B & B Hardware

Unless I'm buying kiln-dried 2x4's, or 80 lb bags of mortar, I almost never shop at the warehouse building supply places. Partially for high-sounding reasons, but also because they're difficult to get into and out of quickly.

I prefer specialty stores, though my favorite general hardware store in Los Angeles is B & B Harware at 12450 West Washington Blvd. (at Centinela). (I also like Berg's in Pasadena.) B & B has a well-staffed plumbing supply section. Furthermore, with an employee permanently stationed at the hardware counter, there's always help matching the odd metric bolt or stainless screw.