Helpful hardware store right down the street from where we were staying. Perfect for making spare keys and crammed full of all the important things. Good place. read more

I love this place because I love the people who work here. Honest, genuine, hard-working and helpful souls through and through. They patiently address even my dumbest questions. Seems like a family operation even though I know they are part of the ACE conglomerate. The best part is the return policy. Return anything anytime, and if you are a member you don't even need your original receipts -- they just look you up in the system. Only problem is parking. You can generally find a spot within a block, but not always. Oh, well. read more

Hands down the best hardware store in the city. The only thing that would improve it is a parking lot. It's impossible to go there on the weekends because you cannot find street parking. What sets them apart from the rest is their knowledgable, helpful staff. read more

Larry from Cole Hardware was rude and unhelpful. He wanted to refer me to ONLY people he wanted to refer me to. I was hoping and looking for a person that Cole Hardware had referred me to in the past. He had his agenda...like he's getting a kick back or something. I called both people he gave me and could not understand either of them over the phone. Sorry I can't deal with someone coming to my home to do work for me if I can't communicate with them. Larry was very unhelpful. read more

was in the other day, haven't been in for awhile. Must say, new associates are great. I've been in retail for years, when you know exactly what a customer wants, and take them right to it, that's service, yep, the faster the better (I've been reading that customer service is very quickly becoming very 'old school', who has the time to be nice to you. Don''t get me started, so I will stop. BTW the associate who helped me and made my day with her gracious and friendly attitude was Emily Vasquez. read more

I have known the owner of this establishment for years on a professional basis as a supplier, not as a customer. I always knew this establishment's reputation was as solid as its owner, who I have always known to be a class act. This evening, we truly saw why. Tess and Thomas were our angels. Our front door lock fell apart. Although we also have a gate, we hadn't had a key for the gate in years so at 6pm, when we discovered the problem,we were faced with overpriced locksmiths who couldn't solve the problem- even at a premium- or leaving our home insecure with a toddler. My husband rushed to Cole in the midnight hour right before they closed. Upon hearing our situation, Tess and Thomas stayed OVER AN EXTRA HOUR AFTER CLOSING just to help us and found a solution that locksmiths hadn't considered. What a testimonial to not just this organization's human resources' skills and knowledge, but to their incredible customer service- going far beyond anything one would expect so satisfy a customer's need. Although we live a neighborhood laden with hardware stores, we're driving to Cole from now on. WE learned a valuable lesson we'd like to pass on... If you think you are saving time by going to a local store and end up being mis-informed about parts and having to make multiple trips and request refunds, do yourself a favor and drive to Cole on Cole Street. You'll end up saving time and money, and you will be really happy to spend your money in their store. A class act, good and qualified people throughout the tiers of the organization. read more

Since buying a condo in the area, I have become a frequent patron of Cole Valley Hardware. They have a good rewards program. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Bought NEW All-Season Garden House Medium Duty - 50 ft. NO WASHER for the spigot connection. AND KINKS! and the "hose armour' has little intention of remaining at the spigot end of the hose. IF you buy this hose DO ASK about a WASHER. What a WASTE of precious water. read more

Great place to buy a trash can to smash over someones head

Because of their great service, I've loved Cole Hardware for a long time... I never end up going home with the wrong thing (like I do at, say, MOST Radio Shacks) but I just used their Home Repair referral service for the first time, and it was perfect! Automatic Garage Door took pity on me (my new car had to sleep on the street because the garage door cables snapped!) and squeezed me in quickly. And even though I believe they are an honorable company to begin with (I thought I needed a whole new door but they told me I didn't!), I feel like they were truly on point with me in particular because I was referred by Cole. They wanted to do a good job for me AND a good job for Cole. They succeeded! read more

Larry is terrific in helping me find contractors for the myriad of projects here at work. Not only does he have people to recommend, he also helps brainstorm possible solutions. All of the people he has sent so far have been very professional. read more

If you want help, don't bother going to the Key section in the back. Dude won't bother acknowledging your existence or let you know that he will be right with you. read more

Great store! Great personnel! Great selection! I shop there all the time and can always find what I need. read more

In addition to all the fabulous hardware and helpful staff, Cole Hardware has a nice garden section and more housewares and kitchen gear than you might expect. I've found glass pitchers and food storage containers, whisks, trivets, coffee filters, biobags, plastic lidded storage boxes, easy to maintain houseplants, plant food, sigg water bottle fizzing cleaning tablets, insulated lunch boxes, welcome mats, eco-friendly cleaning supplies. I've also used their fax and copy services, taken used batteries there for recycling, and had them deliver my purchases over the weekend, a super-helpful service for the car-free among us. They also have en eye-catching display of colorful, snazzy galoshes, very tempting amidst the rainstorms. Keep up the great work, Cole Hardware! read more

My dad loves this place. He just goes there to browse around, sometimes, I suspect that he could just buy that tape at Walgreens, but he would much rather go to Cole. He has a frequent buyer card, and you should get one too. Read about them, you will see that they are a local business, and that the ACE hardware part is just a sort of cooperative type agreement that helps small business remain competitive against the big box Home Depot. I go to Cole for my dad sometimes, they have friendly and helpful staff, and you just kinda feel like you're stepping back into the Happy Days Cunningham hardware store. Two thumbs up!!! read more

The service here leaves much to be desired. I stopped by to buy something to get rid of ants and with some questions about renting a floor sander. My husband and I are greeted by a man with an earpiece who asks me if I need help. I tell him that I need some insect killer and he starts marching off talking loudly into his earpiece..."hey, i am going to send someone back for some ant killer". He asks me if I need anything else, and I tell him that I have some questions about renting a floor sander...but the man is busy listening to whatever is being said through the earpiece and responding (several times) to other people while also supposedly listening to my request. It was pretty off-putting. FOCUS! Multi-tasking doesn't always work! When he figures out what I am asking for, he tells me he has a feeling that the sander is about to be rented. I told him, that I think he is probably referring to my husband. He marches all the way back to the machine rental desk (why he doesn't use the earpiece in this situation, I am not sure) only to find that it was in fact my husband asking about the sander. So, already annoyed, I leave, walking towards the space in the back where they keep the bug killer. There are about 10 different products for killing ants. Another employee comes towards me asking if I need help. I say, "you sure have a lot of different kinds of products here." He picks one up off the shelf and says "Here, this is what you need...and if that doesn't work, well, then you'll just have to come back and try a different one. That's just how it works." What? So I proceed to ask why he recommends this particular product as opposed to some of the others, because this one costs a couple dollars more. Does it work better, is it just more convenient, etc? He tells me he has no idea, but he stocks the area, and that one sells the most. Sigh...not so helpful, but I guess at least he was honest when he said he had no idea. read more

Amber is awesome ! Went there to buy some tools and get recommendations on how I could fix some furniture I was assembling. Amber fixed it for me with her bare hands. Totally free ! I'm a happy customer. I also buy supplies from here and I really like the cole hardware stores. read more

First off, this is my first review on Yelp! Let me tell ya, these guys at Cole Hardware are super awesome at many levels. I went there to buy a few things to make a terrarium. This guy named Bill (If I'm not mistaken) helped me A LOT. We made a terrarium within 15 mins or so, right on the spot. Thank you, sir, if you're reading this. Anyway, it was such a wonderful experience. The staffs are extremely helpful. I'll definitely be back for some cool stuff they have! read more

I hardly ever go to hardware stores but when I do, I go here because the staff is awesome - super knowledgeable and helpful. Once I went in to get a tool for a friend and completely forgot the name of it, and its application. I remembered a few vague details, and the hardware phd's that work there were able to read my friend's mind via my hazy description so I could still leave the store a hero. Also they have great solutions to SF problems (limited space, pigeon balcony attacks, old malfunctioning appliances, etc.). I always come here when I have a problem, and they give me a solid solution. read more

These guys make buying trash bags a pleasure. Everyone I've ever met there has such a good attitude. You walk in there thinking you only need one or two items and then you realize that you need all new plants for the garden, eco-friendly compost bags, dish soap, etc. and before you know it, you need a second shopping basket. They are also big sponsors of the eco-friendly discount guide, the Green Zebra guide, so an extra kudos to them. With your Green Zebra coupon, you can get $10 off a $25 purchase plus a free 4-pack of CFL lightbulbs and a reusable shopping bag. read more

What's a girl like me hanging out in a hardware store? Well, recent purchases have included a small pine tree (a little Christmas cheer), sandpaper, a mug, surge protectors, screws. They've got eveything and the kitchen sink (maybe). Everyone that works there is really helpful. It gets 4 stars because it's hard to navigate the narrow aisles. Especially the weekends when people are all psyched about home improvement projects. read more

A little pricey.....but I always find what I am looking for. Great sales! I bought energy efficient light bulbs for the whole pad here 25cents each! What that is unheard of! Nice plants for the garden, helpful staff, and fast service. The best hardware store around. Some of the items I have found for less in other areas. This neighborhood boasts big prices. But great location and they keep my place from being on three legs. Thank You! read more

Local and family-owned. Great service. Cutting edge eco-friendly. Referrals given for plumbers, electricians, etc. -- and they stand behind their referrals and will mediate if there's any problem (though I've never had one). Every time you go to Loews's or Home Depot instead of Cole Hardware, a sweet, innocent baby gets pinched. read more

Another "Oh, the joys of a store that carried it all" and then some, in the heart of the city.

I went there 5 mins. before closing time just to get a simple screwdriver that I knew where it was, but the store was packed and worst, the staff was complaining endlessly about how "people don't respect the working times" and how "you wouldn't go to someone's office after closing".... The solution: close doors 10 mins. before closing! That might stop them from whining and bitching... read more

Helpful friendly staff. Unlike other hardware stores they always have plenty of staff on site. Great selections and good hours

Fantastic store. The customer service is great! Even when I had a particularly difficult exchange where they had to go look up my receipt on their computer because I had lost the original, they were still very helpful and nice about it. That, plus I have found a few items here either on sale or at way lower prices that I have found at any other nearby hardware store. Even though I live in the lower haight, I'm definitely going to go out of my way to shop here from now on. read more

Even though I left Cole Valley a couple of years ago, I still go back to Cole Hardware, even if I only need a few screws (frequently have those loose in my head). Service is terrific, you're never sure what additional home improvement tchotkes you'll leave with and you get a dividend by shopping there! read more

This is the neighborhood hardware store that I have always dreamed of. A place you can go into not expecting a great find of a household trinket you didn't even realized you needed while finding the exact screw needed to finish a project. Its a huge plus they also have a paint and greenhouse department. The staff are ridiculously knowledgeable and helpful and I never waste time wandering around wondering where and if I can find something. It is amazing they have everything I need in such a small space - no frills with perfection. read more

Honestly like all Ace Hardware stores, this one has the basics in about all the departments that you just may need. My husband would prefer something with a little more variety (such as Cliff's Variety) within walking distance, but for the one block walking we have to do, this is perfect for me. We have been able to find a 6 foot ladder here, primer for our walls, shower curtain hangers, a few herbs to plant in our garden and people are always friendly with us. read more

cole hardware is a beacon of hope in cole valley. given, its our only option...but it's a good one. especially because there is a super swanky hot guy who works there. i went in last year for a roasting pan and he tried to invite himself over for dinner....given that it was girls only gossip girl night i had to politely tell him now but still....he's hot. ANYWAYS...everyone at cole hardware is super helpful and nice and you can get just about anything you need there. new keys made, cooking supplies, gum, decorations, lights, paint, etc etc. and they always have a beautiful selection of bulbs, plants and flowers. read more

Ok....so when I was little I remember going to small hardware store's like Ingersoll's with my dad and it was like the highlight of my week. It was the little budding baby dyke in me I think....but I digress... I've been to Cole Hardware a handful of times for various different tasks....but tonight I needed protest materials. The gentleman who so kindly approached me in my confused, roaming around state informed me that they didn't carry the items I needed. But here's the kicker....he didn't walk away. He tried to think of ALTERNATIVES to what I needed....we walked around, like new pals, before I came to the realization that my field trip to Cole was a bust..... My new pal pondered with me. Oh what to do?? He suggested an EXTREMELY OBVIOUS other store I could get my materials from. In hindsight, and closing, every time I have ever been in Cole Hardware, I have been helped, I mean ACTUALLY helped....from gym locker locks to halogen light bulb sizes...they've been there for me, I mean REALLY there for me. 12/5/08 Update: I really need to give this place 10 stars. So we bought a fake tree from Target. I know. Bad idea. So we put it up and had a great theme going and our big gay flag ornament smack dab in the middle. 2 days later...approximately 4am, my partner and I hear this loud CRASH of glass breaking. Our immediate thought went to an intruder. BUT NO. It was the FAKE TREE. It fell over, breaking our beloved big gay flag ornament. My partner was CRUSHED. It's our first Christmas out here and we were so proud of our tree (although she wanted a real one all along). Fast forward to today. We boxed up the defective tree and headed to Cole Hardware, where we should have gone all along. It was a madhouse of people looking for tree's, but we never felt like we weren't being taken care of. We had the nicest man EVER helping us. He is prepping the tree for us and putting in the base and it will be delivered to us tomorrow :o) We love you Cole Hardware. I hope that we never part ways. read more

Fairly large selection of goods including housewares and other necessity items. The location is very convenient for those of us living in the area sans an automobile to bring things home in. Unfortunately some items are overpriced, I am not sure if this is an 'Ace' thing or just because it is the local store. I like supporting local businesses but having a mark up of over $5 on small items normally priced under $20 makes me consider buying elsewhere. They have friendly cashiers and employees willing to help you find items in their labyrinth of options. read more

Awesome and friendly service, and a great selection too. Also a pretty nice greenhouse for such a small store.

This has to be one of the best hardware stores I've ever shopped in. I'm lucky enough to live half a block away, so I'm in there all the time. This isn't your average hardware store, however. They have all the usual basics, plus a pretty decent selection of housewares and kitchen items, and they have a cute little garden shop as well. And this may sound odd, but they have awesome window displays too! read more

The guys who work here are so friendly. They actually approach you to help and don't avoid eye contact like some other places. My apartment is an icebox and I needed an alternative to paying a high electric bill. Robert's Hardware has the worst hours - who has household needs and emergencies during business hours?? The guy who helped me at Cole's was super friendly and helped me pick out the perfect space heater. Now I can wake up in the morning and put on underwear that's room temperature. read more

I live really close to a couple of hardware stores, so there was really no need for me to venture out to Cole Valley. And yet, the once or twice I've poked my head in when I'm in the neighborhood it seemed like such a swell place that when Groupon featured them, I had to get the deal. Who doesn't need hardware, anyway? I really like the vibe I get from Cole Valley Hardware - the cut of its jib, so to speak. My mother is the queen of home improvement, and much to her dismay I did not really inherit her desire to tinker, sand, and whack things with rubber mallets. Okay, maybe I like the last one a bit... But the point is, I'm just an average girl living in an apartment and I found things useful to me. There's a pretty decent selection of cookware, organizers, garbage cans, and other things that you'll need even if you only inhabit your abode in the most basic sense of the term. And it has nice examples of all these things, and for a pretty reasonable amount of money. If you're ready to step it up a notch, they have various hooks and picture hangers, curtain rods, paints, and what have you. And, of course, all the standard hardware stuff that l look at but don't touch because I'm not sure they'd let me anyway. And the greenhouse - I save the best for last. I don't really have any place to put plants just yet, but it's just a lovely place to hang out, and not an asset that you can find at a lot of other hardware stores. In fact, I felt so at home that I actually bought a drill. I wasn't entirely planning on it, even! There was a nice-looking basic model, I asked the nice drill-selling lady if that would put adequate holes into things and she kindly said "Yes" and avoided saying "Wow, you're dumb." I consider that impeccable service! And the cashier was very nice while my boyfriend and I juggled all of our various coupons. Unfortunately, you may find that you need the super helpful staff to guide you around a bit, because I had a bit of a hard time finding some things. I'm usually very good about locating what I need in any store but Cole Valley Hardware is just chock full of goodies, all the way up to the ceiling, in fact! It's very likely you may miss something, even though it's just as likely that they have what you need...somewhere. The only other thing that perhaps is to its detriment is that I found a handful of items cheaper at Progress Hardware in the Sunset, so if you're really pinching pennies then perhaps you may need to shop around a bit more - even though there is something to be said for one-stop shopping! Since it's not in the neighborhood, I'm doubtful that I'll often use Cole Valley Hardware for all of my hardware needs. But boy, it sure made me feel a lot warmer and fuzzier towards hardware stores. I might even just stop by again for fun - and that's unheard of! read more

Very helpful and has a wide variety of goods for the size of store they are.

I went to drop off some electronics to recycle after a move, not even to purchase anything. Not only did they gladly accept my box of electronics and a heavy computer, they offered to carry it all in AND break down the empty boxes I had in my car to recycle, saving me a trip to another recycling center. They were very happy to help and did things they didn't need to. I didn't even spend money there but they certainly have my business in the future. read more

As soon as I walked thru the doors, employees greeted me and asked me how they could help, wow! Kia went above and beyond assisting me. I had a combo lockbox that I had purchased the previous day, locked and not gotten the combo, (my fault). She tried to help and when she couldn't she walked down to The Rockridge Cafe where another employee, Ryan,was having breakfast before his shift. I waited in the store, she came back, said they would return my original lock box and then she walked me with my new lockbox down to Rockridge Cafe so that Ryan could graciously reset it for me. Unbelievable service and kindness. Really made my day! This kind of service these days is so rare and I felt truly valued. Thank you Kia and Ryan! :-) read more