I just don't understand why they're sometimes so unpleasant here. Especially the woman in the gardening section. Maybe she needs a raise or a break or a drink but she's pretty rude. She's not the only one. They bark at you in line... I'll stick to Cliff's. read more

Great store, really good people. I've been here probably 100 times. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. This store brings such value and charm to this part of the neighborhood. read more

I came in the other day with my sister because we needed help hanging a disco ball and frankly had no idea what we were doing. Matthew hooked us up with a properly weighted chain and hook, and was super friendly and funny. Excellent customer service! We'll definitely be back. read more

After reading some of the negative reviews I feel I have to tell of my exceptional customer service experience today. I had ordered a Suncast tall shed online and selected this Cole's store as my pickup point due to closeness to my home. I received a phone message this morning that the shed was in and that I could come by and pick it up. I had arranged to borrow a truck to pick up the large box and arrived at the store around 2 pm to be told that I had been called by mistake and that the shed wasn't there. On further checking the staff discovered my box had been delivered to another customer. I thought.... Now I have to re-borrow the truck on another day and go through this exercise again. Tony and Andrew (hope the names are correct) immediately offered to go recover the misdirected box and deliver it to my home in Orinda. And, that is exactly what they did and also, brought me a gift to express their concern for the confusion. Best customer service I've experienced in a very long time. read more

Jaffy is an exceptional customer service professional who made my experience at Cole Hardware special. He went above and beyond to make sure I got what I needed and checked on several things for me as the customer. He's reason enough to return to Cole Hardware. Thank you Jaffy!!! read more

Really nice folks! Great service super fair prices! They had curbside pickup they even makes things that much easier to deal with..thanks for super service! read more

I'll never understand why people who hate people end up working in jobs where they have to interact with customers! First time in the store, got barked at by the lady at the front. Never coming back. read more

The Karp family has provided excellent service for decades. Just about everything needed in hardware supplies, and a large selection of items for all kinds of household uses. The warm friend culture of Cole Hardware began on day one when Dave & Marjorie Karp became the owners and operators. Son Rick, now in charge, refers to himself as "Keeper of the Kharma". He does keep it, and very well with a dedicated staff . . all of which are helpful and go out of their to provide good service. In honor of founder Dave Karp, they placed his picture above the front door entrance. Dave has his sweet grin and seems poised to tell a joke. Above is his motto: "There are no strangers here, just friends we haven't met". You will look hi & lo to find another hardware store with the service and large selection of this place which has become an iconic neighborhood business. A nice nice family that works hard to keep things going well, and deserving of your business. They have provided me with nothing but the best service in the 42 years I have resided in the Cole Valley neighborhood of S.F. I will add, Rest in Peace, Marjorie and Dave. The warmth you brought to the neighborhood lives on through the direction of your hard working, good son Rick. Sincerely, Murray Lubisch read more

Cole hardware is like my family. I've known the Karps since I was in kindergarten. The store is great. One can get just about anything there. An old fashioned, family place. read more

I received a ton of help from Amber when I walked in with no idea how to create a shelf from scratch. She got me all set up and then helped me pick out and pot three plants! Thank you for all the help, Amber. read more

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Cole Hardware is clean, well stocked, and some of the staff are very helpful. The main reason this got -1 stars is because some of the staff have been incredibly rude. I went into the store and asked a gentleman if I could get some help with an outlet. His response "I don't know, can you?" Uhh, *nervous laughter*, ok...I asked him about grounding an outlet and advice on whether or not to get some adapter or this bulkier gfci thing, anyways, he was quite rude to me and told me I should have researched before I came in. The store is also pricier than most places I could get these supplies, but I'm down to support local business. read more

I ordered an 8-ft ladder online through the ACE website to be delivered. Payment and order confirmation was made online. The day before delivery I stopped by the store in person and they had no knowledge of the order (ladder) needing to be delivered; they wouldn't have a delivery person available for another 3 days. (FYI ACE online orders do not seem to be coordinated well with in-store orders). HOWEVER, the staff were very helpful and thoughtful in taking the time to get the ladder delivered to me on time. In fact, one of the staff took the time to drop off the ladder to me that evening to make sure the delivery was on time. Overall my first time experience this store is that it epitomizes a neighborhood/community store where each customer and their situation is taken seriously and addressed. Highly recommend this store and would come here again for any hardware needs. read more

Yes! The real Cole Hardware, on Cole. After my mother-in-law and her housekeeper both insisted that a vacuum cleaner bag was no longer manufactured for her vacuum cleaner, My Darling stopped at Cole Hardware and bought them a fresh supply. Halloween and Christmas doodads are all over the front, but if you step further back into the store, you'll see they have the full inventory. You can get anything here! read more

This service is a gold mine, especially if you don't come from a family that includes contractors, carpenters or plumbers. They referred us to very professional, reputable vendors, and we are so pleased with the results. We never would have found the contractor we used on our own. The contractors we did attempt to contact directly didn't usually show up. But using this service creates a valuable relationship chain and accountability that we really appreciated. To me, this is just another way that Cole Hardware is beating the odds (and beating Home Depot) by providing savvy solutions to their community. Go mom and pops!!! read more

This is my second time visiting the store, trying to patronize local small businesses. Both times I've been disappointed. The customer service here is minimal. Today while looking for a specialty lightbulb, the employee in the department walked by me three times, without acknowledging my presence or asking if I needed help. While making my way to a different aisle, I asked another employee "pardon me", so I could pass through the narrow aisles. The only response was a loud, audible, irritated sigh. I don't know what's going on with these employees, but they all seem to have dark clouds over their heads. This store benefits from its location, but I will visit in large big box stores next time. At least I won't be ignored. read more

If you ever need anything done on your house or apartment, from simple handyman work to a large roofing project, I'd highly recommed using Cole Hardware's referral service program. You can either call (it's extension 3), or fill out a simple form online, and in no time at all someone will get back to you with a great "Cole-approved" recommendation. Having used some good and some bad contractors in the past, a service like this is fantastic because Cole, in a sense, is putting their stamp of approval on whom they refer out. You have a good feeling that you'll get good and honest work done, at a fair price as well. Highly recommended. read more

Pros: Very helpful and friendly staff. They aren't salesy and want to make sure they solve your problem and are economical about it. Everything little thing you could need for a home is here. Feels like a small town hardware store. Cons: Layout isn't easy, though adventurous. Limited street parking. read more

Cole Hardware's monthly paper (which they will mail to your home address if you join the frequent shopper's club -- which you SHOULD), is actually awesome. In general I'm not a fan of literature produced by places I shop -- it's typically amounts to a terrible waste of paper and resources (by the way, see this month's issue for instructions on how to get off junk mail lists -- it would be very ironic if I considered the paper to be junk mail. But I don't. So it's only mildly ironic). In addition to info about sales etc at Cole Hardware the paper has useful articles about relevant SF stuff, with an emphasis on Green activity. Anyway, my review of the monthly is actually a metaphor for my feelings about Cole Hardware at large. Or is it a simile? Whatever. Plus the novelty keys at their key-cutting station are bangin'. Go ahead, splurge -- get an image of Nemo on your next house key. read more

This is a great idea and I appreciate Cole Hardware trying to refer us to local professionals. Larry Karp is very good in responding to the initial request and following up to see how things went. However, I think getting a good professional is hit or miss. Cole Hardware should better screen the professionals they refer. Cole Hardware referred me to a carpenter. Although he called to say he was going to be late, he arrived much later than when he said he would be at my home. When the carpenter finally appeared, he didn't have a tape measure, a pencil, or even a business card. He told me that he would call me with an estimate, but I never heard from him again. This carpenter was a joke and unfortunately his behavior made me not want to use the service again. read more

I heart Cole Hardware not because they carry things I need to maintain a livable space. It's mainly because they support schools by setting up wish lists on their site and give donations to everyone who genuinely needs it for fund raisers or functions. Public schools are strapped for cash, and Cole Hardware is the most dependable establishment to rely on for free cases of water (with their logo on the bottle, of course) and gift certificates. The owners and workers of Cole Hardware truly have heart. Yay for Cole Hardware! http://www.secure5.ep-dns.com/~colehard/ read more

One of the nicest hardware stores I've ever ventured into... That's saying something too, since my Dad used to drag me around to many of them as a kid. He's quite handy and built many things around the house in which I grew up. Unfortunately, this skill set doesn't genetically transfer, but I do know the difference between a Phillips and a flat head screw driver. Was waiting to have brunch across the street at Zazie (review to come) and since it was a cold, foggy San Francisco morning, we ducked in to Cole Hardware to take shelter. You can tell that it's in a fancy neighborhood, considering they offer the brand names and items beyond the typical hardware store offerings. Japanese lanterns? OK. Every type of Tupperware that you could think of. That's cool. Novelty grilling aprons? Funny. Mustache magnets? Sure. 12 different kinds of incense? Come on... Are Cole Valley people that pretentious? Can't really say since I don't know anyone who lives here, but judging by the hardware store, yes. We ended up finding some hooks to hang pictures in our apartment, so not all was lost! And right as we exited the store, our table for brunch was ready. Yes!!! read more

There is no there there, but if there were a there in Cole Valley it would be here. This earnest little hardware store is the spiritual center of that quaint little cluster of shops and, like most: 1) has "Cole Valley" or some variant in the name so you will not forget where you are, and 2) has been fixed in time and space for at least ten years. Here against the back wall is a stack of hand tools where, ten years ago, I bought my first and hopefully last cordless drill, an object of such joy and affection that I carry it around in my car and it has become my animal familiar. Here is the register where, ten years ago, I bought a $200 dollar gift certificate for my neighbor, now deceased, whose precious garden I whacked in a fit of misguided helpfulness thinking I was doing away with overgrown weeds. Here on the shelf are heaters where, ten years ago, I bought the fastest quietest Vornado as a gift for my roommate, hoping the rekindled warmth between us would encourage her once again to shed her night shirt. A word about the plants. There is a garden section in back with bulbs and planters and the faint scent of fertilizer in a tiny two-tiered makeshift greenhouse. Have you ever thought what a grave act it is to buy a plant? Today two lesbian nesters congratulated each other on finding their perfect plant adoption. Though the selection is small each of these beautiful plants deserves affection and you should choose it as carefully as you chose a pet or a lover, for all will depend on you. Those on the sidewalk out front do not deserve as much love but it is not their fault, an accident of birth and genetics that they are ground cover and vegetables and flowers rather than indoor houseplants. Note that Cole Hardware's plants do not die as quickly as those from Home Depot. Undestand why and you will know much. read more

Cole Hardware - I love you. Seriously, I love hardware stores in general, like a lot, but this one is at the top of the list. I am a man. And I like feeling like a MAN. Cole Hardware makes me feel like a man. I can get anything here - toilet ballcock assembly? yup. Keys? yup. Paint? yup. Kitchen gadgets? yup. Carnivorous plants? yup. Power tools? yup. You get where I'm going with this... they carry eh-vuh-ree-thing. I've spent more time than I care to admit just standing in the isles, drooling, imagining what I could do with all the stuff in front of me. I came a little when I saw their selection of light bulbs. What the hell is wrong with me that hardware stores turn me on so much? I think if you distill my love for Cole Hardware down to it's pure essence, it's really because it satisfies two of my deepest cravings: 1. Fixing things - They have everything, allowing me to fix anything. 2. Order - I am almost embarrassingly tidy. I love when things are immaculately organized. This place is not large, they shoehorn in a TON of stuff, and it is all (for the most part) fantastically organized. read more

Wonderful hardware store. Tons of people at every corner, ready to help. They have a nursery in back full of indoor plants. read more

Cole Hardware is very cute. And well-staffed so there is always someone to help you. But here is my gripe. I read on Yelp that Cole Hardware sells lumber, so I went there to get some 1"x1" foot-long pieces of wood cut for some shelves in my house. This wood was not substantial--I got 12 pieces and each is about the size of a tennis racket handle. I was charged over $60 for this!!! The guy who cut the wood did not explain the $2.00 fee per cut. Home Depot cuts for free. Had I gone to Home Depot, this would have cost less than $5. I told Cole Hardware I was surprised at the price and the guy at the register snapped, "Didn't the guy who cut the wood explain the pricing?" I said he didn't, and the guy at the register just sighed like I was a stupid girl. Don't buy lumber here! read more

Great neighborhood hardware store that's well-stocked and also carries a nice variety of home goods, too. Some reviews here complain about the high prices, but this is a local shop with employees that are helpful and knowledgable about painting, electrical and so on. I'd rather my money go to them than to a big box store where they couldn't give a crap about my hard-earned dollar. I shop here because Cole Hardware always has what I'm looking for and I choose to support a local business. read more

It's the greatest hardware store I have ever been to. The staff is so helpful and knowledgeable, and there has always been someone available to assist me. I've never had to search for someone to help me in all the times I have been there. There is a great selection for a space that isn't huge and they have a lot of great deals and the frequent shopper account gives you a kickback at the end of the year. I am also thrilled that they have started selling Muni fastpasses and that you can buy them with a debit card, which I have not been able to do elsewhere. Whenever I need anything for one of my artsy or mechanical projects, Cole Hardware is my first (and often final) stop. read more

As hardware stores go, this one is awesome. If I didn't live above a supermarket, I would be here all the time. The employees are super helpful and knowledgeable, they have a frequent shopper program and a contractor referral service. And its in the middle of the great Cole Valley neighborhood. read more

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

On a whim I wanted to repot some tiny succulents and really had no experience with materials or where to start. Bill was soooooo helpful! He helped my friend and I with the basic materials to start with and we were able to report and bring home or plants in no time! Will be sure to come back for all my gardening needs! Thank you again for helping repot my first plants for my home! read more

Cole Hardware - Tiny succulents ($2.49 ea) + clear tiny pots ($2.49 ea) - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Super service. Yeah, I'm surprised that the first thing I can think of at a hardware store is great service, but these people are genuinely helpful and take the time to listen, even when I don't really know what I want exactly. "So you're looking for a metal thing that is shaped like a U? Try the middle of Aisle 4" Not bad, Cole Hardware Employee, Not bad. Good prices. You can't beat the prices by much. Even though they're in pretty convenient locations, the prices are surprisingly good. They're the Trader Joes of hardware store - except they aren't owned by a giant German conglomerate (did you know that about Trader Joes?) read more

I had a not so great experience with the first handyman they sent out. However, when they learned about what happened and how much it upset me, Cole Hardware's top guy reached out directly to rectify the situation. They sent someone else in to fix the problem, on their dime. No questions, no argument, no nonsense - just fixed it for me. This was completely unexpected, and I was really impressed. I can see why they have been in business for a long time. read more

Agree with another poster who mentioned they suck at copying keys!! DO NOT GET YOUR KEYS COPIED HERE! They messed up our house keys (and made them not work) TWICE. So aggravating to have to go all the way back there and get them re-made. Then, I thought that was a fluke, so I brought another set there to have copied and AGAIN THEY DIDNT WORK. Agh. Decent customer service although sometimes surly. I wish their key copying skills were up to par- this place is convenient and otherwise nice. :( read more

I have a lady-boner for this store and anyone in it. I never thought to describe a hardware store as having ambiance, but Cole Hardware rocks it. I would bring a date here. I got a whole bunch of odds and ends there this week, and my Muni pass for the month, and as I was ringing up I asked if they had any of those keychain bottle-openers, and this adorable clerk was really upset when he realized they no longer stocked them. Amazing. Out the door I went, a happy girl with my hot glue sticks, curtain rods, mop, lamp wire, and sandpaper. read more

I shop at places that provide good customer service, have a good selection, and have competitive prices. I do NOT pick a place to shop because it will give me "good Karma" or because it isn't Home Depot. Cole Hardware gives me what I need. Service, Selection, and Prices. Plus, on my last visit, I was able to pick up one of those neat balsam-wood gliders for my nieces. Us kids had so much fun with it... well, until I stepped on it. Booo. read more

Getting some rad color of paint may sound like a good idea for your bed, living, bath, or dining room. But you may think a second time if you are renting and need to get it back to the basic vanilla off-white condition it was when you got there. I painted one bedroom wall eggplant and the dining room wall mustard, the bright French's mustard. When I went to get them back to vanilla off-white, I had some surprises coming. After two coats of Home Depot deluxe, the colors bled through and I was horrified. I came to Cole Hardware, and fortunately they did not laugh, but just pointed me to the sealant which is whitish, but seals colors and prevents them from bleeding through. So, one gallon of that, and one (more) gallon of the basic vanilla off-white, and I was good to go. Done by day three. Woo-Hoo. Extra star for not laughing, guys. Thanks read more

It is not uncommon to find my man or myself or the two of us together in this place multiple times in a day. Being that it is right around the corner and the man likes to do "manly" things around the house we happen to frequent this friendly neighborhood store often. Ideas are thought up at home, the hardware store is visited, idea goes bad, hardware store visited again, new idea from the old bad one comes to place, back to the hardware store.. and so the cycle will continue.. Everyone is so friendly and helpful but be prepared for small isles and it being busy on the weekends. Have purchased various plants from here and so far I haven't killed them.. total positive. Just a great neighborhood place... hmmmm I have a new idea for the house.... read more

1. Step into the store and wander the aisles looking casually lost 2. When the nice man in an apron asks you if you need help looking for something, tell him what you're looking for 3. Go towards the section he's indicated, find your item, and rejoice! 4. Proceed to the counter to transact payment 5. Once outside, partake in a happy dance on the sidewalk (careful not to impede foot traffic) read more

When I first moved to Cole Valley my landlord told me that Cole Hardware was the place to go for EVERYTHING. She couldn't of been more right! To the late night emergency plumbing emergencies and the last minute things that you need, they have it! How they cram so much stuff in such a small store...I don't know but they do! :D I especially love how attentive they are. You need something....ask. I swear they have to be quizzed because every employee knows where everything is! Can't help but love how kind they are too! Especially Amber. She always puts a smile on your face. read more

I come from a small town where 2 big box retail home improvement warehouses closed out all the unique ma-&-pop shops like this one. So its always a blast to roam the isles in this place. This place is amazingly stocked, and amazingly organized for what it is. Why only 3 stars? My last shopping list composed of two basic house-ware items. 1) toilet plunger, CHECK (they even had the fancy one that I was hoping to find, the one that can be used as a super-soaker if you felt like dowsing someone in toiltwater, and it was at a way reasonable price too) DOUBLE CHECK! 2) toilet brush...yeah they had em, quite a few of them, the cheapest one was $26 plus change! Yea they were fancy and looked nice, but come on its a toilet brush. I settled for a $5 hand held scrub brush, ICKY! NO CHECK FOR YOU! :-( Honestly, have you ever walked into someones bathroom and stopped to admire how nice their toilet brush was? "Why Susie, that's such a nice toilet scrubber you have! Its even color coordinated with your toothbrush holder and your soap dish!" "Why yes Jane, Thanks! Its so nice in fact that I cant bring myself to use it to scrub the skid marks off the bottom of my toilet bowl. In fact, I bought it 8 month ago and haven't scrubbed my toilet sense" "Why that's O.K. Susie, I was so busy admiring your super nice potty cleaning utensil that I didn't even notice how disgusting your toilet was!" Whats the point of a decor toilet brush? If anybody out there can give me a logical reason as to why I need a high fashion toilet cleaning utensil, THAT NOBODY REALLY WANTS TO LOOK AT ANYWAYS!!! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IT! Sorry Cole Hardware, I have to put my hands in ICKY toilet water with a hand held scrub brush....you get 3 stars. Perhaps its my own fault, after all I am a self admitted cheap-ass! read more

I use Cole and Cliff's interchangeably for small household repair stuff. While I think Cliff's is more spacious and more fun, don't let the cramped, dim aisles put you off -- this is a very good neighborhood hardware store with selection and good service. The staff is normally very helpful. read more