I cannot recommend this business highly enough. From custom-cut keys to painting supplies, from bbq equipment or wine-making materials to Italian-American paraphernalia and most things in between, this is the place to go. The owner, Paul, is a wealth of knowledge and goes out of his way to help his customers. His prices are on par with the big box chains, but the individual customer service is way above his competitors. For example, I once found myself locked out of my apartment because the lock had broken inside the cylinder. Paul lent me a crowbar with no charge, deposit, or hassle, and helped me to get back in my place. He then had a new lock ready for me at a very reasonable price when I returned. Needless to say, this sort of adventure would have cost me a small fortune at a Home Depot or Lowes. I've lived within walking distance of Chiarugi Hardware for 15 years now, and make it a point to shop there. I originally did so out of support for a small, family-owned business, but now do so out of loyalty. This exceptional loyalty is not one sided either. I imagine myself a bit of a handyman and often come to Paul with a special request or in search of an unusual item; each and every time he has gotten it for me within a day, no problem. The place epitomizes the ideal of a family business. Paul, his wife, and his sons--along with the neighborhood regulars--are often found outside, greeting people as they walk along the street. I regularly walk my dog there--Carol always has treats for the four-legged friends in the area--and make it a point to stop by whenever I can. Simply put, this is not just a good business or a great neighborhood hardware store. It is a staple of the Little Italy/UIC neighborhood and one of the anchor businesses on Taylor Street. read more

This place isn't big but it stocks pretty much everything you need for routine home repairs. Over they years I've bought a bathtub stopper, a small mason's level, the little tube thing that gets water into a toilet tank, an entire replacement float thing for a toilet tank, and a bunch of other small stuff like that. Prices are very good. I think they're cash only. Owners are very knowledgeable and have given me good instructions on how to do the repairs I've needed to do. Owner usually offers customers his card and says you can call if you have any questions. Also, the machine they have for making keys is way more accurate than the ones they have at Home Depot or wherever. The ones I got made at Chiarugi all work perfectly, but some of the ones I had done years ago at Home Depot you have to jiggle them to get them to work. Definitely get keys done here. For small stuff it's way better to go here than navigate Home Depot. Only go to Home Depot if you need power tools or big stuff like lumber, screen doors, etc. read more

Wow, words can not express how many times Paulie and Carol have helped me when I needed them most! When I lost my house keys, they were there to make me a new set, when my kickstand fell off my bike, they were there to lend a wrench, when I needed new filters for my A/C when it decided to get hot in chicago, they had my size, when I needed liquid plumber for my clogged drain, they were ready to deliver. I love having a local hardware store in the neighborhood that is well equipped to handle all your needs without having to go to a home depot. Not to mention, they are the sweetest and kindest people and provide service with a smile and a friendship! I highly recommend Chiarugi for all your hardware needs. If they don't have what you need, they will find a way to help you! read more

When I first moved to this neighborhood, a guy restoring a vintage wood table for me brought some nails to Chiarugi's for replacement. The owner opened our eyes to the true age of the furniture just by assessing its original nails: "Over a hundred-years old," he said. This story typifies the level of expertise at Chiarugi's shop. Also, this spot has got to be the warmest, friendliest, most personable business on all of Taylor St. A place like this helps you get over the "could-care-less-that-you're-here" attitude of the big box stores. Chiarugi's could be the hardware equivalent of the Cheers bar. They "know your name" when you walk in (or walk by) and they never forget your face. read more

Honestly the best customer service with the most lovely people in this little hardware store in Little Italy! I was greeted very warmly and Paul was so quick and considerate when making copies of my keys. He made sure to copy them exactly like they looked (I had one silver and one gold key), and they worked perfectly. I was short $2, but Paul said not to worry and let me come back later to give him the rest, which I thought was so kind! Don't miss out on these good people in this neighborhood! They have all your hardware needs and I feel very good about supporting this small business rather than the big name stores. 100% recommend! read more

Had to make copies of keys and found this fantastic little hardware store. The sweet old man who owns this place was extremely kind, friendly, and so helpful! Who would have thought making extra set of keys can brighten your day even more. This is a small family owned business in the heart of Little Italy, they will and do take care of their customers! Please go to them for your needs, unfortunately big businesses are taking their clients away. We need more small friendly business owners in our neighborhood like this one! read more

Awesome place. Nice selection of tools and items for projects and repairs, all at a reasonable price. They also make great keys in less than five minutes. Better than the quality of products though is the amazing customer service. I'm not very handy, so Mr. Rinaldi always takes the time to make sure I'm getting the best product for my needs, even if it's not the one that makes him the most money. He always gives great advice and is super friendly. Support your local businesses and shop at Chiarugi! read more

If you're looking for some small items, things to help you get small things done around your home. This is a great place to go! Very kind people who are willing to help and if they have it in stock, it's reasonably priced. These people are a local business for many years, and unfortunately, both owners are facing grave health issues. So if you get a chance, stop by, we need a pair of pliers some cleaning supplies they have what you need and it's worth helping out good people! read more

I have never made a yelp review before, but the service I just experienced deserves recognition. I stopped in to make copies of my apartment keys and was greeted at the door by an employee asking how they could help me. He not only made me the new keys extremely quickly, but hand cut pvc pipe I had been needing. Service 10/10, location 10/10 (right on taylor st.) experience 10/10. Would 100% recommend this fantastic establishment to anyone in the area. read more

Great location, great store and even better owners. Paul is always helpful with projects, tools and keys, not to mention he's super friendly. It's hard not to get a sense of what this Italian neighborhood once used to be like when you walk in Chiarugi. The faces, stories and Italian memorabilia are always charming. It's the best and cheapest places to get keys made around me. I highly recommend stopping in for your next DIY repair or project needs. read more

We visited this store on Saturday to have spare keys made and to ask some home maintenance questions. Ever aspect of our interaction was simply great. The owner has been there for decades, and his wealth of knowledge and experience shines through. Friendly, competent, and w/o making you feel like an idiot for things you don't know. Hands down best hardware store I have ever been to. Very happy to have found this in Little Italy neighborhood. read more

I was nearby and had to get some keys made. This was the closest place to me so I called and asked if they copy keys and they kindly told me yes so I made my way to the store. Upon walking in, I was greeted with enthusiastic smiles and a warm welcome. They promptly assisted me with making key copies (they worked great) and wished me well when leaving. Even gave me a candy cane for the road--so sweet! Will definitely be a repeat customer :) read more

Chiarugi has everything that you would need in a community hardware store. They even fix screens which really comes in handy when there isn't another store in Chicago that i found to do that. I also get my duplicate keys made there because i know that they will always work which i can't say about Home Depot. They also have winemaking and beer making equipment which is actually pretty cool, and something that you don't see very often. read more

I traveled from Hyde Park to this hardware store to have keys made because I needed it done right away and I've learned from experience that Home Depot and Ace Hardwares are horrible at key making! The owner patiently waited for me to navigate through Saturday traffic to get there with my toddler who wasn't cooperating with my schedule. It was near closing time but he still waited. You don't get this personal service at Home Depot. read more

I needed a key copied, and he did it in no time at all. This is more than your typical neighborhood hardware store, it's a family-owned establishment embedded in the very fabric of Taylor street. With it, come all the benefits of other businesses down the road, and the history of what they have done for the community. Go there for your keys, your hardware supplies, some cleaning supplies, or just for a screw. They won't disappoint. read more

I just got back from getting a few keys copied and it was a fantastic experience. Paul (the owner) was extremely kind and welcoming. I walked in and he got my keys made and even matched the color and shapes of the keys. The keys work perfectly, but if they didn't you could take them right back and he'd make them again for you. It's a little tucked away, but it is definitely worth going to if you are in the area! read more

Chiarugi Hardware was highly recommended to me by friends, and it lives up to its reputation! The owners are friendly, knowledgeable, and the service is excellent. They made 4 sets of six keys in about five minutes. I forgot to bring a debit card or cash, and they were accommodating as I dashed home and returned to pay. Always check Chiarugi's before you go to a chain store! read more

I had an amazing experience at the store. I went to Home Depot 4 times to get roommate some working keys to our condo but they never worked. I saw the sign in the window walking to class one day so I stopped in and they were the nicest most genuine people I have met. He also gave me free keychains for the 4 sets that I made. I am going to be making all of my purchases there. read more

This is a great store!!!. Not only are the owners friendly and very personable, but this is the only store that I have found that makes copied keys that always work. I have gone to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and a number of other stores and end up returning most of the copies, but not with Chiarugi. They take great pride in their work and it shows. I am a customer for life! read more