Back at this ace hardware north Beach ..Halloween fall ...poked around convenience store read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is really my favourite hardware store in the city. It's huge, there's a wide range of housewares, tools, repair and cleaning supplies, basically almost anything you'd need for small and medium home repairs or a wee gardening project, or even an emergency gift for a visiting friend. I try to get anything non-food related from here when I'm in the area on the weekends. Staff is incredibly helpful and friendly and zero complaints about the store. read more

A San Francisco Original with Community Spirit and Great Service Cole Hardware is a San Francisco original! It was founded in 1920 as a small, family-owned business in San Francisco's Cole Valley neighborhood. In 1959, David Karp purchased it. Over the decades, he grew it from its original location to multiple stores across the Bay Area. Cole Hardware is known for its community focus and extensive product selection. The business has weathered challenges like the 1989 earthquake and the 2016 fire that destroyed its flagship store, maintaining its reputation for exceptional customer service and strong community ties. Over the last few years, I have visited for different reasons, and every single time, I am impressed and pleased with their selection of products and wonderful customer service. Their prices are also very competitive. However, what is most valuable to me is the as-needed free consulting one can get from the store's employees. For example, you may have a simple electrical project at home. You can always ask a representative for advice. If they can't answer your question, they will find you a colleague who could. Visit them next time you have a little project or need a basic item for your home. read more

See all

Cole's assistant (Jeff) provided me with the most utmost attention in locating the necessary parts for repairing a ceiling light fixture (one part wasn't hanging on the shelf, but in a bin waiting to be restocked). Jeff was friendly and attentive with a smile - my kind of service person - in and out and quick and easy so that I can be on my way to make my repairs with no hangups. Thank you Jeff!! read more

Love this store but be aware of false advertisement Tim the manager has no control over this store so he's no help. I came here to buy trading cards listed at 5.99 each When I checked out it came out to be 29.99 I call TIM the Store Manager and he couldn't accept that they were labeled wrong. Instead of giving a discount he proceeded to charged me 29.99 after he saw that it was 5.99. I'm sorry but this place needs better management TIM doesn't know or care about the customer. Please don't shop here. They change prices and don't care about loyal customers read more

Cole hardware is what I imagine customer service used to be like in the old days (I'm a young person). Every employee is knowledgeable about every product in the store. I just go up to one and ask about what I need and they help me. One time I went there for draino and they convinced me to get a drain snake (better for your drain). Then the 2 employees started talking about their experiences using the drain snake. I'm sorry I drank drain snake haterade bc I just pulled the most atrocious hair monster from my sink the other day. All thanks to Cole hardware. read more

I went in with two halves of a little red wagon. They helped me find the product I needed, and then installed the front wheels for me. I left with a perfectly good little red wagon. I wheeled it home happy. read more

Although parking is sometimes a pain, the friendly service and selection is worth the circling.

I went into Cole hardware on the morning of Wednesday May 6th and had a very negative experience with one of the employees. I came into the store pretty early around 10 am and was the only other customer at the time and all I needed was some assistance getting paint samples. I asked the man working at the front counter for some assistance and he was annoyed about my request saying there was only two people working but he would page his colleague to help me. I said no problem and waited in the paint aisle. The employee came around pretty quickly with a very rude demeanor. I told him nicely I just need some miniature paint samples for four different colors, he loudly sighs and goes "THATS A LOT". I give him my paint samples and thank him then he starts making the samples. The whole time he is making the samples he is loudly sighing like I have just asked him to do something that is not at all within his job description. After two of the paint samples are done he slams them on the counter and goes "these are really dark" completely unsolicited. I don't reply to him as it didn't seem like a fair remark but instead judgement. This employee was all together very rude for no apparent reason, I'd like to think it has nothing to do with me being a woman in a hardware shop but he didn't seem to have the same attitude problem when talking to male customers. This interaction made me feel very uncomfortable and made me think twice about supporting this business in the future. read more

Nice Zero air flow. They do have a little bit of everything. If you live in the neighborhood and you need supplies, this is the place to go. Plenty of different fertilizers including a good selection of organics. Prices seem average. Friendly service. read more

Great hardware store with fun gift items. Well organized and stocked. Staff has their areas of expertise as well as general knowledge and are very helpful. Offer knife sharpening as well as key making. Cute plants too. read more

Working for some many years and growing up in this neighborhood, I've seen businesses come and go, even more so since April. My regular hardware store closed temporarily in July and I was hunting for a particular item in October. Not knowing whether other similar stores would carry this, I knew this store would have it. After the greeter sanitized me (not in that way), she also asked me what I was looking for. She gave me the aisle number so my hunt began. When I reached that section, the item that I wanted was locked to the slide display so I asked one of the male staff to help me. After pointing out which one I wanted, I was then off to the cashier line which was to the far left as you face outwards from the store. After a short wait, I pointed to the item that the male worker brought to the register and the cashier processed my purchase. Not needing a bag, I took the item and my receipt and was on my way. This store is a far cry from the neighborhood market that was here for several decades. After a short time as a cafe, it was vacant for a long while with signs stating that Mama's was applying to open a branch location here. Needless to say, that didn't come to fruition. The current store has a substantial variety of home improvement items. I only needed one item and, given the social distancing situation, I did not want to window shop or browse. Kudos to the logistics in shopping here and the kind and friendly staff who made my mission quick and easy. read more

They've always had what I needed, and the salespeople are very helpful. When I still had my dog, he loved going to this store because the workers fussed over him and gave him treats. read more

Needed some applewood pellets for my smoker. I called, they told me they stored the pellets away for the season but happy to check to see if they had the applewood. They did and brought up a bag from storage and had it at the counter for me when I came to pick it up. Needed it because I'm making homemade bacon read more

Cole Hardware - Making bacon - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

They sell plants here as well, and I have bought several varieties of hanging plants here. Well priced.

I love Cole's!! Walking into Cole's is like walking into a quaint small town store. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Despite being in San Francisco, they definitely have the family neighborhood vibe. Cole's carries anything and everything! Need keys made ? Need plants/planting goodies? Need paint? Need that hard to find thingy? They've got you!! It's the type of store that makes you want to wander up and down the aisles just to explore, and find all of the things that you've been looking for, as well as, discovering some items that you'll want. Parking is kind of tough, but worth the push to find a spot. Go check them out ! read more

Solid local hardware store that should more than suffice for your day-to-day needs -- from light bulbs to electrical tape and succulents to Christmas wreathes, you'll find it here. Not the widest selection but you'll find what you came in for. However, here's a special call out for their Covid safety protocols. They make you sanitize your hands first, ask you what you're looking for before entering, and point you to the right aisle so you're in and out as quick as you can. read more

In dire need of bed rails that night. Ordered one on Amazon and when it came to putting it together, it was missing a big piece. Walked into Cole hardware and the folks were very friendly. Dan in hardware was heroic. Troubleshooted the problem and helped me drill a hole and bolted the pieces in place. Just a wonderful resource for the neighborhood. read more

It was surprisingly hard finding any BBQ grille vendor willing to deliver an assembled grille up the stairs to our house and yard, at any price. Cole came through at a great price. As always, these folks do it right. read more

This is about the 5th time that Mark has helped me, but this time he went a little too far! Over and above the call of duty.. Thank you Mark. He helped me piece my compressor fitting project problem. No Problemo for Mark. He is always kind assertive and very hard working. After several attempts of finding the right compressor fitting parts he came through with good ideas. Thank you Mark...I appreciate the hard work.. I also have to toss in Great Customer service by Justin. Always there to assist and help. Frank and Don are the bomb.. Can someone stop to thank these guys by not just saying thanks and give them a good hard earned raise? There were there through Covide. At least get them some pizzas... Thanks !! read more

Cole Hardware - compressor fittings. - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I began going to Cole Hardware after moving to the city because it was close. I had continued to shop there for a few years for 2 reasons. The exceptional customer service the staff provided and their wealth of knowledge. I guess that's a thing of the past. After my visit today, I'm done. I was treated rudely and after 3 attempts at getting help with 3 different store associates, none of which even attempted to help me, I had to just walk out. One would think that their customer service game would be sharp since that's the only thing speaking them from any other. Bad employees like these are a huge part of why the "brick and mortar" stores are disappearing. I encourage the owners to provide some training and/or final to the inadequate help before you lose any more customers. Good luck with the future of your business. read more

Sooo magical. You could easily knock out some holiday shopping for yourself and others at this Cole Hardware. They really have it all. From lovely dishcloths, to San Francisco themed bags, to family games, to teapots, to YETI cooler supplies, to pest control supplies and so much more - Cole Hardware is your spot. The staff here are exceptional at helping you get exactly what you need and they are always fantastic resources when it comes to home improvement questions etc. Trust. read more

Twice I've purchased small bags of potting soil from this cole's, and twice they've been infested with flies. Both times, those flies took up residence in my apartment, and both times it happened after I threw away the receipt, and I was left sh*t out of luck; No soil, No peace. I've kept trying to like this place because they're local, and they seem to have just a little bit of everything you'd need-even if they're way overpriced... But with those two irritating incidences, and the fact that they're still requiring people to wear their masks, after the rest of the country has stopped doing so? That may be one irritating thing too many. ** If the mask policy is enforced for immunocompromised employees or something? Then I might understand...** Otherwise? you should at least be keeping your little roped entry/ forced hand sanitizer routine as a warning to the unsuspecting customers instead of bombarding us with a trio (!) of scolding employees once we set foot inside. Sure-you were friendly enough, but it was an irritating experience, and it was what pushed me from "trying to like this place" to "needing to diss this place". read more

I enjoy walking down the aisles of Cole Hardware, even if I don't have an agenda for anything to buy. They basically sell everything on the planet minus girl scout cookies. You need a mini grill for bbqing on your mini SF porch? Cole's got you. You need some pepper spray to intimidate the SF crazies on every block? Cole's got you. Aside from home improvement stuff they carry a wide spread of chachkies and interesting things. I've only bought a few things here but the staff are generally nice. The few times I've gone during opening some of the staff can be a little cranky but hey who wouldn't at 8am. read more

I come hear from time to time for little things and the team is always super helpful. Today I was blown away by the service!!! I came in with a super challenging project and the team came up with a plan, going above and beyond to MacGyver a solution. You guys are the best! Special shout-out to Dan!!! read more

Horrendous horrendous service! I live in the neighborhood and for some reason my UPS packages get delivered to this damn place and they keep them in the basement. They have no idea where they are down there, taking 35 minutes to bring up a package with the tracking number and the paper door receipt. Then they had a mini meltdown that I didn't have my ID with me and wasn't able to provide a tracking number, that's not on the same notice left at the door. How in the world would I get the door notice if it wasn't me that was taking the package? They've been rude and lazy on another number of other occasions. Offering up a whole 5% discount on the first sale. I bought a few things and then went back later in the same day and asked if they could honor the 5% for the second purchase and they tried to say No, until I raised all holy hell. read more

Nice neighborhood hardware spot. Don't come here expecting a home depot size selection, but also their workers are about 837266193x more friendly and helpful than at a home depot. Prices are decent, and people are nice. A+ read more

Frank was an incredible help with rigging up my portable dishwasher!! I ended up finding the correct parts online once I got home to measure things out, but he was the most knowledgeable person I spoke to across 4 hardware stores in North Beach/Nob Hill/Russian Hill. Thank you Frank!!! read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Extremely helpful for our project. We needed help to build a custom wood box, so we can place our baby stroller near the front door. We have zero tools to cut wood and don't own a power drill. We learned Cole's can sell you the wood and then cut it for you based on your specific dimension. Noel was the helped me on numerous occasions to build and assemble our box and now it fits perfectly! Thank you Noel for doing an amazing job!! read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Thanks, cole hardware for taking advantage of people during a natural disaster. Selling $3 air masks for $9 during the California wildfires. Really demonstrates you care about the community. read more

See all

I only know of one other hardware store downtown, and it seems like they both go the extra mile to make the store attractive to millennials and to seasoned professionals alike. I know it's new but it looked like they have the kind of things you need for your home repair project or decoration project. Probably won't find much lumber (I could be wrong). I took a walk through the store and it had a very nice layout and was well stocked. They were open til 8 as I recall which was nice. read more

These guys are so awesome. I've gone in twice for kind of small stuff - a fan and a lawn chair - and all the staff has been way more helpful and friendly than I would've expected. They're happy to explain and talk through things with you. Have to imagine for more significant purchases they're even more helpful. Come here!! read more

Amazing customer service from pretty much everyone here when I was trying to fix a leaky kitchen sink. Mark was extra awesome with resizing of the drain pipe. Don as well helping put together the P trap to fix a leaky sink drain. No leaks! Whoo hoo! read more

..went lookin for 1/4 in nuts and Dan the sales clerk was very obliging, courteous and very helpful with making sure i bought the right sized nut... a jolly good fella made the shopping experience a pleasure...you' LIKE shopping at Cole's Hardware in North Beach....highly recommended !! read more

Great place - great selection! Best part of the store though is Spencer. He is quite possibly the most helpful, erudite, and hilarious sales associate I have ever met. He amiable, full of project ideas, and exceptionally knowledgable. Best puns and dad jokes I have ever experienced. Hell ya. read more

This has been the best non food/ drink edition to then neighborhood IMO. The place has really great product selection and services - and the general employee service is on another level. Staff is supremely knowledgeable, helpful, creative, and friendly to get whatever you need done. Scott - in particular has helped me on a ton of quirky 1900s household problems. read more

You can find almost things here. It's a store for doing many things in your home. Painting walls, repairing, cooking, planting, eating, buying toys or souvenirs...Employees in this store give many advices and they are very polite and harmful. read more

See all

What a North Beach gem! Each time the helpers go above and beyond to help me. As an example, a couple of weeks ago I needed tiny bolts for old furniture, their employee spent over 20 minutes helping me. read more

Terrible service. Staff was not helpful with returns on brand new item bought at the store. Started getting angry at me as customer when asking more questions about their returns system. Never again read more

Amazing customer service to help me get the paint and primer I needed. Tina helped me problem solve through their awesome texting service and was there when I picked up to go over my order and explain how they were able to give me exactly what I needed. So appreciate this competence and follow through! read more