a one-stop shop to minimize your time at home, this is it.

JC Licht True Value

Previously just a paint store, this new and improved shop now has a fully equipped hardware section and offers services focused on window treatments and blinds. They have a bit of everything here—kids’ toys, housewares, and organizational items, too. Plus, staff is offering delivery and curbside pick up.

Alvarez Hardware

This family-owned and operated hardware store has a lot of local support. Here you’ll be able to rent power tools, find art materials, and get hard-to-find replacement parts. One online review wrote, “Don’t even bother with Home Depot,”

Mitchell Hardware Supply

This mom-and-pop hardwareware store has items covering every bit of open shelf space and on the wall all the way up to the ceiling. You’ll want to head elsewhere for big ticket items like appliances, but the shop sells all other hardware supplies (at a great price, too).

Elston Ace Hardware

There are a number of Ace Hardware stores across Chicago, but unlike Menard’s or Home Depot, each location is individually owned and operated. They have housewares, power tools, cleaning supplies, and automotive items. Can’t find something in the store? They’ll order it.