Overview: The hardware store is the epicenter of the construction world for both the weekend handyman and professional builder. Many of the items found in hardware stores are so common that it’s easy to forget that when they were invented, they represented technological breakthroughs–some even revolutionized entire industries. We examine various tools and see how they’ve evolved, including the wrench, measuring and demolition tools, rope, sandpaper, and locks and keys. Whether you’re looking for an ancient tool like a hammer or a modern one like an electronic lock, you’ll find it at the hardware store–the place to go when things fall apart or when you decide to build your dreams from the ground up.