So far I have had a excellent experience here! I needed a cheap socket wrench set up. Called the store and was told they had them. After walking there. I was pleased to find they had a pretty big selection of wrenches, etc. I bought a standard socket set/kit for $20.00! That is not bad especially in the city! It was also made very well! It's nice to know there is a small local hardware store that has what you need. I called the Ace down off of Filmore previous to Cole, and they said they only had open ended wrenches! Really? There loss Cole's gain. Thanks Cole Hardware! read more

I have only been to this store for two things: muni passes and most recently to purchase paint for the room I'm moving into. My experience here has been fantastic and I cant say enough about the staff and service! Gertie in particular worked with me quite a bit, helping me select the color and finish of paint I wanted. Since this is the first room I've painted myself, I really appreciated the suggestions she was able to offer and how patient she was with me. Gertie was a great source of information. I will surely return to Gertie and Cole Hardware for my paint and hardware purchases. read more

Always helpful, have almost everything we need - WOW! We have always loved going to Cole Hardware but now, that we bought a fixer upper just four blocks away, I am in love with this store! I have fun going, folks walk me through as I stumble across what I need (an anchor, for a shelf, kinda heavy, will have pots, but how this is the wall, hmmmm?) and, on the rare chance they don't have something, they order immediately and voila, it's there in just a couple of days! Much more pleasant and enjoyable than driving down to Lowe's and more San Francisco focused, which, as a resident of the city, I sincerely appreciate (last time I was at Home Depot, the sales rep explained that claw foot tubs were seriously outdated and they wouldn't carry something for things like that - I mean, everyone with those wants the new modern, in style tubs right? He was SHOCKED when I told him I liked in and just shook his head with disdain...) So, check out Cole Hardware - enjoy the support, the wide variety and the fun atmosphere. read more

What a great place! Being originally from the suburbs and used to a Home Depot always nearby, this was a new experience when I moved to SF. Cole Hardware is small but packed full of all the essentials for your home projects and then some. Another big plus: staff completely rocks and are always super helpful. Kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies are all alot more than what you would expect. Definitely get the membership card if you are a local. read more

I've been going to Cole Hardware for 18 years now. Yikes, how time flies. They are awesome. I love that I can find just about anything there. If I can't, I would have to go somewhere more industry specific. Service is great. I've only not liked one person who I thought was a bit curt, but I don't think she is there much. Everyone else, at all the locations, has always been friendly and helpful. Anyway, I really like that if you don't find what you're looking for, but another Ace Hardware sells it, you can order it, or ask them to carry the item. I noticed that they started carrying a glass cleaner that I once requested. Yay! I was recently in Philly and couldn't find a small neighborhood hardware store anywhere in the area. This made me realize how important it is to support our local neighborhood hardware stores; for otherwise, they won't be here. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. Worst service ever. The attendant was rude and obviously did not want to be there. When I brought it up to the assistant mgr. who was on the floor at the time, he seemed more annoyed that this was pointed out, rather than apologetic. There are several other hardware stores around here to support. Skip this one! read more

My favorite store on Polk Street hands down! From parking meter cards, to lunch boxes, to plungers, and tiny little screws (lots of them) - Cole Hardware has everything I need, even ones that I don't think I need. I always come out with great items that help me organize my place, or things that help me fix something around the house. Even better are the hard working staff that greets you with genuine smile, and are happy to help! They are my go-to guys in figuring out how to salvage existing items with my purchase, or any diy projects I am crazy enough to take on! For example, rather than throwing away my giant dresser made from Europe, Tina (the most helpful, patient and creative staff) helped me find different screws/spacers to replace the metric ones that I was missing for the custom drawer slides. Afraid that that I may frankenstein my way in nailing the drawers as a last result, Tina meticulously filed down the screw heads so that they fit in the slides. Two hours later - my dresser was saved from being chucked downhill from my window. I'm going around the house to look for things to fix just so I can go back to the store ASAP! read more

I came in here to get something else They had a sign outside that said they do the chipset for car keys and I need a battery on my car key So I figure I give it a try and the guy was so capable and had all the parts I was really surprised... Dude! read more

I own a building with three flats It's110 years old So I'm always doing something to it I go to Cole Hardware where the staff is very attentive Always happy to see you, make you feel comfortable. Not like the Asian own hardware store where they follow you around like if you might take something With out ever asking May I help? I'm just saying. Isaac on Hyde st keep up the good work thanks read more

Cole Hardware - Taken from my rooftop - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I shop at multiple Cole Hardware locations throughout the city as well as other hardware stores. Every location of Cole Hardware has had excellent service. They have a good selection of merchandise, the prices are not overly expensive, and returns are easy. They also take plastic bags and CFL bulbs for recycling. I took away one star because their selection of tools is rather mundane. It's not bad. It just isn't anything special. Their tool selection also often lacks a good selection of metric tools. I would love to see them carry a premium brand of hand tools like SK. I've never had a bad experience at Cole and I've often ended up buying something that I didn't go in for. They also give thousands of dollars back to the community through their spare change jars. Response to Rick's comment below: Crafstman isn't exactly premium. It's not *terrible* but it's not great either. It is as i said, mundane. It will work. But the tools are not precise and will round off bolt heads when more than a little torque is applied. If it was that or nothing, I would use crafstman. But I have upgraded all of my Craftsman sockets and wrenches to SK Hand Tools variants. I've never seen a rounded bolt since. FWIW, I'd love to see you guys open a store in the Outer Mission, near Mission and Ocean. read more

A nice little store with great selection and helpful staff. They probably need more space but as it is they have pretty much everything I need from heaters to light bulbs to kitchen utensils. I was looking for a heater and even though it's not in the weekly ad they have one on sale at an unbeatable price. Not sure why it's not in the ad but what a nice surprise. At the checkout I was told not to use an extension cord for the heater as it might cause a fire. I know this already but it was nice of the cashier to remind me. Check it out if you're in the area, you won't regret it. read more

Awesome store for when you're in need of random items. Everything you'd expect from an ACE hardware store but packaged in a cute, local shop. Got keys made here when I was in a hurry. In addition to being quick, the guy who copied the keys was super funny and chatty. As I waited we talked a bit and then I browsed the store. In addition to strictly tools and hardware you can find snacks, kids toys and various odds and ends. Definitely worth popping in if you're in the area and you need a mix of lightbulbs, toilet paper and gum! read more

I don't *need* a 24 pack of mouse traps, a tropical toilet seat, an 80 ft garden hose (hell, I don't even have a yard), a Costco-sized pack of Swedish Fish or an As-Seen-on-TV Ped Egg, but shit! if I did, this is the place I'd be coming. I stop by here every month to pick up my MUNI fast pass and end up spending way more than necessary on items that are also unnecessary. But, I must say, my herb garden is flourishing. read more

Great neighborhood hardware store. I stopped in while driving north for a camping trip and they had some great supplies. I even bought a wallet here and have since bought a couple more of these wallets as gifts. Who would have thought that you would find a great wallet at a hardware store? I bought this wallet and it is by far the best wallet that I have ever owned. If you are near a Cole Hardware store do yourself a favor and stop in. Buy yourself the "world's thinnest wallet" that is near the register and you will be glad that you did. Thanks Cole Hardware read more

The coolest thing about this place is that it seems to be the only place on Polk Street that could give a damn that it's on Polk Street. It's not so much that the people are cool (which they are), but that they still remember they work at a hardware store, so they know...hardware. The folks (just as many women as men. Ahem) don't seem to worry about being cool, hitting on the customers, whether you recycle, or getting the US out of Iraq. Instead, they've helped me with everything from choosing drill bits to choosing a paint color for my living room. And, as an added bonus, they have a home improvement referral service, so if you ask the nice person behind the desk, s/he can help you find a handyman, a painter, an electrician, whatever...a bonus for those of us who rate learning to use a level right below camping on the priority list. read more

Cole Hardware has the most creative window displays in all of San Francisco---no, the most creative in the entire world! This month, everything is pink and red (you've got to hand it to those Cole Hardware employees, they sure know how to coordinate their window displays with the Hallmark holidays)---pink baking tins and red scales and fuchsia gingham aprons. Last fall, every window was a different color of the rainbow; I've never coveted a lilac trowel as much as I did whenever I passed it by. Inside, Cole Hardware has a little bit of this and a little bit of that (not just hardware, despite their seemingly exclusionary name), all priced a bit higher than you'd expect. My favorite section would have to be the custom key blank rack: Eeyore, Mickey Mouse, animal print, camo, patriotic, satanic, you-name-it-they've-got-it. read more

Cole Hardware is awesome. This store is packed full of everything you can imagine. Plants, vacuums, key cutting, kitchen ware, garden ware, eco friendly cleaning supplies. All moderately priced and easy to find. Clean and bright store w/ friendly help. Love this neighborhood store. read more

The same things happened to me as the other reviewers. They said, "Hi," and offered popcorn to everyone else who walked in except us, and ignored us. There are a few friendly people in the store, but the others are unhelpful. I approached and made eye-contact with a guy to get some help, he looked at me, and then kept on sorting whatever item he was, without ever saying anything. These two workers were talking near a shelf I wanted to get to, I said, "Excuse me," they moved a little bit, but were blocked the shelf. I had to lean awkwardly around to get something. The only time I ever go is when there are good rebates or sales, because they are expensive and cater to yuppies, but it's the neighborhood because Cole Fox's items are more hardware-like Between Cole's on Polk and Brownies, go to Brownies if you want to fix your house, which has more actual hardware; go to Cole's on Polk if you want to fix UP your house. They are good at marketing themselves, what with the newsletter and the catchy window merchandise displays. One time I accidentally knocked a display off the rail and was putting it back, when this worker said condescendingly, "Thanks. I wasn't going to say anything." It would have been fine if it had been friendly or in a joking matter; I tried to laugh back- nothing. The last time I was there enjoying the sale, this older lady takes my shopping basket from me because I was also carrying some outside purchases, and had it all in a laundry basket I was buying. But I think she did it out of suspicion, cause she eyed my other bag. And I do not look like a shoplifter. I had verified over the phone that could use a coupon, but the cashier first wouldn't let me use it, then had to do all this verifying after I told her I'd checked. And the newsletter even says you can use outside coupons. Even though "Ace" is everywhere and they are on the Ace website, they are evidently not Ace; they are Cole's. When I was checking out, I didn't want to hold up the line, so I told the cashier I wanted to pick out my free item color (with coupon in newsletter) afterward. She started helping someone else while I moved to the side and the older one from before opens up the register immediately next to her and tries to ring me up for my paid-for purchases, then tells me to move my stuff after I tell her I paid. I didn't get a bag (or a bag refund) and didn't really want to put my stuff on the ground, but now both cashiers were eying me all suspiciously for picking out the color for some free item, and I've already paid! The older ones asks my cashier about what I'm doing and they keep watching. I don't need to be treated like a criminal. I've shopped here before and spent decent money. I should have just left the rest of the colors on some shelf when I left. read more

Good service, good products, good prices, great selection of plants and herbs for cheap. I always find what I need here and if I ever need help finding something, the nice people at Cole Hardware are happy to help out. read more

I needed a faucet-to-hose adapter and, not wanting to drive to Home Depot in Daly City, decided to check out this neighborhood hardware store. As soon as I walked in, this nice old lady asked me what I was looking for, guided me to the right aisle and helped me find the right adapter among the dozens that they had there. I was an instant fan. It looks very compact from the outside, but they fit a lot of stuff in that space, including not just your typical hardware goods, but also some kitchen and bathroom goods. So unless I'm buying something that requires a truck to move, I'm coming back here first. read more

Ran in here with only 15 minutes on the parking meter and was in and out in no time. I needed a couple of sets of multiple keys made and they did a great job. I've always been told to save my receipt until I got home to make sure the keys worked, but I don't think I've ever had keys replicated so smoothly! They worked perfectly. I love when something that shouldn't take forever, doesn't take forever because of good customer service and efficiency! I will definitely use Cole Hardware again for keys and recommend them whenever someone is looking for a place who does key replications. read more

Normally, I dread going to hardware store..really.. almost as much as I dread going to the DMV..but today I needed a replacement light bulb for the jewelry display case at the shop...and apparently Walgreens do not carry tiny 10v bulbs. I went into Cole Hardware and instead of messing around, I went straight to the source -- I showed the staff the light bulb I needed. Within minutes I had a replacement light bulb, a new broom and dustpan..all inside a handsome re-usable tote compliments of Cole Hardware. read more

Not cool. I called specially to confirm they could cut and thread pipe. The guy who answered said sure, so I drove 20 min across town, paid to park, and then was told, nope the machine is broken. Now I'm driving 20 min home, and just wasted nearly an hour of my day and 40 minutes of gas. No Bueno. read more

If you ever need help at this location, ask for Danny. He's my go to guy at this store, he's very knowledgable and helpful with information. It's a great neighborhood hardware store and I find the staff at this location much more friendly and helpful than the downtown location. I get anything from getting keys made, to paint, to orchid bark from this great, neighborhood hardware store. read more

I brought my 86 year old mother to SF for a few days. The hotel where we stayed did not have portable shower chairs. I did a lot of research and after pricing the ones at Walgreens and the like, I decided to do some sleuthing around the neighborhood of the hotel. I found Cole Hardware on yelp and checked it out. This was a fine little complete hardware store with really helpful employees. I explained my dilemma to one of the clerks and he showed me everything in the store that might work. There were several possibilities, but the kindest thing he did was ask if a patio chair could possibly work, That question reminded me that I had a small sturdy folding patio chair tucked away in my car that was waterproof. I went back to my car and measured it and it seemed to be the perfect idea. I took it up to our room and it fit perfectly in the bathtub. It even has a back. My mother loved it and it dried out right away after using it. The reason I am writing this is that the salesman was so incredibly helpful that he created an idea that solved the problem without my buying anything at all. NOW THAT IS EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE! He had even gone to the warehouse to get a certain folding step stool that was not out on the showroom floor. WHAT A WONDERFUL STORE! Thank goodness for independent businesses. I hope this prompts someone else to go there and hopefully buy something from knowing how ethical and caring the help is! read more

I've stopped in here multiple times and honestly the people that work here are pretty solid people. They've helped me out of a jam a couple of times. Shoutout to Felicia for A1 customer service. read more

i had a great experience buying paint and everything that you need to paint at cole hardware. after pricing paint at a few places, i decided on cole both for its location and prices. they carry ace and pratt & lambert paint, not sure about other brands. i was looking for pratt & lambert (great paint by the way). they mixed the paint for me while i waited and tested the color against the chips that i had chosen. and when one color didnt look exactly like what i expected, they said i could come back and exchange it if i didnt like it. i thought that was great because i was very nervous about the colors looking bad on the wall. they also helped with supplies - ladder, brushes, rollers, primer, dropcloths... you name it, i bought it, and they helped me! cole will definitely be my new hardware store, based on this experience. read more

This is an honest-to-goodness old time hardware store, the kind with lots of knowledgeable clerks and good service, a paper newsletter (and a loyalty program), they'll order something for you if you want it. Because of the relatively small size it's cramped in there, they don't carry as many bulky items, and you might have to reach high or stoop. But it does have a pretty good selection. It gives off a very positive feeling of being well-run. read more

once a favorite hardware store... staff purging has taken this store from 5 stars to 1 star. q'uell drag! like most hardware stores Cole's on Polk maximizes vertical display space. (people under 6 feet can NOT reach ~ 40% of the merchandise.) fine if staff is available to acquire it for you. all of the helpful and knowledgeable staff seem to have been fired. have held back this review for the past 4 visits... it would seem this downgrade is permanent. most recent visit there were a mere 5 customers in the store and yet 2 of us had to exit without the items on our list because we could not get shelf help. I'm sad to report this. read more

I've lived in the neighborhood 4 years and except for the 1st time, every other visit to Cole's has been a pain. The folks that work there have a penchant for ignoring people. They're also generally unfriendly. Here are the incidents i can remember: - i was there with a male friend and the older male worker completely ignored me and spoke only to male friend ... even though i was asking the questions. - i asked for help at the counter getting a specific type of lightbulb and the lady said she will get someone to help me. 10 minutes later, i was still standing there. When i asked her again, she shrugged and said everyone must be busy. - Went to get keys duplicated and the guy shaping keys looked up, saw me, went back to what he was doing without acknowledgement. When i asked rather politely if he could help us, he grunted. Finally another employee came by and offered help. I've been going to Brownies even though it's further away for me. The store is huge and the employees have a Much better attitude. read more

Cole Hardware is great! They are very helpful and even serve you fresh free popcorn upon request. The best is that they are not a big corporation, just your friendly neighborhood Hardware Store. I highly recommend going and supporting them by buying their goods. read more

The hardware store for the people. Nice window displays, a good selection and a uber helpful staff.

I really like this store. It is practical, unpretentious, and full of handy dandy little things for the home and garden. This is where I get my keys copied, where I buy insecticide for my struggling geraniums, and where I found the perfect hide-a-key box to make sure I don't drunkenly lock myself out . . . again. It is also where my roommate and I came (decked out with dark sunglasses and hoods up) to buy a serious toilet plunger the Saturday after we threw a raging party that wrecked our apartment and clogged up our circa 1960's plumbing. Sweet deal, I know. But the staff is great, very helpful when you want them to be but not overbearing. They also have a great selection of household knickknacks (kitchen organizers, closet organizers, etc) that will make any type-A person such as myself weak in the knees. read more

I love the staff at Cole Hardware! I'm in the first year of my new business (Avra Organic Spa www.avraorganicspa.com) so I'm always taking care of things that need to get fixed. I'm probably at Cole Hardware 2-3 times a week some weeks and have probably worked with their entire staff all of whom have always been incredibly helpful. I'd give them 5-stars but it's not the cheapest place to buy things all the time. read more

keys duplicated for $2 a pop. not the cheapest, but its convenient and quick. staff is friendly. it's not a big box store, but they have most of the stuff you need in order to fix that door, get keys copied, repair whatever your apartment has that is falling apart . . . and if you join their frequent shopper program its 5% off i believe. awesome! read more

Every good thing written about these stores are correct. I shop at both Polk and 4th St.. I even go there just to browse once in awhile if I'm in the area because it's fun to buy a new Turquoise Collander, or a extra extension cord, new paint, or a new drill ( yes I own a drill) and even a staple gun even though I like guys ! read more

i wish i had a cole hardware in my hood! they are meticulous about providing a perfectly rounded selection. cole hardware stocks the necessities, the accessories, and the stylin' gifts. unlike some neighborhood hardware stores, cole is a destination for delightful perusing and one-stop-shopping, and not just a pitstop for packing tape, superglue, and other "emergency" sundries. case in point: this morning, i stopped at peet's (pu-er milk tea in the hizzouse! what, what?!!) and was wondering where i could go in the neighborhood at 830 in the morning to get a xmas gift for a colleague. none of the other stores in this jolly little neighborhood were open (except for bow wow meow, god bless 'em), but cole hardware was! i was able to find the perfect gift AND gift packaging. jumbo xmas gift bags for $1.99 each topped off this serendipitous experience. staff was sweet, gregarious, and helpful. down-to-earth folks. lastly, b/c i spent more than $20, i got a nice cole hardware tote. rugged, practical, but oh-so-subtly-stylish with some grey cross-stitching. heck yeah. read more

Edit to the below: Got a message, and it seems lumber is confusing and a 1" board is actually 3/4" and that's apparently quite normal and I'm the crazy one. Back to 5 stars! ----- Dropping a star because I went in to buy some wood to build shelves. I bought and paid for 8' x 8" x 1" boards. When I got home, between my cutting and drilling, I measured to find they were actually 8' x 7" x 0.75". One out of three dimensions is not great. So my shelves are a bit skinny, and I paid for about one board foot more than I actually got. Not thrilling, but at least the staff was still very helpful. One big knock in three years of shipping here is okay, I'll keep shopping here but get my lumber elsewhere. read more

When the hose nozzle breaks, when there are shelving, paint, lighting needs or even when I need a popcorn fix I head on over to the local Cole Hardware. First thing of note upon entering this seemingly modest corner shop - THE Most amazing staff ever assembled under one roof; eclectic, fun and able to help with any and all items. For a small store the prices are super reasonable and you truly can find all you need for gardening, kitchen, paint, appliance fixes and so on. Oh yeah and they sell random umbrellas, candy and a whole heap of friendship in between ( ; PS almost forgot - you get points with every purchase when you have the little swipe card - just got free batteries for my smoke detector woohoo! read more

Small hardware stores can be a bit more expensive, but what you lose in dollars you make up for in service. The manager here (Tina?) and one of the clerks on her team (Gertie?) are great. They always smile and are super helpful finding me what I need, and even though the store is little they usually have most things I need. This place is clutch. Thanks for great service. read more