I love you, Cole-Fox Hardware. You don't give me disapproving, judging, or dirty looks when you see me buy 6 carabiners, 4 round eye swivel bolt snaps, a couple lengths of rope, and a length of velcro. You don't ask questions. You're classy, Cole-Fox. read more

I know what you're thinking. What is a straight girl doing in a hardware store? What business do I have in a hardware store???? Ahhhh, silly kids you have much to learn. Cole-Fox hardware is no ordinary hardware store! I have been here several times- however, always accompanied by the manly presence of the BF. I saw another review that mentioned the window displays- YES! They always have very creative, colorful and cute displays! This is not your grandfather's hardware store. It's filled floor to ceiling with stuff! Some stuff you wouldn't think to find in a hardware store like awesome rolling gadgets that mince cloves of garlic, cute umbrellas, water bottles, key chains, flashlights, rainboots, and oh yeah, hardware store stuff like pipes, paints, wire, tools and other boring man stuff. But I'm getting off subject. I'm here to tell you why I was at the hardware store. I was on a desperate hunt for hot glue gun refills. I was in a rush so I found a salesperson and I asked him where I could find what I needed. He immediately shot back with- big ones or small ones? Big ones. For what material? Fabric. Then you'll want the dual temperature glue sticks. My mind was spinning as he showed me to a multitude of choices... there is more than 1 type of hot glue gun glue stick??!?!!! WOAH. I wanted to interrogate him- how long have you known about this???? Where did you get this information? Who do you work for? To which he would have replied Cole's Hardware, duh. Despite the short encounter, I walked away extremely pleased that a) I got what I needed and 2) the sales people here really know their stuff! The girl who rung me was also very friendly. TWO THUMBS UP! read more

Cole-Fox Hardware is a standard city hardware store. Things are a bit more expensive, but it's extremely convenient and efficient. I'm giving it four-stars because the window displays are some of the best in the city. Believe it or not, this elevated the shopping experience from going into a regular hardware store. read more

Apparently "specializing in great customer service" means that no less than 5 bored, sexist workers will follow me around the store as I attempt to engage in some much-needed retail therapy. Just because I'm a female bodied person in a hardware store doesn't mean I don't know how to pick out the best drywall screws or Philips head. Good customer service means not stalking your customers. read more

Cheesus Krist am I really going to be able to walk into a place like this 10 years from now and still find a guy like David who can help me in the paint department? I do so hope so. At the same time I hope that he finds his passion and makes a gozillion dollars, I don't know what I'd do without people like that in places like Cole Fox Hardware. Please bring them your business and buy local so that they are here down the road. I've had the exact opposite experience at larger stores that sell the same stuff and it's not enough just to have what you need on the shelves. You need these people too. They price match and I won't even pull up the competitive price on my phone anymore. read more

Cole Fox Hardware reminds me of the Mom and Pop hardware shops that my Grandfather used to reference. In other words these people actually know what they are talking about. It's very San Francisco is in sense that they carry more that your typical hardware shop and have more items for your home and cleaning chemicals than expected. However, the reason I'd make the trip to SOMA to go to Coles was simply because the safe was so helpful. Always greeted at the door, asked if they could assist me. The team here is top notch! read more

Cole-Fox is a welcomed dose of nostalgia in a world of disappearing mom & pop's. You will instantly be greeted by genuinely friendly and helpful staff upon entering the store. They have a lot of people working at all times, so if you're a confused gal like me, this place is really great. Nothing is worse than walking all the way across the enormity of Lowe's to have someone tell you they're busy and will send someone over to the aisle you need help in eventually. What I like best about Cole-Fox is that they have bins of things for you to buy individually. Do you hate buying multi-packs of screws at Target? You can buy those individually here. Do you only need 2 key rings to identify your home keys? Just grab two from the bins in the key section. Boom. Any excuse I have to come in here, I seize it. read more

There are not that many hardware stores in San Francisco proper. I guess if you want to fix something, it's best if you venture south or east to a Lowes. But if you're downtown and in a pinch for run-of-the-mill tools or materials, swing in here. They keep $6 screwdrivers behind locked glass. Strange. read more

What an awesome hardware store! I stopped in to pick up a power sander for work (something that I know absolutely nothing about). The staff was incredibly friendly and I was told about all the different types of power sanders and that it would be cheaper to buy one instead of renting if it was more than a two day job. I got in and out in about ten minutes and had great customer service on the floor and at the cashier. I will definitely be returning for any hardware needs in the future! read more

Cute, helpful help, and it's great karma to support your local hardware store, especially in a neighborhood as devoid of locally-serving businesses in the Union Square/Soma. The key guy copied my keys right up for me. read more

This place is a labyrinth of rooms and isles that are jam-packed with hardware goodness. You can't really tell how big it is from the outside. The staff was very friendly and I found everything I was looking for. read more

It might be a little tough to figure your way around the store, but the people are super helpful.

Save yourself a lot of time and hassle - come here first for any kind of home improvement questions. "Specialty stores" have ridiculous egos and have nothing better to do but send you on a wild goose chase for simple parts like a faucet adapter. The people at Cole's are all know what they're doing, warm, and helpful. Andrew seems to be there before you even know you need help, 100% read more

Wow! Exceptional service. I was in an out of there in 10 minutes, and was helped immediately as I entered the store, despite it being quite busy. read more

I've been here several times. I always thought it was a great classic hardware store, with a bit of an urban twist. Always been happy with the advice. But when I came today, I was really impressed. I needed some screws. The guy helping me broke out a pocket caliper to help me figure out the size. I'm pretty experienced with wood, and he politely made sure I knew the basics to avoid ruining my project. The same type of solid knowledge I'd expect at any classic hardware store, but with a level of sophistication that really surprised me. read more

I went in to get a paint sample before committing to a color, and the man by the paint counter was SUPER helpful. He hooked me up with everything I need to get started on my project and was very informative. The man at the register was also very friendly and genuine. I appreciate realness. It's easy to tell when someone is being fake on the job, and everyone here was very nice! Overally a great experience. I'll definitely be back. read more

5 stars. Thank god there are still neighborhood hardware stores that have everything I need so I can always-avoid the people in orange aprons. This is what a real hardware store should be. I went in last weekend with a totally random list and the people were so helpful - I had about 10 things on my list and was literally out of there in less than 10 minutes. Nice work Cole-Fox! read more

These guys (& gals) are & have always been GREAT! Very helpful, informative, planet-minded & genuine folks at this store. Why isn't the overall 5 stars? Was "someone" (no, not anyone @ Cole) having a bad day or something? Hm. read more

The coolest ACE in the world you can find everything in there. The staff is knowledgeable about a variety of products. I go in there just to look around, and always find something I can use. read more

I recently moved to the area and needed lots of tools and trinkets to take on various home improvement and DIY projects with my boyfriend. Cole-Fox was the answer to EVERYTHING we needed. The staff here are so sweet and helpful, they will literally search every aisle for you until they find exactly what you are looking for. My bf gave me the task of finding screws to attach brackets in the wall for our window blinds and without the slightest clue what size, length or type of screws I would need, I walked into Cole-fox and described what I was looking for, and within minutes I was walking out of there with a packet of screws that worked absolutely perfectly for our little project. I know I will be coming back here for just about everything. read more

It's very challenging to find a hardware store with both a good selection and *knowledgeable staff*! But this, my friends, is that store. Rejoice! read more

Very helpful workers! My family and I are here on Vacation and we were looking for some muni passes when the Cashier Suemaya informed us the benefits of having a clipper card instead. She was very kind and even helped point out some spots for us to visit during our stay. read more

I really like the chain of Cole Hardware stores in the city. I have huge aquarium and plant grow light set ups in my apartment that require a lot of gear. They have everything I need most of the time and what they don't have they've given me recommendations of where I can find what they don't carry. This store is close to work and Union Square which makes it convenient to pop over. The employees at most of their stores are helpful and friendly, however, on my most recent trip to this particular store I was on the receiving end of really bitchy feedback from an unfriendly staff member. I didn't get his name but he's an older and quite obese man. I had asked a specific question about surge protectors and power usage and he gave me a rather terse answer. I followed up with more probing questions and his only response to that was, "Do what you want, it's your life." I could see he was annoyed and rolling his eyes. Isn't it part of his job to answer questions about hardware and the products they sell? Like wtf. Dude needs to get an attitude adjustment or not work with the public. read more

These folks should teach a class in customer service to every other business in SF. This is why hardware stores like this will survive and the big box Home Depot and Lowe's will come and go (while being despised). Plenty of staff that actively looks for people to help out. They are upbeat, friendly and seem to like their job. One gentleman helped me out with a complicated problem and stayed with me for the entire time I was there, about 20 minutes. He helped me find everything I needed and remembered everything I said. Meanwhile he courteously answered other people's questions but never left my side. I felt like he was my personal shopper. Incredible!!! I felt like I should've tipped him! Excellent service, location and store. Give them your business! read more

This place is full of helpful, knowledgeable people. The staff always asks me if I need assistance, and they have always helped me to find the proper tools or equipment. I think the place is a bit crowded, maybe even messy. I wish there was more selection and obviously, a drop in prices. But overall, best place downtown that I've been to, not to mention convenient. read more

My husband and I have been doing a lot of little modifications to our apartment, and for a couple of weeks we practically lived here. This place has a ridiculously large selection, and sometimes it almost seems to me that they've hired too many employees because everyone is so willing to help. You walk ten feet into the store and someone will already be offering their help. No matter what you're asking for, however vague or bizarre, not only do they know what you'll need and where to find it; they usually have suggestions for other things you probably haven't thought of, which are usually quite helpful. read more

A wonderful selection and friendly staff makes Cole Fox Hardware my local hardware store.

If you need something, they likely have it. If they don't have it, it probably doesn't exist. It's a very packed store, but the staff is very helpful. I needed a couple of rubber gaskets to fix a shower-head. the person who helped me picked out a couple of different kinds and told me to bring back whatever I didn't use. read more

As soon as you walk into Cole Fox someone is right there to ask you if they can help you with anything and to direct you to the section to get you what you need and get you going. The cashiers are always really friendly and to top it all off, FREE POPCORN BIRCHES!! Kinda random for a hardware store but still awesome nonetheless. Keep on keepin on Cole Fox. read more

They have everything - from Benjamin Moore paint to Scharffenberger chocolate bars. But what's the best thing about this place is the customer service - where employees are friendly AND knowledgable and really seem to enjoy helping you - even when you're there past closing. This place is the real deal. read more

I was doing an install in SF and needed tools I forgot fast. They were open later than all the other stores and they had a $5 off yelp deal. Can't beat that! Only downside was the store was under lock and key due to theft so I needed to wait for a staff member to get drill bits, but he was helpful. read more

The team at this store is always helpful and nice. I have made this my neighborhood hardware store. Thanks to the team for always being nice and professional. read more

Very hipster hardware store. I generally don't do too many hardware/electronics projects and my noob-ness about soldering wires and hot glue sticks was not an issue. Very friendly staff and the enthusiasm of maker geeks around me makes me feel this place is like a religion. read more

Great store that hires people who actually know hardware. Good selection of just about anything. If you don't need lumber, pass up the box stores and come here. read more

I love this place. They have everything to cover your basic needs, and the floor staff is consistently friendly and helpful. I mean, every...single..time.... I heart them. read more

I love, love, love this place. They have everything!!!! And have saved my butt in many cases when I needed random items (i.e. mop holdes, gloves, hot water nozzles, etc) for work. Their staff is awesome and not in that cheesy "everything is great all the time!!!!!!!!" but in a, "hey working sucks but you gotta deal way." Multiple times I have come out in a much better mood than when I went in because of them! read more

This place is a life-saver when doing a project in the downtown area. It's surprisingly well stocked for a hardware store in the heart of the city. read more

If you need hardware in SF; Cole is the best place to go, hands down. No competition. Staff is always helpful, just ask the questions and they will happy to help. Prices are reasonable for SF. read more

My first visit and my first week in the neighborhood. Needed some household maintenance items stat. I was greeted by a sweet woman who got me pointed in the right direction right away. I found what I was looking for fast, but was way distracted by all of the cool stuff they have! I'm so glad I don't have to go to a big box hardware store anymore. Once I found what I was looking for, I got great tips on how it worked, which was a better model, etc. Awesome. Love that. They even gave me some popcorn on the way out, and many hearty 'welcome to the neighborhood!' wishes. I'll come here every time. read more

Convenient location, super friendly staff. It's tiny inside, but has nearly everything you could want for home improvements.