Steve Ettlinger - The All New Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores

2017 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

First-edition text 2003 Running Press

First edition published in 2003 by Running Press. This edition published in 2017 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA. Telephone: (612) 344-8100 Fax: (612) 344-8692

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Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for industrial or sales-promotional use. For details contact the Special Sales Manager at Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.

Digital edition: 978-0-76035-773-6

Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-686-2

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Ettlinger, Steve, author. | Schmidt, Philip, author.

Title: The all new illustrated guide to everything sold in hardware stores / Steve Ettlinger & Phil Schmidt.

Other titles: Complete illustrated guide to everything sold in hardware stores

Description: Minneapolis, MN : Quarto Publishing Group USA, Inc., [2017]

Identifiers: LCCN 2016052148 | ISBN 9781591866862 (sc)

Subjects: LCSH: Hardware--United States--Catalogs. | Hardware--Terminology.

Classification: LCC TS405 .E79 2017 | DDC 683--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016052148

Acquiring Editor: Bryan Trandem

Project Manager: Alyssa Bluhm

Art Director: James Kegley

Cover Designer: Kim Winscher

Layout: Kim Winscher

Photography: Lightbox Images

PHOTO CREDITS

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BY STEVE ETTLINGER & PHILIP SCHMIDT

This book is dedicated to all of us who have ever walked into a hardware store, home center, or lumberyard and asked for a whatchamacallit or thingamajig.

PREFACE

This is the latest iteration of a book that first hit the shelves back in 1988, and which has seen a few updates and many, many readers over the years. Its uncommon longevity and popularity can be attributed to two things. First, its a great concept: a book that helps you identify what you need before you get to the hardware store and start scanning its endless merchandise. And second, its a universally helpful resource: who doesnt need help with hardware? Most folks feel lost in hardware stores, and even tradespeople and handy homeowners have gray areas. You may be able to singlehandedly build a shed or retile a bathroom, but do you know the difference between an AFCI and a GFCI? (This book tells you, by the way.)

If youre out shopping for an electrical outlet, you actually do need to know the difference between an AFCI and a GFCI. Just like you need to know when stainless-steel screws are worth the cost and why not to use duct tape on ducts. These kinds of details were the inspiration for the original version of this book, and are the reasons for this new edition. While some things havent changed much over the last few decadeshouses are still built largely with nails, and deck stain still needs to be reapplied more often than wed likehardware products are constantly changing, as are the rules for using them properly and safely in your house. The updated content and new, color photos in this edition will help you find just what you need for todays projects.

Perhaps whats changed most of all is the hardware store itself. Hardware retailers have always carried a wide variety of itemsits the nature of the businessbut todays large home centers have taken selection to a whole new level, some offering upwards of 40,000 different products under one roof. Theyre well staffed, for sure, but it still helps enormously to have a good idea of what you need when you get in the door. After all, out of those 40,000 items, you might be in search of exactly one. And thats why this book is more necessary and, we hope, more helpful than ever.

Phil Schmidt, Edition Editor

INTRODUCTION