You walk into a big-box store and immediately feel like a tiny ant in a massive, fluorescent-lit warehouse. You just need a specific stainless steel carriage bolt, but you’re stuck wandering aisle 47 while a teenager on a forklift narrowly misses your toes. This is exactly why local staples like Nelson’s Ace Hardware still exist. People think "hardware store" and imagine dusty shelves and hammers. Honestly, that’s barely scratching the surface of the actual products offered by Nelson’s Ace Hardware these days.
It’s kinda wild how much these stores have evolved. Whether you’re at the Eagle River spot in Wisconsin or one of the California locations like Selma or Kingsburg, these shops function more like high-end outdoor showrooms and specialized boutiques than just a place to buy a wrench. You’ve got high-tech lithium-ion mowers sitting next to local honey and gourmet BBQ rubs. It’s a weird, beautiful mix that actually makes sense when you’re trying to get a Saturday project done without losing your mind.
The Heavy Hitters in Outdoor Power Equipment
If you’re still messing around with a gummed-up carburetor on an old gas mower, the folks at Nelson’s probably have some thoughts for you. One of the biggest shifts in the products offered by Nelson’s Ace Hardware is the massive move toward battery power. We aren't talking about those weak little weed whackers from ten years ago.
They stock the EGO Power+ line, which includes zero-turn mowers that can handle a couple of acres on a single charge. It’s a game-changer. No more mixing oil and gas in a plastic jug that inevitably leaks in your trunk. They also lean heavily into brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Stihl. For the traditionalists who want the roar of a gas engine, you’ll still find Toro and Craftsman machines lined up and ready to go.
The coolest part? They don’t just sell you the box and point to the exit. Most Nelson's locations offer Precision Edge sharpening services. If your chainsaw chain is dull or your mower blades are tearing the grass instead of cutting it, you can bring them in. It's that "fix-it" mentality that the giant retailers just can't replicate.
Why the BBQ Section is Basically a Cult
It sounds hyperbolic, but the grilling community is intense. Nelson’s Ace Hardware has leaned into this hard. They aren't just selling cheap charcoal grills; they are authorized dealers for the "Big Three": Weber, Traeger, and Big Green Egg.
Traeger wood pellet grills are basically the stars of the show here. You can find everything from the portable Ranger models for camping to the massive Ironwood XL. If you’ve never had a brisket smoked over hickory pellets for twelve hours, you’re missing out on a core life experience. They also carry the Traeger Flatrock, which is their answer to the griddle craze. Speaking of griddles, Blackstone is all over the floor too.
- Big Green Egg: They sell the full kits, including the "Nest" (the stand) and the "EGGcessories."
- Fuel: They stock literal tons of wood pellets, lump charcoal, and they do propane tank exchanges.
- The Flavor Wall: This is where it gets fun. Nelson’s usually stocks over 100 different sauces and rubs. Brands like Meat Church or Blues Hog aren't just for professional pitmasters anymore.
Painting Beyond the Basics
Most people think paint is just paint. But if you’ve ever tried to cover a dark navy wall with a cheap "contractor grade" white, you know the pain of doing four coats and still seeing streaks. Nelson’s Ace Hardware carries Benjamin Moore, which is widely considered the gold standard by interior designers for its pigment depth and "hide" (that’s the industry term for how well it covers).
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They also have the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines line. This isn't just about the name; the colors are curated so you don't have to stare at 4,000 slightly different shades of "off-white" until your eyes bleed. The Kilz technology inside it means it’s a paint-and-primer-in-one that actually works.
A Note on Sheens
If you’re painting a high-traffic area like a mudroom, the staff will usually nudge you toward a Satin or Semi-Gloss. Why? Because matte looks great but it’s a nightmare to clean if a muddy dog rubs against it. Nelson’s carries these in everything from the standard Ace Royal brand to the premium Clark+Kensington lines.
The "General Store" Surprise
This is the part that catches people off guard. Depending on which location you visit—especially the one in Cave Springs, Arkansas—the products offered by Nelson’s Ace Hardware include things you’d expect to see at a boutique or a farm supply store.
We are talking about Melissa & Doug toys for the kids, Bogs boots for the muddy spring thaw, and even local canned goods. It’s a smart move. If you’re there to get plumbing PVC, you can also grab a gift for a birthday party or some high-quality birdseed. They’ve become a destination for YETI gear too. Whether it’s the Tundra 65 hard cooler or the Rambler tumblers in the latest seasonal colors (like Rescue Red or Navy), they usually have better stock than the big sporting goods stores.
Essential Services You Might Not Know About
Hardware stores live and die by their services. It’s not just about the inventory on the shelf; it’s about what they can do for you.
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- Glass and Acrylic Cutting: Need a pane for a broken window? They’ll cut it to the exact millimeter.
- Key Duplication: They do the standard house keys, but many also handle the complex "chip" keys for modern cars.
- Screen Repair: Instead of buying a whole new screen door, you can just bring in the frame and they’ll re-mesh it.
- Farm and Ranch Supplies: Particularly at the Selma and Kingsburg locations, they stock heavy-duty fencing, animal feed, and specialized tools for the Central Valley’s agricultural needs.
Real-World Advice for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning a trip to check out the products offered by Nelson’s Ace Hardware, don’t just wander in blindly. The "Ace Way" is built on the fact that the people wearing the red vests actually know what they’re talking about.
Pro-tip: Go to the Ace Hardware website and set "Nelson’s Ace Hardware" as your home store. This lets you see exactly what is sitting on the shelf at your local branch before you drive down there. It prevents that annoying moment where you show up for a specific Traeger accessory only to find out it was sold an hour ago.
Also, ask about the Ace Rewards program. It sounds like a typical corporate gimmick, but they actually send out "Five Dollar" coupons pretty frequently that you can use on basically anything. It's a solid way to knock the price down on a bag of premium grass seed or a new DeWalt battery.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your garage: Check your mower blades and chainsaw chains. If they're dull, drop them off at Nelson’s for a Precision Edge sharpening this week before the spring rush.
- Check your "Home Store" online: Go to the Ace website, search for Nelson's by zip code (like 93662 for Selma or 54521 for Eagle River), and "Make This My Store" to see real-time local inventory.
- Plan your BBQ: If you’re tired of standard grocery store BBQ sauce, go specifically to check out the "Flavor Wall" and grab a jar of Meat Church Holy Gospel rub—it’s a life-changer for backyard chicken.
- Measure your screens: Before the bugs get bad, pull out any torn window screens and bring them in for a quick re-screening service to save yourself the cost of full replacements.