Emma Pritchard

It isn’t just about selling bolts.
It’s not just about selling quality hardware products and stocking reputable brands either.
At The Bolt Barn, it’s all about providing exceptional customer service, courtesy of an experienced team of professionals, supporting the local community and putting money back into the Grafton economy.
And of course, letting people know they’re here.
After enjoying 12 successful years as owners and managers of The Bolt Barn in Lismore, Chris and Linda Waring have expanded their independent, family owned business into the Clarence Valley, setting up their second branch at the Grafton Brewery complex in North Street in mid-September.
Having received plenty of positive feedback during their first weeks of operating, The Bolt Barn is quickly becoming a frequent destination for local tradespeople, property owners, mechanics and DIY fanatics.
They don’t mind if they sell you one bolt, or a whole pallet of bolts.
They’re also just as happy to answer any questions and inquiries from customers, to pass on their knowledge and welcome back new customers as regular shoppers.
“We’d had increasing interest from the Grafton area and so we thought the time was right to move down and basically replicate what we do in Lismore,” said owner Chris Waring of the new establishment.
“We employ local people and we’re seen as a local business, putting money back into the local economy.
“We’re keen to reach out to people in the Grafton area and around Yamba, Iluka, Maclean and those other areas where we’re probably getting a bit far away from Lismore.
“People from those areas can come to Grafton instead of Lismore so they can get the same service here without travelling far.
“We’re gradually getting a bit of traction from the trade customers and from retail customers.
“It’s been good, it’s heading in the right direction.”
The Bolt Barn in Grafton stocks a wide range of hardware, tools, adhesives, ladders, rivets, screws and fasteners, welding products and abrasives.
They also carry an impressive range of Milwaukee tools which proudly decorate one of the main walls close to the entrance, easily capturing the attention of customers as soon as they walk in.
Sourcing those hard to find items and products isn’t a problem either.
The Bolt Barn in Grafton receives two deliveries from Lismore daily.
“If we haven’t got it, we can get it very quickly,” Mr Waring said.
“I can get stock within 24 hours.”
The Bolt Barn is also a member of the CSS Group, (Construction Supply Specialists), which enable them to source the more difficult to locate products.
“There are 65 members of CSS Australia wide, meaning if a customer is after an odd sort of product which we don’t stock, one of the other members may stock it so we have access to all that stock through the member network all through Australia,” Mr Waring said.
“We like to do whatever we can to assist our customers and ensure they’re receiving the best quality products and that they’re happy with the service we provide.
“We will also deliver items in Grafton and to all the other areas previously mentioned.
“There are no restrictions.”
Alongside his dedicated staff members which include manager Troy McLaren and Chris Godfrey, Mr Waring has no doubts the growing reputation of The Bolt Barn in Grafton will only expand further.