Picture this: it's raining cats and dogs, and probably chickens, pigs and cows too. You wake up to find the water seeping into your house and you have no way of controling it. The feeling is similar to the one you get after eating a gas station burrito and there's not a terlet in sight for miles. So you realize you just need to find something to stop the flow. Good thing for Laurel Ace! Sand bags they've got sand bags, and when you need sand bags, you really need those sand bags. Went to the fire station for the free ones, but they were closed - maybe due to glorious state of the California budget - thanks Governator! The guys at Laurel Ace hooked us up - even though we had to fill the bags ourselves, it didn't take too long. The super helpful staff even hooked us up with an extra bag of sand for free. Thank you for the immediate relief! Just in time and better than Imodium AD. read more

Tammy, a clerk here, provided amazing customer sevice I'll not soon forget. I needed a small nut to fit on a table my deceased father left me. I'd had the table 25 years. My sons inadvertently removed and lost a nut used to secure the legs. The table did not function without that nut. Even though the piece cost .33 cents, Tammy took nearly 10 minutes helping me find the metric hardened thread hex nut I needed. I am so grateful to her and Ace for helping fix this family heirloom. It may 33 cents today but this is my go to store from now on for hardware and I will be doing a lot of business here in the future. read more

When I need supplies to maintain my rental ,this is my preference. Sometimes the bigger home improvement stores overwhelm me . When I come here the customer service is unmatched .Ace is the place ! read more

This store stands above the rest for two very important reasons: 1) They are open until 8pm. I am extremely frustrated that most hardware stores in the area close at either 5 or 6pm. This is a life saver for me. 2) They carry essentially the full Hillman Fastener selection. I needed a long full thread metric screw and they were the only ones who had it. A great source when working on a car or motorcycle. I used to manage hardware stores in the Midwest so I have very high standards. This store is small and doesn't have everything but they have the supplies you won't find at Home Depot. Plus I noticed they use an Ilco KD50 key cutter, which doesn't mean much to most people. To me however, it's the Cadillac of key cutters and makes the most accurate copies you'll find. read more

I feel a bit better reading that other customers had negative experiences here, because I thought it was just me. After having my registration sticker stolen off my vehicle while I was back East, I came here to get new screws for my plate. Unfortunately, they did not work so I marched back in 5 minutes after purchasing for my $1.42 refund. Because I didn't take my receipt when I originally left the store, they said I couldn't get a refund. What?! The cashier was quite rude and said that the receipts are thrown away. Okay then, let me get it out of the garbage for you. She then walked away talking smack and had a manager come to the front. He wasn't any better in the area of customer service. He basically argued with me about not taking my receipt, pointed to their return policy, and said that I was using up their manpower by having them look for the receipt. For real?! You're at work, so work! After going back and forth with me about how I, obviously, am not a good customer, he pieced together my receipt that was missing a small portion in the bottom corner and had a different cashier give me my $1.42. Damn. I just wanted to fix my license plate. read more

My dad sent me to purchase some screws for an engine, I was so nervous because I'm a girl and I don't know about screws luckily this place have a team full of knowledgeable staff both Ralph and Wesley assisted me to find the specific screws I needed. I will definitely recommend this place! read more

I walked into this business to ask about a car key repair. The salesperson said that they repair keys and the person to repair was there in the store, but was not professional. If there was no option to not give a star, I would pick that option. If Nick would of cleansed his hands after sneezing so much. Then it would be 2 stars. The experience was not professional. Especially when I mentioned to him to cleanse his hands after handing my key back. read more

Today at Ace Laurel Hardware, we experience the WORST customer service from the 2 managers on duty ... Al and Jenny. We bought a battery-operated radio for emergency situations, that didn't work when we tried to use it. We tried several times in several outlets, and using fresh batteries ... It just didn't work! So off to our "friendly" Ace we went. Imagine our surprise ... when after so many fantastic customer service experiences ... that we'd end 2014 with such unexpected, and unwarranted treatment at ACE (the "helpful" hardware place)? Upon explaining to the cashier that our radio didn't work, a manager, Al ... came to retrieve the radio and said he'd HAVE TO GO PLUG IT IN (IN THE BACK), to see if it was working! When we questioned him on why, he said to make sure he marked the item appropriately for the inventory! Really!! ... I have NEVER had any other store physically plug in and check a return item at the moment of return, and while the customer stood by -- to assure "proper inventory verification" ... and IF this is the store policy, as was stated, then there should be a plug right up front to do this check (not away somewhere in the back ... after all they are a hardware store and should be able to figure how to make an electrical connection in the front of the store), so that all can verify the process. AND ... is it really a smart policy ... to have a line which was at least 7 people deep --- waiting while you performed this "validation" ... I say again ... REALLY!! After a short bit of time Al returned to tell the cashier that the item did work (in the back) and not to mark it as defective. We immediately questioned his "findings", reiterated that we KNEW the radio did not work, and were upset that he was saying otherwise. My partner asked if he'd checked it w/ and without the battery ... he replied "No" ... and rudely added in front of the whole store "if you didn't want it, you should of said so in the first place"! We proceeded to, in turn, share our feelings of disbelief at the situation and accusations .... In the meanwhile, upon observing this and also expressing equal dismay, a customer behind us then asked about the return policy on the item that he was about to purchase ... asking if a particular brand of chain had a lifetime guarantee ... when the cashier responded in the negative, the gentleman said that he wasn't interested in purchasing it there (because most other establishments did offer a lifetime warranty on that particular chain). Al quickly jumped in and told the man that he'd have to buy it since he'd already cut the chain for him, to which the man responded that he couldn't be forced to buy a product that he didn't want - he additionally expressed how horrible the customer service was. In response, Al made the command decision to "ban him from the store for life" ... once again ... REALLY! My partner and I continued public derailing the customer service experience, and the efficacy of making such a production out of a $10 return!!! Then all of a sudden we hear a voice from the back saying "all right, that's enough ... you can leave now" In wonderment I turned around to see this unknown, un-introduced, 3rd party leaning over the counter to interject. Not knowing what her role was in the conversation, we immediately dismissed her and asked that she "turn around and not get involved, and then informed her that we were dealing with the manager on the matter". (At no time did she let us know that she too was a manager ... nor did either she or Al try attempt, in any congenial way -- other than as inhospitable and contemptuous (It wasn't until a call back to get names for this complaint - did she inform us that she was also a manager --- we now also know that her name is Jenny). Ace Laurel Hardware is our neighborhood store which we have shopped at for over 10 years. We proudly support small and local business in an attempt to contribute to a thriving Laurel/Dimond community. While this experience does not dissuade us from continuing to support local customer service oriented businesses; we certainly are not going to support a business that doesn't treat us with respect. read more

I love this hardware store because it's super small, but it seems to have EVERYTHING I ever need. Plus the employees are really helpful (because Ace is the place for the helpful hardware (wo)man)... AND they have seedling plants for sale that are so cute and reasonably priced that I'll have to pick up a flat of them *just because*... Yay, Ace! read more

I'm concerned that this hardware store is lately getting bad reviews. I just bought a house and it needs a lot of work and I like doing project so I go to this store a lot. I've always had very positive experiences. The worst experience I've ever had is waiting more than 5 minutes to make keys. Two of the negative reviews written in the last six months are people who did not keep their receipt and then they wanted a refund. Most retail places will not take items without a receipt! Those are the rules at 99% of all stores! If you go in with a question, they help you immediately. Finding things can be hard because they have SO MANY SHELVES and SO MUCH ON THE SHELVES. The prices are occasionally a LITTLE bit higher than some of the local Big Box Stores, but supporting local businesses and tiny neighborhood hardware stores is very important! read more

I came in with 10938120938509 questions and the staff answered every question! They are very friendly and knowledgeable! I'm definitely coming back with any hardware questions. Thanks Laurel Ace!!! read more

I came to purchase n95 mask here because it sold out everywhere else,they had plenty in stock , friendly environment and friendly staff, I recommend this place over bigger stores like Home Depot. read more

This place has something for everything. Problem (P): Maybe you have a moose in your living room with a bad case of the runs? Solution (S): Well Laural Ace Hardware has drain stoppers! (P): Maybe you accidentally broke your rare 16th century vase into three pieces? (S): Laural Ace Hardware has super glue (P): Maybe you have been asked to need a pit crew at the Laguna Seca Historic Races? (S): Laura Ace Hardware has monkey suits. (P): Maybe your two year old decided to perform art masterpieces on your livingroom walls? (S): Laura Ace Hardware has paint. I honestly can't think what these guys don't have. Everything inside is for sale, except for other customers, store employees and the cash register. The small store packs a lot.. and don't forget to see the garden ideas in the far back. (P): Maybe your cigar smoking bridge friends comes over and asks for chocolate fondue? (A): Laura Ace Hardware has butane. read more

Is it really an Ace hardware? I had no idea-- "Laurel Hardware," as their road-facing sign reads, feels like a fantastic ma' and pa' hardware store. Decent prices, overzealous staff, and stocked with about 20x the amount of merchandise one would think could fit in their small store. I originally went here because every single other damned hardware/garden store in the East Bay (that doesn't involve some nightmare Home Depot strip-mall parking scenario) closes at 5 or 6. Go figure, the one in the more cutty, East Oakland side of town was the one beckoning patrons after sunset. Anyways, after waving hello to the 5 elderly people in neon green vests who were outside participating in a very literal and very thorough "neighborhood watch" program, I entered the small store. What I found was a whole plant section in the back of their parking lot, a variety of gardening supplies at all prices, a staff who largely wore braces (which is always a sign of a good person), and every damned thing I needed for about 10-15 bucks less than I planned on spending (for several plants, a few tools, and some giant dirt-bags). They offered to carry my dirt and everything for me to their parking lot, but I stupidly had already parked on-street and done it myself. I gave the neighborhood watch elders a final wave "bye" and packed up happily in my car as one of the females looked at me in my work-drag carrying a bag of dirt and exclaimed, "you'd better watch yourself out here!" What a great hardware store! read more

Not very big but I've been able to find everything that I've needed - plus a couple things that I didn't exactly need, but wanted to get anyway. Cute little parking lot on the side. read more

Today I found myself with a need to get paint swatches and remembered that this place existed. Not being much of a "handy" person, I found myself wandering dazed and slightly creepily through the aisles of ACE. They had a pretty great selection of things to make your life (and living space) better. I found the paint section and stared at the overwhelming mass when the helpful paint guy must have noticed my wide-eyed self and instantly offered help. He didn't even laugh (to my face) when I asked if the swatches were free! All in all, I got a key made and 4! free boxes of eco-friendly light bulbs with a coupon I received in the mail! The staff is great, helpful and friendly. I will definitely be going here again. YAY! read more

This is one of the remaining neighbor hardware stores with friendly staff and wide selection. I found nearly everything I wanted during my last visit. I was thrilled to see a clerk hug a customer while I petted his dog. They have their own parking lot, too. Today I had to return some items. At about 2PM on a Sunday, the line was logn and up the aisle and only one cashier. Soon, another cashier appeared and opened the second cash register. The place is a little claustrophobic, with merchandise nearly floor to ceiling. The checkout area is very cramped. But overall, this is a good store and I look forward to more visits here and fewer to Home Depot. read more

Hey, sometimes Home Depot is just too big! If you need a weird washer, a tiny screw and you only need ONE, not a THOUSAND! Then this is your place. Great helpful staff as well. Good luck finding help at HD. Now it is more expensive for some things but it's what you pay for the convenience. There have been some complaints of racism and I'm Hispanic so I do pick up on things like that and I'm not feeling that here. I just figure they run a tight ship because they have so many small things that could be shop lifted. So get AND keep your receipt because they won't give you a dime back without it. read more

Friendly Informative Helpful Staff. This is a great neighborhood hardware store. In some cases the supplies are priced a bit higher than a Home Depot or Lowes but the service is excellent! The staff has always been able to answer my questions, point or show me in the right direction while the store is stocked with all my home improvement needs. read more

I am giving 1 star because I can't give any less. The cashier named Norma gave excellent customer service. I went to have keys made and saw 2 lit Christmas trees, one flocked and one non flocked. I wanted to purchase the flocked tree after Norma told me it was 75% off. Again Norma did a great job, she maintained eye contact and asked me how I was. We made small talk, she's very nice. On the other hand, the store manger Andrew is racist, rude and sees nothing wrong with rudely and loudly telling Norma in front of me that the tree is not for sale after Norma told him it was being sold to me because he asked who was purchasing it,a woman of color. He had no issues with the tree being sold until he saw me a woman of color. When I got home I spoke with an assistant manger Christina, she apologized for Andrews rudeness. Then when Andrew gave me a call, I told him I didn't appreciate him speaking to Norma the way he did and had the nerve to tell me that he didn't see anything wrong with it. Of course he sees nothing wrong with his behavior, this aka white privilege. I know this complaint won't go any further so that is why I am leaving this review on yelp. read more

This is my husbands favorite store. the staff is over the top knowledgeable. i think they all worked in the trades at one time or another. So they know their stuff when it comes to plumbing, electrical, painting etc. They will walk you through any house repair You can even call them if you get stuck. hella the ones! I hope they never close up shop. Home Depot and Lowes just dont quite get it. but Laurel Ace does!supercalifragilisticexpalidocious!! read more

SUPER HELPFUL ALWAYS HAS WHAT I NEED!! This place hasn't always been this cool. But in the last 5-6 years their staff has upped their game and come through for me more than i can remember!!!! Love this place!!! read more

Living around the corner and banking at the bank that shares the parking lot; I'm here probably 3-4 times a month. I used to love this Hardware store, the people were helpful and the lines where never long. It kept me from going to Home Depot where you know you're going to receive bad service. Now Under Mew Management for the last few months this place sucks. There's never anyone to help you find things the lines are down the aisle and the overall customer service has gone down. Al is one of the employees that has been there throughout the change and he leads the way in BAD customer service. Patricia on the other hand went above and beyond to help me find what I needed. Overall I'll be looking for a new favorite Hardware store read more

SO nice, friendly and helpful! The opposite of what you usually get in big box stores. The people in this store really know their stuff and they don't mind spending time helping customers find exactly what they want. I always feel they try to find the best quality for the best price for me, and aren't just trying to sell me the most expensive thing and get me out of there. They are patient, even when I'm not sure exactly what I'm talking about but need some mechanical parts, or whatever. A great place to do business, and it's local. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than the big box stores, but they do issue coupons from time to time and they have a reward program. It's always worth it to get exactly what you need the first time around and no standing in long service lines if you have to return something. Totally worth it. Service is STELLAR. read more

New management & new layout. The layout is good. I'm not sure why, but many more products are locked and require service to purchase. That would be fine if they have the same amount of staff they used to. Unfortunately, there was a very long line this morning. All I wanted was a light switch. This involved: 1. Checked every aisle to see if I could find an employee. I could not. 2. I stood in line and asked the checker for service and she called it in. 3. Waited in Electrical aisle 4. Looked at the customer service desk in back to find no one 5. The checker, trying to help, called the request in again. 6. Finally, another customer spotted employee in back and asked for help 7. After he was done with her he disappeared in back before appearing again. Because of the locked system, even though I found what I needed immediately, it took 10-15 minutes to get a product under $10. The staff mood seems poor too. I'm used to too much enthusiastic help at Ace (is over communication ever bad?). management needs to focus on both training and staffing up. "I'll be right with you" goes a long way. The other customers weren't super happy either. read more

I came here to purchase a tomato plant for a "Topsy Turvy" to give as a housewarming gift.. but there wasn't any because it was not in season. Instead, the workers helped me with getting tomato seeds and soil to get started. Pretty helpful. Boo thang got himself a bolt cutter for like $10. read more

Finishing up a project on 39th and DAMN!!! I forgot some flux and a sparker! I ran down the hill and stopped into Laurel Ace. they were friendly, parking lot felt secure, and i was in and out in less than 10 minutes! Very helpful, friendly , and valued priced! I mean common' who in the area would have a tub of flux and a sparker for a torch. it was all under $10 bucks! read more

Talk about the most amazing customer service you could get. Kay, the assistant manager, was amazing as well as Eloisa. Not only did they make my return experience the most pleasant it could be, we ended up staying in buying the rest of our plumbing supplies. The staff at this store is beyond accommodating and knows how to go the extra mile!!! read more

As a result of this shelter in place, lines at Home Depot and Lowes have reached an all time high. Hence, I have been encouraged to spend more time here with Ace Hardware. While their selection of items can not compare to bigger home improvement/ hardware stores, this location carries all of the necessary essentials. The staff here are always courteous, and they make an effort to go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. I have zero complaints thus far, and I am much more happier spending my money here knowing that I am valued as a customer. read more

This place helps make the Laurel complete. I've bought little bit of everything here: keys, light bulbs, potting soil, Murphy's oil soap, charcoal, mason jars, etc. The list goes on. Bonus: they're open until 8! And they're open Sundays! read more

This is a great little hardware store. The staff are super-helpful. Yesterday when I asked if they had batteries for car alarm clickers, the key guy wasn't busy so he opened up my clicker for me and replaced the battery. Super nice. Of course you're going to pay a bit more for things here than at Home Depot, and for that I wouldn't buy everything for a bathroom remodel here, but for everyday home purchases, this is a much friendlier, less-overwhelming experience. read more

Love my neighborhood ACE. The staff is friendly and they know their stuff. It's a super small store, but for the basics it's great. They do pack quite a bit in there given the limitations. If I can avoid the Home Depot, you know I will. read more

I love my local hardware place. The staff are helpful & have never had a problem here. Only wish it were a bigger store! read more

I am updating this review! I have returned to this neighborhood Ace Hardware and was VERY pleased with the customer service. It is a small store - but they rearranged it and there is more inventory and the staff were very helpful! Thanks. I will now shop locally! (I agree with Max below. The staff are not very customer service focused and neither is the manager. I went there less than one week ago to get some keys copied. Only needed 3 keys - 2 of the same key for my house and one for my car. The car key was fine - the house keys did not work. I came back and had them in the bag that they gave me BUT I did not have the receipt. I am pretty sure I threw it away. The woman at the cash registered was ok BUT clearly was used to reciting the store POLICY. When the manager came out - I explained that the keys didn't work - and maybe they could re-cut or do a new one. hey could buff it, but that was it. I explained that I am sure it is in their system. I could show them my debit receipt but I did not have the hard copy. NOPE - not if I did not have the receipt. THEY MADE THE KEYS. So, I said that it was poor customer service and with that, the manager took a tone with me and rather than being apologetic or helping to figure out a solution, she got an attitude. This is all about how management is handling the situation and training their staff. So much for supporting the local hardware store. I will not go back.) read more

Best little hardware store ever.... Great selection for such a small store, great hours. Death to Home Depot! read more

I've lived in a neighborhood near Laurel Ace Hardware for nine years, so I've had plenty of occasion to frequent the place. I have to say, their employees are extremely helpful; there's always someone readily available to help you find what you want. And speaking of finding what you want, it's truly impressive how much stuff they manage to pack into the store, considering its small footprint. They have everything from chicken wire to chains here. Now that I think about it, I've almost never NOT found whatever item I stepped in to purchase. I always notice the businesses whose employees stick around; this is such a one. They've had many of the same folks there for several years--that tells me the place is well managed and a good employer. I'm glad they're such a fixture in my neighborhood. read more

The laurel Ace has friendly and helpful staff and that little store is jammed packed with hardware. I seem to always find what I'm looking for. read more

New management, new staff, terrible service. They can never find anything. The Hub guy (customer service) is useless and has a bad attitude. The younger people try, but without, it seems, any training. They just wander around and look in the section I have already been starring at. You need the right screw or washer or spark plug, not just any. Then, after enduring this torture, if you do buy something, there is a long line at the checkout, while several employees are just wandering around. I have been probably 6 times, thinking they just need time for training. Each time I leave frustrated. Today was the last time I will go there. I recommend the hardware store in Orinda, where they are actually helpful. read more

The best thing about this hardware store is that they have plenty of helpful sales people, even on a Saturday when it seems like everyone in the neighborhood is trying to fix their hoozadizit and comes to the store to get a part for it. And more than likely, they'll find it. And despite employing lots of people, their prices are reasonable, in line with other hardware stores I have seen. Though you might find the same item for a few cents cheaper at Home Depot, it's not worth the hassle going there. I found a 6mm Hex head bolt x 50mm long for my motorcycle. How many neighborhood hardware stores stock metric sizes? read more

This is one of the smaller Ace hardware locations around, but despite their size; they still manage to stock their store with everything you could possibly need for home improvement/repair. Also, their location, hours, and prices are all great in comparison with other hardware stores around Oakland and Alameda. This store is conveniently located in the heart of the Laurel district, opens early in the AM, stays open till early evening and always sells their items for close to what somewhere like Home Depot or Pagano's would charge. read more

Laurel Ace Hardware - Ace Brand Wheelbarrows - Hardware Stores Near Me - Oakland, California