The top hardware stores in Toronto can help take the mystery out of just about any home repair or remodel. You don't have to suffer through bad info videos on the web - you can, and probably should, talk to a pro face to face. While those big box stores may have what you need, there just might be somewhere closer to home get drywall plugs, a can of paint, or a bit of friendly advice.

Here are my picks for the top independent hardware stores in Toronto.

Rotblotts
Hidden away on Adelaide near Bathurst, Rotblotts serves the film industry and tradespeople - as well as everyone else. This place has some of the best prices in town on tools, cleaning/moving supplies, safety gear and paint, as well as a pretty good array of random fittings and hardware accessories.

Lee Valley
Since its inception in 1978, Lee Valley has been providing customers with some of the best quality tools and hardware items out there. They do their own in-house product design based on their customers' feedback and needs. Having a killer array of unique things to choose from, perusing their catalogues or showroom floor is just plain fun.

Jacobs Hardware
This Queen West mainstay has been providing the community with hardware since 1924. They can help you fix that pesky leak or find you that much-needed fastener, latch, nut, pin or pipe. With its super convenient location west of Spadina, popping into Jacobs can save you a trip to that big box store and have you on your way within short order.

Upper Canada Specialty Hardware
If you are looking for specialty hardware items for your home or commercial space, this Leaside shop might be your new best friend. From mail slots to cabinet's pulls to door slider tracks, this company can get you what you seek. The showroom is packed full and just like a kid in a toy store, you are guaranteed to find something you must have.

Downtown Lumber
Through this Ossington supplier you can buy any single item needed to build a home. They will sell or rent you whatever it is you need and can also provide services needed to design and plan out your home repair, renovation or completely new build. For over 20 years, Downtown Lumber has helped many contractors and homeowners alike.

Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
Richelieu has over 100,000 products all related to details for the home. If you are looking for solutions for finishing a functional space, ideas for kitchen storage, lighting track systems, and functional hardware, it can all be found through Richelieu. Have a gander at their website for some inspiration and an idea of what they can help you with.

Addisons Inc.
Sometimes the lure of time worn antiquities can pull you off the beaten path. This mecca of vintage plumbing, home dĂŠcor, salvaged hardware and fixtures will delight those who hunt for something different. Addison's can probably help with any hard to find items or relics of eras gone by.

Pollocks Home Hardware
For over 85 years, Pollocks has been supplying the west end with all its hardware needs. This family business can help you see through just about any home fix it or remodeling task. From finding the perfect sized bolt for that thing you have, to helping you map out your kitchen renovation, this one stop shop could be the place for you.

Dudley's Hardware Paint and DĂŠcor
Founded by the Dudley family in 1934, this hardware store on Church has been helping people with their home repairs out for decades. This old-style hardware store has just about any small hardware or everyday item that you could possibly need. From plumbing bits to paint, cleaning supplies, to window films, cut glass to cut keys, it's all there.

Weiners Home Hardware
Nestled in the heart of the Annex is this family owned and operated business. Four generations of the Weiner family have kept this store a reliable hardware destination since 1923. Providing customers with the usual array of small hardware and home items, the staff is also knowledgeable and friendly.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite hardware store in the comments.

Photo by Randy McDonald via the blogTO Flickr pool.