I hope this little hardware store continues to thrive and remain in the financial district. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. It's places like this that make living in the heart of SF's thriving financial district feasible and unnecessary to drive. The place looks small from the outside but it has practically everything that an urban dweller needs. Prices aren't low but commensurate with the convenience it offers. Yes, we can drive to Daly City or South City to shop at Home Depot and Lowe's, respectively, but why waste time and increase your carbon footprint when you can easily walk to this quaint hardware store. I've found everything I needed at this place for my apartment. And it's wonderful to take a lovely stroll through downtown to get there. This place even had disco strobe lights during the holiday seasons. I was tempted, but ... read more

"So maybe while I'm at work you can make copies of my keys at Cole-Fox." *door slams* Cole-Fox is responsible for my getting a copy of "the keys" a year or two ago to 'his new place.' Cole-Fox is also responsible for having the coolest window displays in the city. Cole-Fox is ALSO responsible for people who don't know the difference between a monkey wrench and a socket wrench (you bet your sweet little booty I do) getting excited about hardware stores. Ar-Ar-Ar (Tim Allen impression.) read more

Great selection for hardware, nuts and bolts - and especially light bulbs in the city. Prices are a little higher than you could find out in inner sunset or Amazon but for the convenience I really can't complain. read more

Appears to be formerly Ace Hardware (various signage and baskets that say's Ace Hardware were observed), this facility appears to be a family operated store now. I was only here for a few minutes to pick up colored vinyl-polymer adhesive bonding strips and a staple gun; which they had in stock. While looking for my items, this place does have the common hardware items, such as basic hand tools, drivers, screws, bolts, nuts, wrenches, assorted tapes, some powered tools as well. Service is not as fast as a typical big-box store as there was only two people running the entire store, and it was busy when I was there. To be fair, the manually powered staple driver was behind a lock cage - so I was waiting in two lines to finish my shopping. Oh well, that's life. This place had the supplies and tools I needed to finish my projects and was within walking distance of where I was working; so I'm a happy camper! read more

I like it here, they have good service but sometimes they don't have stuff I need and it not only if they on sale.

The worst reputation a hardware store can have is talking down to their female clientele. When I ask a simple question I only expect a simple answer in reply. I do not need a condescending attitude, any implication that I don't know how to understand my own project and, for freaking sakes, don't slow down your words like you are talking down to a small child. If I need your help I will ask for it. Otherwise please just do your job. I'm sorry guys, but you lost my business permanently. Someone needs to explain to the guy I spoke with over the phone today what manners and customer service is. I'm a woman, not an idiot. read more

This place has basically anything one would want except larger pieces of wood or plants. I've bought screws, wiring, plumbing supplies, glue, paint, canning equipment from this place over the years. Great location near Powell BART that allows me to grab and go on the way home from work. Wonderfully helpful people there (as in all Cole-Fox locations) and popcorn in the back for a quarter. read more

Wow. My baggalini purse had a clasp that had broken and needed two tiny screws. I had carried around the pieces for months (especially since Baggalini no longer made this perfect size purse). I asked an employee to help me find the right size screws, she was extremely helpful but unable to find exactly what would work. She called in Gavin, the expert. He was so sweet, he spent the time to find the exact mix of the screws they had (which actually required a nut as well to adapt). He didn't even just give me the parts, he fixed the purse as I stood there. The price I paid to get this purse fixed was under $2. Gavin is my new hero, and cole-fox is my new hardware store of choice. What amazing people they have!! read more

WOW I've never been to a hardware store with so many women working in it- GREAT! Now I dont have to fret on getting 'that' stare as I try to feebly try to describe what kind of screw I needed to put up a wall mounting... Sooooooo I went here for the paint I was looking for my bathroom- the lady was really polite and knowledgeable as to what kind I needed and color mixing... They also had a locksmith downstairs - so I got a couple copied... I got a special cleaner here- that makes your tub sparkling clean :-) My first online membership with discounts (yea just like the safeway card) adds a little spunk to my keychain ;-) read more

Go here if you need a hardware store and are downtown! I believe they have an ACE Hardware affiliation. They have EVERYTHING from red rope for our Bay to Breakers costume to space heaters, paint, light bulbs. The people are so nice, eager to help and very knowledgeable. read more

now maybe i shouldn't admit this, but i could actually live *inside* this place. they have everything. if i were camping out at cole-fox, i'd probably be overwhelmed by the amount of non-hardware crafty awesome stuff they have, and to be quite honest, i wouldn't be surprised to unearth a full-on grocery inside here. the real reason they rock, aside from the fact that they have everything on earth *and* they're right downtown (have you ever gone looking for a hammer while in the financial district?) they've saved my butt on many a production-assistant job: "i need you to find a rubber chicken, 4 full length mirrors, a cappuccino, duvetene, old-fashioned curtain hangars, 4 garbage cans, and a waffle iron" "ok, i'll be right back" (*goes to cole-fox, returns looking the hero) ya, they rock. read more

I swear, you need it, they have it. You want to build it, they have it. Awesome hardware store. Very helpful.

ADORE Cole-Fox. In this big city, it always has a way of reminding me of a small town. Do not miss the downstairs -- they have the most random, kitchy, cute items for around the house! Salt 'n peppa shakers, utensils, etc. Sure everything is tightly packed, but I wouldn't have it any other way! They have literally anything a desperate housewife would every need. And then some. read more

This hardware store may slip under your radar, but I love this place. It seems tiny at first until you realize that the downstairs is about three times the size of the ground floor. The staff is helpful and they have always satisfied my needs! read more

In the middle of downtown one wouldn't expect to find a small hardware store with everything one could possibly need. Even if you did expect to find this here, the friendliness and assistance of the staff will pleasantly surprise you. Never had to go anywhere else for my needs. read more

I always past by here when I get off school but I really enjoy their window displays! Whoever is their visual merchandiser, GREAT JOB! They never cease to amaze me. But you know, you can't judge a book by it's cover.... so, the people that work here are kind of stand-off ish but whatever. My friends and I came in to check it out. It's pretty small and when you go into the basement part of the store, it actually looks like a basement and almost like a house. But I'm not here to review the store. I'm here to review the window display. I really love how creative it really is and how effective it is that it draws in people like me. I appreciate great windows displays like this unlike stores like Levi's... yuck. read more

My favorite hardware store. It's like the TARDIS: you step inside this tiny storefront, and you discover an infinite expanse of useful things around every corner. And on two floors. read more

These guys are the only hardware store I know of in SF (only been working here for 2 months now) and they are only a block from Yelp HQ. I've been here a couple times for some random knick-knacks and so far, they have had everything I have needed and at a very good price. I even found some 3M adhesive backed fasteners that I could not find anywhere else! read more

The sales guys are very helpful and nice here! It's a challenge to find a hardware store near Union Square and this place makes keys. Thank you Fox Hardware! read more

San Francisco doesn't have enough space or the tolerance for something as tacky as a Wal-Mart, so where do we go for anything useful? Hardware stores! There is plenty of tupperware items, cute magnets, basically everything you need for the house. read more

Spencer is a champion. I texted in via their website and he got back to me with assurances that they could handle my complex key-replication needs. 3 other stores failed to make the copy I needed but Spencer came through. 10 stars. read more

I finally find a really good hardware store and it's 3000 miles from home. This is a store where they really have the things you might need and the people who work there actually know what they're talking about. If this hardware store was located next to Fry's, I could probably build a time machine. This store is everything that I wish Home Depot and Lowe's could be. read more

My local hardware shop... I can always score on a good umbrella on a rainy day heading out. Staff is very helpful and I usually find what I am looking for... great window display.... read more

Damn straight they're San Francisco's favorite hardware store! This will be short and sweet - go here for all your hardware needs. The stores may look packed with clutter at first glance but once you dig in, you'll uncover their many hidden gems (like outdoor push brooms!). There are helpful staff members available all throughout the store and they know exactly what aisle and shelf to find what you need. My absolute favorite feature is the trail of keys on the ground leading you to the key center. Lose your house key? Follow the trail and a fine gentleman will be waiting to make you a copy. Fast, cheap, and quality! read more

WOW. I was so impressed with this store. Came here yesterday to pick up some screws. We were immediately greeted by someone who directed us to the right location and offered some popcorn while we shopped. I love the layout. It's cramped like other Cole Hardware stores, but not AS cramped. The layout is perfect and I found myself wandering up and down the isles trying to see what else I might need. The staff was AMAZING. They were so friendly and genuine when they asked if I needed any help finding anything. They have the coolest window displays too. I will definitely make a stop into this store every time I find myself in the neighborhood. Customer service can make ALL the difference! Thanks Cole! read more

I just love walking in this place. There is a nostalgic feeling I get each time. Great neighborhood hardware store and the staff is always helpful. They also sell stamps there, which is awesome! read more

The selection is mediocre and the prices are astronomical. For example, I was in a pinch and needed to pick up a few bolts for a project. Boy was I surprised when I saw that they wanted $1.10 for one grade 8 3" bolt. That same exact bolt costs about .40 at Orchard Supply. I'm not sure if their prices have to their location or the fact that they are the only place to buy hardware in the downtown area, maybe both. Regardless, those prices are flat out ridiculous. You'd spend less on gas driving to the Home Depot in Colma which has a way better hardware selection. read more

Rode my motorcycle up to the city, towards the end, noticed that I lost a bolt which resulted in my left mirror dangling. Settled on Cole-Fox because they were the only hardware store open on Sunday afternoon. Parked on the corner, went in to ask for help finding the right bolt. Noel came out to take a look and right away determined the correct size bolt. I asked to borrow some tools, instead Noel came out, installed it for me and told me I didn't have to pay. Awfully generous, so of course I went back inside to pay, but he ended up putting the money into the donation jar (for whatever charity they were supporting). Great service, need more places like these. read more

I went in to make copies of my keys. It took less than 3 minutes to get the job done. Plus the staff was friendly and helpful.

The employees here have always been a little weird, but lately they are generally condescending, snippy, and rude. If people are waiting for locked-up tools or paint, their choice of who to help is completely arbitrary. God help you if they are at all busy - it's cramped chaos. I'd say it was convenient at least, but with the unpleasant experience and time wasted, you are better off ordering online. read more

i just bought pepper spray from here like, an hour ago. four stars because it was quick and easy to find and buy what i wanted. the lady who sold me it couldnt really answer the questions i asked her, but that was just because she had never used pepper spray before so, whatever. plus, the outside is painted cool and stands out from all the huge buildings that surround it. also, its super easy to find. just take a right at market and fourth (walking toward mission) and after you cross that little street (jessie) its literally right there. read more

Helpful staff. Handy being in the middle of city. Plenty of hardware and household items available

I have been here twice in the last 2 months. Both times the cashier charged me for an item then did not put it in my bag. The 1st time, I called the manager and asked them to deliver the item; he refused, and made me walk back to the store. This time the store is now closed, and I will not have any heat this evening. I cannot come to any other conclusion other than this store just doesn't care about you, the customer. Doing this once can be understood, provided the management takes measures to ensure this doesn't happen. Twice in a row is inexcusable. I would give this store a zero star rating if it were possible. It doesn't matter how nifty the merchandise is if they cannot put your purchase in the bag. Find another hardware store. read more