I think I know the things you're talking about. They shouldn't be hard to get at all. Question - when you say hardware store, do you mean somewhere like Woodies, Atlantic etc.?
If so, go to an old-fashioned local store instead - the staff in the DIY megastores invariably in my experience are either a)clueless teenagers, or b)hungover, and usually both, so that while they probably have the items you need, the staff don't know, don't care, and just want you to leave them alone.
The staff in an 'oul lads' DIY shop will know instantly, and if they don't have them, will recommend somewhere that will. Try Lenehan's on Capel St. if in Dublin city centre.