I hate that each Menards is laid out differently; it's really dumb.
It's totally true that the employees usually don't know a thing about the parts or items sold. Often if you ask the wrong guy they will say something like 'I've never heard of that' and that's basically the final answer. Don't bother asking is my general rule.
However, you need to remember the clerk is probably being paid minimum wage or only a buck or two better. The clerk does not claim to be a plumber, electrician, or carpenter so don't expect them to know the things a plumber, electrician or carpenter would.
You came hear because it's a little cheaper than Home Depot where the guys/gals in each department actually seem to know a little about their zone. Being rude to the poorly paid cashier does not help anybody.
I hate that they always have to ask 'will this be in a Menards card today?'
Three stars because it's cheap, delivery service is good and can usually be next day, and the stores are well disbursed around town.
Again...I hate that each store layout is different; so frustrating.