Place saved my but on saturday. Needed a 1/2 eat coupler. Had them but I ran short. Tons of stuff in here. read more

Pros: they are nearby, they have the weird and particular things that I need to buy, the people who work there are pretty nice, they have a UCSF discount of 10%, it saves me a trip to lowes or home depot. Cons: the prices for many things are higher than at the mega stores (but you also don't have to drive to the mega stores or search through 200,000 square feet to find what you want), the narrow aisles might be difficult for those with physical impairments to navigate during busy hours, and parking could be a little hit-or-miss if you were to drive there. Most importantly, I can get silver polish, spray mounting adhesive and a bathtub hair trap in one quick trip to a store down the street. If I didn't get the UCSF discount, I might take a star off for pricing...but they also regularly have sales that are advertised in their newsletter/circular, so there are still deals to be had. read more

I saw their ad for referral service in Cole's Hardware newspaper. I had a small project so I sent in a request, and in 24 hours they gave me a referral with the name of the person that can help me. They said they would call back within 24 hours to talk to me about my project. That was three weeks ago. You may say, "why don't you call them, you have their phone number". I'm a strong believer, that if a business doesn't want your money than someone else will. I don't have to be running after businesses that don't even have the common courtesy to even call me back talk about my project. 1/2 star if I could give it, for the quick referral contact. read more

So my partner and I are moving to Cole Valley and we wanted to paint the walls a couple of different colors. I've always been a little skeptical about small hardware shops thinking they might not have a very good selection. I was pleased to find that they had a wide array of paint colors and that their employees are VERY knowledgeable about their products. We've had to go back multiple times and every time we receive great customer service - they are very personable and friendly. They have a lot of great things for your home and I'm really glad that we have such a great neighborhood hardware store to go to! I know I'll be finding myself there when I have any kind of project! read more

This is a great hardware store. Good assortment of DIY gear for minor and medium size projects. Plus some fun gear for kitchen, house and garden. One of my recent trips, they gave me a small piece of wood as I needed one to balance something. I go to hardware stores quite often and most times, most stores don't have every specific tools or parts that I need that day. This goes for the big box or smaller stores, but Cole is as good as it gets in that department. Plus, there are usually helpful and knowledgeable employees to help. And it is nice occasionally when I ask about something new there, they way say "wow have not seen that yet" versus some places where they take the box then read it too me. I also recently used their referential service for electrical work (that is ongoing). read more

I've been to both the Cole St and Mission St locations and every time the service has been outstanding even when my requests were a little vague. For example ... I bought a bike rack and promptly lost one of the key knob-screw things to adjust it. Replacement parts online were almost as much as I paid for the rack (on Craigslist) but the folks at Cole Hardware helped me match the threads on the screw and whipped up a perfectly good replacement part for $2. They are also good at anticipating what you don't know you will need -- like the time I needed some hardware to attach Ikea shelving to a wall and didn't realize I needed a drill bit as well. The woman who helped me was very thorough and friendly. read more

One of my favorite stores, Cole Hardware has everything from essentials (trash bags, light bulbs, nails) to cool cute stuff (xmas ornaments, dishes and stemware, baking accessories), and it's all fairly cheap and comes with great service. The people in the shop know what they're doing and help you with anything you need. I sometimes go in just to browse the kitchen and bathroom sections because they have little things I didn't even know I "needed" LOL. Make sure you sign up for their rewards thing. All you need is your phone number and you get $ back! read more

You already know this is the best hardware store in the city. Why should you go here instead of "comparison" shopping on Amazon? Amber, Colter, Esther, Guillermo and Dion. Amber: You've seriously helped me take care of my brand new family, helping me to get a fan replaced that smelled very strange and made way too much noise. Colter: You plugged in different models and tested them with me. Esther: My baby needs a grandma and how about one who can solve plumbing, stain and hose problems like a boss? I love you all. You make the difference. I look forward to coming in to the hardware store. read more

You guys are the BEST! How about if you help out your staff, especially the people manning the outside doors, with new Colve Valley Hardware plush sweatshirts? Winter has just begun and they sure could use new sweatshirts. Merry Christmas! read more

Unfortunately I went back (Sept) and the problem is still the same. Not going to try anymore. A waste of my time.

Cole is a great resource for the local neighborhood. They have excellent hours and excellent customer service. They order items for you and follow up on them promptly. Most useful to me has been the home repair service. I have found gardeners, home organizers, floor refinishers & more. However I recommend against using their locksmith service due to the personality of their in-house locksmith who is difficult and does not show respect to property. read more

The amount of stuff available here is amazing, considering the tiny size of the store. But that's the downside - it's tiny, so they can't carry a Home Depot sized selection. Still, it's much more convenient (except for parking - sometimes I walk the half-mile, which I guess is good for me and the environment) and they have what I need 90% of the time. The staff is plentiful and usually (though not always) knowledgable. They get extra points for providing recycling for things like plastic bags. read more

All staff are really helpful excluding some of the folks at the register who are not very friendly towards customers

Terrible terrible service! I went to the store to buy some plants and I wanted to ask a few questions. one of the crew said I will only answer u, if u r 6 ft away and then she took out her meter to measure the distance! So rude! I was 4ft or more away, I was wearing a mask as was she! I wasn't coughing or had fever. I cannot believe her behavior. I am not sure why she was angry but this is not how u treat people! read more

I went to Cole hardware today. I asked the sale associate a question regarding a product. I felt she was impatient and rude! The staff at there 4th and Market are top notch. Don't shop at the Cole location. read more

Amazing what this small shop contains. Everything you need in fact. And the staff are just as amazing. Being from out-of-state, I wasn't familiar with the area garden shops. The cashier took several minutes to orient me to the best garden shops around and EVEN called to check they were open! Who gives that type of customer service in the center of a huge successful city?!?! Cole is my headquarters when visiting my son & daughter-in-law. read more

This place blows. On my first visit after moving to the neighborhood we bought a garbage can and the total came to 14.01. I did not have a penny and the clerk refused to let it slide, giving me 99 cents in change, and mostly dimes at that. I guess it was because we were 'non-members" whatever that means. While this is hardly an atrocity on the level of, say, Darfur, it was very annoying. I won't be going back. read more

I read a review on here that said half the worms they procured here ended up DOA. Keeping that in mind I decided to risk it by trusting them anyway. I bought my box of worms and dumped them in to their newly constructed worm bin, and lo and behold, only about half of them wriggled out of sight in to the dirt. "Dammit, I shoulda called the worm lady!" I thought to myself. I covered the bin and slumped away. When I came back to add some food to the bin an hour or so later, all the worms had crawled in to their bedding just like they were supposed to! The moral of the story is that they weren't actually dead, they must have just been sleeping or something. I highly recommend Cole Hardware for all things wormy (and beyond), but I don't know how long those poor worms can live in that little box without food so I would try to buy them when new shipments arrive. read more

Came here to grab some herb seeds and ended up spending about 30 minute just browsing and compiling an "i want" list in my head. No pushy sales staff, but they were on hand when questions arose. I've walked past and seen their plants etc on display outside the shop but had not realized the choice and large gardening department they have inside the store. Noticed that have really nice boxes and containers similar to that of the container store as well as other household essentials. Not nickel and dime prices it has to be said, but some good sale items and a friendly neighborhood store with so much to offer, you don't mind shelling out a wee bit more:) read more

I am new to the neighborhood and needed a few random items: sink drainer etc. The customer service was right on; someone helped me find everything I needed quickly! Not to mention, they were all friendly, including the cashier that helped me sign up for their membership program. This is my new go to place for all of my household items! read more

It's like my home away from home. Love this place! I've been going to Cole Hardware for a long time now. 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, always 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. Love the 20% sale days too. Sign up for membership and the newsletter and you'll know when they're scheduled. You'll get a dividend on what you spend too. read more

Right up front: Apex Plumbing Co (Jim Khabay). Quality plumber, honest, smart. Referred by Cole Hardware. One of the first rate services that a hardware store can offer......skilled contractors and pros. And Cole does this better than anybody. We had that crisis: a drip that turned to a leak. Called Cole......referred to Jim Khabay.....showed up within hours......created a temporary solution for the leak (we needed a new faucet)......worked with us to find the kitchen faucet......installed. Done. Trust Cole Hardware. PS Jim the Plumber did not break any tile (this is a wall mount kitchen faucet). That's no easy measure. That's care. That's quality. read more

My neighborhood hardware store,one can always rely on. Small place with all the right stuff Their website is not as useful as it could be. As I'm looking for a simple hose bibb, there are no products listed on the web site so that I can compare with other local mega hardware stores. Therefore two stars for the website being useless today read more

Lately Cole Hardware has become an unpleasant and unhealthy place. Here's a recent experience. I was the second person in line, waiting, waiting, waiting. Social distancing with mask but the line began to increase noticeably and not alot of room either. One cashier and nothing was moving. Not sure what was going on. After literally 10 minutes, a staff member came by to yell at everybody in line telling them to back the f up. She didn't literally say f but it seemed that way. She also stood close to everybody when she yelled. Not safe and not healthy. But there was no more room to back up. Then I quietly suggested to her "you might want to get another cashier to two to get the line moving so we can get out of here". She responded, very authoritarian, and mean. "you need to stand over HERE". That was it. No sorry, no yes will get another cashier. It went south from there. Then she ordered me to leave. I get it. Obviously she likes her newfound power. I will never go back. read more

Dropped by here after losing a few laptop screws (the really small kind that computer brands sell online at excessive prices). Not only was I able to find small, metric sized screws here (at a perfect size too - a rarity), but also walked out with the screwdriver for the exact screw, some really strong epoxy to set the screw holders, and some amazing customer service. They squeeze a lot into a small space - it truly feels like a Home Depot, but with experienced customer service who really want to connect and help you out in the best way possible. Will be back! read more

The best. They have everything, know their stuff, have great helpful attitude. Decent prices. Moderately easy parking, depending on time of day. Friendly staff I always tell jokes with. Pretty much find whatever I need here, when I'm in this neighborhood. I also used to love their Mission & 29th store, before a neighbor restaurant fire unfortunately burned it down. What a huge loss for the neighborhood. I loved that place too. Both of these locations set a high standard that kind of spoiled me into expecting/wanting other stores to be as good, be as competent, well stocked, cheerful, clean, light, uncluttered. This Cole family really set the bar high of how to do really great hardware stores. Kudos (whatever they are, got to look that up ) to them! read more

Hey don't often write reviews but my elderly father couldn't stop talking about how great your employee Matthew was. Usually he cant stop complaining about the latest customer service experience so I thought I would let you know. read more

Not only is Cole Hardware a model of a community involved, effective store, the staff are incredibly helpful, kind and insightful. During my recent foray into shelf building, Colter went above and beyond to help me select the best materials, at the lowest cost, overcome unforseen obstacles during installation and make me feel like I could do anything! Thank you Colter and the whole Cole Hardware staff!! read more

They pretty much have everything you could ever need or want (or can order it) and have the best customer service in town, including a very flexible and fair return policy. I like that I don't have to fuss with receipts since all my purchases are in their computer system. read more

This is a great hardware store! I got a membership my first week in the neighborhood and they sent me a postcard that same week, handwritten wishing me well and giving me discounts. So sweet... and they are... actually very sweet, friendly and helpful. I always love the displays, very rustic in a city setting. The people actually look like they want to be working there instead of avoiding customers like at some big hardware stores. AND the plant nursery is awesome. Lots of fun plans that always look good and taken care of. I would definitely recommend coming here! Support local stores and friendly people! Only complaint is that it is a tad bit more expensive than other hardware stores but so are most local places. AND IT IS WORTH IT. read more

When I first walked into Cole Hardware and saw the claustrophobic aisles, and the shelves stacked to the ceiling, I knew this was a hardware store I could love. Although I lived in SF, my girlfriend lived in Berkeley. I went to every East Bay hardware store from Albany to Oakland looking for the one part I need to fix her shower curtain rod. I found it at Cole. Since then I have been to every one of their SF stores. Their Cole Street store is still my favorite, but their Downtown store is great fun. Since I discovered Cole Hardware, and San Francisco's Discount Builders Supply, I have never once gone back to Home Depot, thank God. read more

Ample inventory and exemplary customer service. This is a great locally owned business that supports local charities and is a matchmaker for trades persons and homeowners. This store deserves our support because we would miss it if it ever were to go away and we were forced to fend for ourselves at big box stores. read more

My toddler and I came to Cole Hardware today with her busted wooden shopping cart. Mike and Darlene fixed it for her on the spot and refused to charge us! That's customer service and beyond. I am very grateful that Darlene and Mike were so kind, generous and thoughtful. read more

I want to like Cole Hardware. I have shopped there before without problems. But I ordered two chairs yesterday. I needed them today. The Ace website confirmed they would be delivered today. I called the store this morning and was told they don't generally deliver on Thursdays (!), but they had the chairs in stock and would arrange to have an employee deliver them today (great!). Then, when they hadn't arrived at 5 pm, I called again and was told my order hadn't been processed yet and they don't have the chairs in stock. They tried to blame the employee who had told me the chairs would be delivered. Then they tried to blame the pandemic (why is the pandemic to blame for a store failing to follow through on a promised delivery?). I cancelled the order. read more

Prices for small hardwear stores are never going to be comparable to Lowes and Home Depot. But can you pay an extra dollar to talk to a real person and shop local? The best part about this place is that they will take all your used batteries and CFL's (which contain toxins) and recycle them for free! Yes, for a green hardware store! read more

I love being a customer at this store . They have the best deals and excellent customer service. I specially like Amber. She is always happy and helpful. She already knows what items do I frequently buy and she always make sure to let me know about upcoming events so I can get the best deals. Thank you Amber! read more

Things I've bought at Cole Harware: trash cans, keys, strike plates, nails, bolts, washers, screws, screwdrivers, drill bits, squares, hex wrenches, clamps, a hammer, wrenches, pliers, a level, mops, brooms, garbage bags, compost bags, dog poop bags, vacuum cleaner bags, light bulbs, lamps, fans, space heaters, lumber, extruded aluminum, extruded brass, hinges, latches, Sigg bottles, thermoses, batteries, garage door openers, flashlights, propane, a plumber's torch (which I use to make creme broulee, btw), little plastic boxes, dish soap, soap dispenser, 3M pads, sponges, buckets, a swiffer, shower heads, faucets, braided stainless steel hoses, plungers toilet parts, toilet brushes, toilet paper, paper towel, paper bags, pipe, teflon tape, garden hoses, orchids, potting mix, pots, basil, gravel, lady bugs, pesticides, interior paint, exterior paint, spray paint, paint stripper, tape, sandpaper, wood stain, tung oil, twine, rope, chain, solder, speaker wire, electrical cord, extension cords, lamp parts, light switches, switch plates, outlets, bathroom cleaner, Windex, playing cards, Christmas tree lights. That's just the stuff I can remember. I think at this point my whole house is entirely held together by stuff I bought at Cole Hardware. Without Cole Hardware I'd be sitting here in a big pile of rubble. They have it all, great customer service, and walking distance . . . nothing less than 5 stars would be fitting. read more

Surprisingly hip for a hardware store. I hate Home Depot but I actually like Cole Hardware. It has interesting things for people who typically don't usually like hardware stores (like me). We bought our wall clock here (they have a good selection of these) and they have quite a bit of cookware, candles, seasonal decorations, etc. You can get cast iron skillets here, measuring cups, small kitchen appliances and cool retro (and inexpensive) coffee mugs. A couple of years ago when Nigella Lawson came out with her line of cookware, they carried the mixing bowls and some other items. I like the nursery section in the back. I bought my Christmas tree here too and had spare keys made multiple times. They have creative window displays as well. read more

It's not as kitschy as Cliff's Variety, but they pretty much carry everything to satisfy your practical hardware, houseware, and plumbing needs. A major draw for locals looking to beautify their front steps or back decks is the garden section in the rear, in addition to the racks of potted flowers on the sidewalk outside the store. read more

Convenient. But, sometimes very expensive. I needed to purchase a Duracell 28L 6 volt Lithium battery and a couple of toilet shut off valves. Cole Hardware and Walgreens both wanted $11.95 plus tax for the battery. Batteries Plus only wanted $6.49. But, they were 3 miles further each way. U-Save Plumbing only wanted $10.49 each for Korky 'QuietFill' toilet shutoff valves. Cole Hardware wanted to charge $7.00 to $20.00 more for each equivalent valve. Result: I bought the toilet valves at U-Save Plumbing and I paid the gouge and bought the battery at Cole Hardware. After I complained, the Cole Hardware manager on duty gave me a 10% discount on the battery - $1.20. Gee. That was generous.... When convince and speed are more important than price, I shop at Cole Hardware. read more