I am upgrading my review from several years ago. I have had many positive subsequent experiences at this hardware store. They don't have the best selection or the best prices, but they are convenient if you live off Arlington Avenue in the Kensington-Berkeley-El Cerrito area. read more

Every time I call. Every time I go in. The staff at the store is always so helpful, friendly, and human! I so appreciate the homie feeling I get when I walk in the store... Not something I get from any other Ace Hardware store! Thank you for excellent customer service! read more

Looking for an Estwing rock pidk. They had one on the wall, and reasonably priced, so I bought it. Called ahead, and they said they had two different ones. Sure enough. They come through with reasonably affordable tools with no mysterious bosses hovering near the checkout lines as in Pastime. read more

Really helpful employees here, as opposed to Pastime on San Pablo. You get the feeling that they enjoy working there, whereas at pastime, everyone seems pretty miserable. Even though I live really close to that store, I go out of my way to go up to Kensington. The store is smaller and they may have less stuff, but I've always found what I needed. Worth the trip. read more

Simply the BEST Ace Hardware around. They are my go-to guys for hard to find items. They have helped me out with multiple projects.

Always super helpful staff, and a good selection of everything you would need in a hardware store.

A very good store with helpful staff. I can usually fine what I need here. A neighborhood gem!

Great place! Small with limited products but very well stocked, Helpful and knowledgeable staff and most important .... They have a parking lot!!! I'm in and "will" be back!! read more

It is hard to gain a customer, but easy to lose one. I have been a customer here for 20+ years. In that time I have spent literally thousands of dollars of various and sundry items, mostly electrical and plumbing, including many light bulbs and batteries. Over the years, as batteries and bulbs (notably fluorescent and LED) were replaced we saved the old ones to eventually recycle (they contain recyclable materials and are bad for a landfill). It has been a few years since we last recycled the lot so I took them with me (Maybe 40 batteries and a dozen bulbs) to the store since I needed some smoke alarm batteries (approximately a $25 purchase for 12 lithium 123 batteries). But, when I asked if they took batteries for recycling I was told they would only accept as many batteries as I was purchasing. I asked a second time to be sure I understood, and then left. I didn't even bother asking about the bulbs. This is a small neighborhood store. The neighborhood depends on them, and they depend on the neighborhood. I am certain bulbs and batteries make up a large amount of their sales and I am sure those are profitable items. But, if they can't make a small service available to their customers, and help protect the environment in the process, I will just drive a bit further and find somewhere that does. EDIT: In response to the owners (unfortunately sarcastic) comment. I was not offered any other location for recycling the batteries. I was just told I had to go elsewhere. Also, it was not a case of bulk recycling. All the batteries had been purchased at Kensington hardware. read more

July 13, 2021. The two workers there weren't wearing masks. The one behind the counter waiting on me coughed and then sneezed right in front of me. Like he was only two feet away. I was wearing a mask. But with this very contagious Delta variant, who knows how much it protected me. I called and asked to speak to the manager to ask them to wear masks but I got the same guy. He said he was currently the manager. I asked why they weren't WEARING masks and he said they thought they didn't have to. Well, I think I don't have to go there anymore to possibly get sick and die. read more

I have returned to this hardware store several times since my initial review and have found the staff unfailingly friendly and helpful. I have bought countless small things, like batteries and picture hooks and whatnot. I stopped here today on the way home from lunch at Thai Corner w/ Lori and Terry. I needed Elmer's Glue and wood glue for a couple of home repair projects I plan to complete tomorrow, the wood glue for my desk and the other to reaffix a decorative strip on a lamp in the living room. I had bottles of each, but both had dried up. But first I needed a bathroom. I asked the man behind the counter if they had a public restroom and he directed me to it. It was very clean and functional. Once I had taken care of that I could focus on finding the glues. As soon as I walked out of the area where the bathroom is I looked up and saw a sign reading 'glues'. so I headed for it. Found a bottle of Elmer's and then a bottle of Gorilla wood glue, each around 8 oz, about all I need. I went up to the counter, saw a container of Atomic Fireballs for 25¢ apiece and added one to my order. We chatted about how he had liked them as a kid, but had to take them out of his mouth so his mouth could cool down and how he no longer has to do that. I brought my own bag, so once I had paid I loaded up my stuff and headed out. I had the Fireball when I got home. It was pretty hot, but I didn't have to take it out of my mouth. Tomorrow I will take care of my projects. read more

They have a pretty good selection for the size of the store and just handy because they are in the neighborhood. I've always found the staff to be helpful. The owner was particularly helpful in taking a return of some sand, he said what I had was just fine and they didn't usually take returns on that, but I'd read on a website it was the wrong product. I suspect he was probably right but I appreciate the service. read more

This neighborhood hardware store stocks everything I've needed. The service is very friendly and also extremely helpful and knowledgeable. This place is a keeper! read more

Came here at 8:30AM on a Tuesday. Store hours say that they open at 8:00. The door was locked, lights were dark, and nobody was there(open sign on the street was on). There were no signs to say that they weren't opening on time today. I waited around for a bit to see if someone showed up but had to leave for work before 9:. UPDATE: Came in later that day and they were open, two gentlemen helped me find what I was looking for (they even googled what I said I needed to make sure it worked since I wasn't sure). Also got a reply from the owner saying that and employee didn't show up for work on time that day. read more

Kensington ACE Hardware - Hours - Hardware Stores Near Me - Kensington, California

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The BEST neighborhood hardware store and home problem solver. Whenever I have a repair/handy person problem in our home or yard, I go to the Kensington Hardware team for problem solving advice. Every staff person listens, looks at my pictures of the problem, and gives me advice that has ALWAYS worked. Been doing this for the 12 years since we moved into our home nearby. No other bigger or specialty hardware store in the region (and we have many great ones) has given me such consistently helpful handy-person advice. They also manage to have almost all the hardware supplies I need even though their square footage is so much smaller than many other Aces that are farther away or big box stores. They are a HUGE time and money saver for us in maintaining and improving our home! read more

TL;DR: the owner Brian is extremely childish, and this store price gouges. Go to Pastime ACE instead, they're great and friendly! Edit: since the owner keeps updating his response to this review with passive aggressive comments and sending me direct messages, I will update this review. I'm amused by the lengths Brian has gone through to try and insult me through yelp claiming I am 19 years old and "casually employed" by my family (both wrong and irrelevant, however I'll add that I'm very comfortable making my $40/hr working as a driver for commercial construction company. Sorry Brian, not my family.) Here is the most recent direct message I've received through yelp from the owner Brian. At this rate I'm getting a yelp notification about him updating his comments about once per week. Just when you thought he couldn't look any more petty, I received this: "If its such a problem every time you shop here why dont you go elsewhere . It seems like you have a problem with whatever franchise you go to so it seems like your nasty attitude bring these problems upon yourself . Your parents must be ashamed to have raised a disgrace such as you" And my review: The prices are always high and the stock is always old, messy and unorganized. Recently I was accused of hitting an employees car in the parking lot even though my dash cam proves otherwise. I'll add that I have cameras on the front and rear of my vehicle and when I reviewed the footage, there was zero contact. I offered to show the employees but they were not interested. I went in yesterday, still tolerating them because I didn't want to make the drive to Home Depot, I called beforehand and was told that they had what I needed. When I arrived, they didn't and I was told it wasn't carried either. The 2 employees behind the counter had severe attitude problems and were ignoring my request for service. One of them, albeit while wearing a mask, was dramatically coughing everywhere. He then proceeded to loudly mock a customer who called asking about curbside pickup due to coronavirus. I will NOT be returning to this store. After leaving my review, I was contacted by the owner and sent multiple condescending messages. I told Brian that if he spoke to the employee who falsely accused me of hitting his car and assured me it wouldn't happen to anyone again, I'd remove my review. Instead, he chose to ignore my offer and instead changing his public response weekly, updating it with passive aggressive comments. It really shows the character of the owner and will deter prospective customers, price gouging aside. Go to Pastime ACE Hardware, they are friendly and not fun by a grouchy dishonest old man. read more

Friendly staff and one of them kindly took about 20 mins to help me find some wall anchors and matching screws for a tough thing I was installing that didn't fit regular screws. read more

As many others have mentioned, this store is great when you want to buy something but horrendous if you need to return it. I used to speak so highly of this local ACE Hardware, but after both people working there were incredibly patronizing and rude after I tried to return an item that did not work, they've lost another customer. Go to the one on San Pablo or the one Downtown - they treat their customers like patrons rather than pests. read more

Updating my review to 5 stars now that they accept Apple Pay! Excellent customer service.

Ace is the place with the helpful hardware person. The economy must be picking up, because when I walked into Kensington Home and Hardware, the conversations were all about load bearing walls and remodeling projects. This is a nice local Ace Hardware store that is a lot larger than the outside corner location would indicate. The selection at Pasttime is probably better, but this place is just fine in terms of getting what you need and good advice to match. read more

This is a great hardware store open the hills on Arlington Boulevard. The guys who run it are very helpful. They came up with a very creative way to fix a broken wheel on my very old lawn more . read more

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When I need help solving a problem, this is the place I come to. No long lines, or wandering around a massive store with no one to help you. The staff here are knowledgeable and helpful and no matter what odd project you need to deal with. They have good advice. read more

These are the most helpful hardware guys in the bay area! They have a good selection, and they will help you find anything, or give you advice. They are super nice to my disabled kid. Ditch the other hardware stores and go here! read more

This Ace Hardware was very customer friendly unlike the Pastime Ace hardware in El Cerrito. They did not have my irem but suggested several other places, while Pastime tired to upsell me to a more expensive item that would have been overkill for the job. read more

I've been visiting this Ace since 2017 and they almost always have exactly what I'm looking for. Even more important, they are friendly and helpful. Thank you for the fantastic service. read more

This has been my secrete hardware store to go to for things for the past year. There is hardly anyone here (can I give 8 stars for that) and the staff is very helpful. They do have a limited inventory; it is the smallest Ace I have ever been to but they do stock the basics for home repair. read more

Do not shop here. They will not take returns. I wanted to return a pack of light bulbs. The package was opened so they wouldn't take it back. To be sure I'm correct in the subject, I asked the manager at Outdoor Supply Hardware on Ashby (where I went immediately after leaving ACE Kensington) if they would have taken the return. He said of course they would. read more

Kensington Home & Hardware (part of Ace Hardware) is on the site of Kensington Market, a local grocery store. Kensington had two small food market stores, Kensington Market and Young's Market. Kensington Market closed down in the mid-1970s. The site was developed into a small mini-complex. At the moment, the two principal businesses in operation are Sugar Cone Cafe and Kensington Home & Hardware. Kensington Home & Hardware has the majority of the former Kensington Market space. I used to love coming here when the previous owner and his three Irish Setters used to preside over the site. I would come primarily for the dogs when family members wanted to come pick up various sundries at the place. The Sibling knew a former classmate who used to work here. I was a bit disappointed when I came in on my own one day to find out the dogs and the owner moved on to Oregon. The store had new ownership/management. The staff was pretty much the same. Since then, there have been changes in staff. The Sibling's former classmate has since moved on. The last time we came here, The Mother wanted to pick up some recycling containers, and Kensington Home & Hardware had what The Mother was looking for. The containers are still strong and sturdy after five years. I am delighted the quality (of the goods) is still pretty much the same. Chances are Kensington Home & Hardware have what we need ASAP. read more

We have been loyal customers of ACE hardware stores in an attempt to support small businesses (knowing that they are a franchise model). Unfortunately, our experience with our local Kensington ACE location has been quite terrible. We bought a tool that broke within 1 day of use. When we brought it back, we were asked to come back multiple times to speak with the owner. When we finally talked to the owner he blamed us of "beating it up" and told to contact the manufacturer to resolve the issue. I have never heard of blaming customers as a great strategy to keep customers. We are not the kind of people that would lie about something to get a refund; quite offensive and needless to say we will not be returning to this ACE location again. read more

I just bought a house in El Cerrito and money has been tight and I noticed my hose bib was leaking. I was annoyed and figured this would be another unexpected expense of buying a house. I took the hose bib to Ace, asked if they had one that they could replace it with. They looked at it, the clerk started pulling gaskets out of drawers and pulling the hose bib apart. Two minutes later the brass hose bib was full refreshed, new gaskets, lube and ready to go back to work. I was half expecting him to write me a $20 receipt for parts an labor to take to the cashier. Nope he wrote me $1.05 receipt to take to the cashier and handed me some extra gaskets to go with it. I was floored! Best customer service best prices!!!! The clerks know what they are talking about! Love this place! read more

Kensington ACE Hardware - Hose bib being repacked. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Kensington, California

These guys are just down the street from my house, so it's great to be able to walk there and get a number of little things that I need. I can be GREEN, YAY! Although my success rate here is about 75%, mainly due to the fact that they are not big enough to carry everything I'm looking for, I am constantly amazed at how much inventory they've managed to stuff into this little store. It's pretty well organized, and the staff is pretty knowledgeable. They're pretty honest about what they do and don't carry, and can do a catalog order for you if you need. This convenience does come with a price premium, as for the most part, they are not as cheap as Pastime. And Pastime is not so cheap to begin with. read more

Close to home, has most things I need for home projects. Regularly rent one of their RugDoctor steam cleaners, and it's always been a good experience. Staff is a bit quirky but nice enough. read more

Eric and Ethan were incredibly helpful as I fixed a leaky sink drain pipe. I can't fix anything but these guys walked me through it. Bravo! I love this store. read more

I have been going to Ace Kensington for years now. Staff is always friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. It is a small shop yet they have a pretty good hardware selection and cover all the basic needs for the house and the yard. If they don't have something they always refer me to another shop that may have what I am looking for or they suggest where to go online. Recently i wanted to repair a wood railing. Repair was difficult due to the way the railing broke. The staff asked me a picture then helped me find a creative solution so i could fix it. Thanks to their suggestion (a copper sleeve and some epoxy) the fix costed me only $15 and it worked well. Not sure i can find a better customer service, so i really have hard time to understand 1 star reviews i have been reading. read more

I went to this location to get some items that I needed urgently, the staff were super nice and helpful, and helped me find exactly what I needed. Great customer service. Thank you read more

I've been frequenting Kensington Ace Hardware since 2003 and I've never had a bad experience - the staff have always been friendly and helpful and the store is very well stocked (especially given its small footprint). I feel so fortunate to live nearby and have access not only to the hardware store, but also the adjacent Sakana Sushi, terrific wine and cheese shops, a great breakfast restaurant, my bank, my dentist, and a well stocked family-owned grocery store with an outstanding butcher. I hardly ever use Yelp, but the poor reviews I just saw inspired me to write a positive one reflecting my years of nothing but satisfaction with this store. read more

Forget Home Depot. Our local hardware store has all needs met with expertise and a smile.

Dear Brian odell, owner of Kensington ACE Hardware This is in response to your explanation of why the masks you sold during the fire crisis were priced over the top. You might want to check a few things-- beginning with price your supplier is charging you compared to Walmart, for example, and exactly what kind of masks were being sold to the customers that Saturday we all lined up. (It was during the tragedy of the NoCal fires.) The mask I was sold, ditto for many people in the line ahead of me, didn't have the "exhalation valve" which you feel justifies charging so much. You must've run out of those too-- rather quickly-- yet the employees (looking sheepishly) kept selling cheap-o masks (.50 cents at Walmart) for the hot price of $ 4.99. Walmart has the masks with "exhalation valve": 10 for $11.48 (which is $1.l5 each). Maybe you should consider buying from Walmart from now on and passing on the savings, instead of normally selling these for $7.99 each. Thank you for donating $1,000 to the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund for those affected by the fires. read more

Great local hardware store. Not a big box, but they generally seem to have what I need for my home improvement projects. Well-staffed with people eager to help with simple questions. read more

They are really lving up to the "friendly neighborhood hardware store" mantra at this place.