Needed to grab some hooks for our Christmas lights today. I ordered them on line and went to the store to pick them up. When I came to the front checkout, I realized they had not pulled the order up yet as it had been about 1-2 hours since I placed the order. When I asked where the hooks were the cashier was super helpful and walked me over to the Christmas hook area. Unfortunately, the hooks I was looking for weren't there. At this point, "Dennis" inserted himself to ask me if I got an e-mail confirmation on my order. I said "Yes" I did and he walked off to help someone else. When I ran into him again in the store, he said, "You only placed the order an hour ago!" rather than trying to help me find the hooks. Instead, I found another employee to help me. All was a great experience except for my interaction with "Dennis". read more

I came in a couple minutes before Pete's Ace store was about to close. This worker, Lisa, was utterly unprofessional. I had felt that way because when I came in to ask about finding a solution to my problem, Lisa, instead of admitting she does not know how to solve my problem, but she had wasted minutes of my time until they were close to go and answer another customer's question. As a result, Lisa had not only not answered my question but had quickly moved on to clean up and get ready to close up the shop. If you do not know how to answer someone's question, be honest and have the customer move on to ask somebody else, so they are not wasting time. It is unacceptable for employees to show unprofessionalism towards each other, let alone their customers. This is the second time I've experienced this unprofessionalism at Pete's Ace store. I sincerely hope there are and will be changes to employees' behavior towards their regular and future customers of all kinds. read more

We have been regular customers of Pete's for several years now and have usually received pretty decent customer service but this morning when we were there we were "helped" by George who was really rude. He was arrogant, talked over us and had zero sense of humor. Not sure why he is working with customers with such a sour attitude. Very disappointing. read more

This is such a cool well-maintained hardware store. It doesn't look like much from the front but it has everything. As you walk through the aisles the store gets deeper and deeper and you'll find everything from paint to plants to keys to frogs that sing to you. You can even drive through the parking lot up the hill and that's where they store all the dirt and so when we need potting soil we just drive straight up there and buy it directly without even stepping in the store from the front. Long story short support local businesses check this place out if you need something they probably have it. read more

This is a great community hardware store. We went for the first time last week to get lady bugs for our garden. Even though they were close to closing, everyone was very friendly and offered to help us. They answered our questions, never made us feel rushed and gave great suggestions! We will definitely be going back here instead of the big box stores! read more

I believe based on my experiences to many staff here are rude and potentially don't like certain customers based on how they talk down to you or rudely direct you away from the store saying they don't offer certain services or items when they do. I've been in here to many times with bad experiences I will continue to take my money else where, staff needs to be trained in customer service and even if their having a bad day not to take it out on the customer. I spoke to a manager who I felt was rude as well although she apologized, her tone was rude. No thanks Pete's Ace Hardware. read more

Great local hardware store with helpful employees and just about anything to fix house stuff with.

The people at Pete's are very helpful and friendly. I have been coming here for over 15 yrs. And the staff always helps. Stock

Zero stars never call and apologize called to make sure the security whom I was corrected was an associate received reprimand for his behavior. I was told the footage would be reviewed and associate given training as necessary! read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Security - intimidation of sickly black man & niece - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I have lived in Castro Valley for 11 years and have been a Pete's Ace Hardware customer the whole time because they have great service and are knowledgeable therefore they can help a lot more than just telling you what isle to go to! Recently I went in for LED light bulbs and was not sure of which kelvin or lumen rating I should get. The associate walked to the light bulbs gave choices, explained the differences and even opened different ones and actually lit them up for me so I could see the difference. Then I asked for an adjustable throw away curtain to replace the one I bought from them years ago. She said they are discontinued and they do not have any more then let me know where I can buy what is needed and make my own curtain! Thank you for remaining a real deal local hardware store! Sincerely, Michael read more

I love Pete's. As soon as I walk in every time without fail it's not more than a minute and someone is asking if they can help me find what I am looking for. (good luck even finding someone at Home Depot to help you!). Today was a quick trip for light bulbs (LED) to make sure the bugs stay away from the front door. TIP: 5000K LED bulbs are not an attractant to those flying fiends at night. The are not attracted to that spectrum of light. They had True Value brand bulbs on sale (40 watts, 5000 (k) Kelvin) which was perfect for the front door so I picked up a pack along with some other bulbs. Checkout is always easy and I donated the extra change today to the St. Judes Children's Hospital courtesy of Mr. Mastercard. They have everything I always want, maybe n ot as extensive as a Home Depot but the customer service here is fantastic and a lot of staff really know a lot to help. If they don't they find a "senior" person who does. A great icon of Castro Valley going back to the 50-60's. Probably one of the oldest businesses in Castro Valley They show the original location in the Castro Valley History Book and then the long road and empty street which is now the boulevard. I like history such as that. 5 stars. read more

I'd wax on about Pete's for hours if someone would only listen! This is a first-rate hardware store that has everything you need. Yes, I promise everything. Including a husband. You got that right -- they actually RENT husbands. You know, for that college reunion where you want to wow all your exes with your FANTASTIC LIFE! Or, for your cousin's wedding, when you want to get your nagging aunt off your back. Seriously, these husbands will dress up (if you provide the tux), but they're really all about doing all those pesky things around the house that a real husband would do if only there was one. The rates are reasonable, and the work is done by Pete's staff members, so it's likely someone you know, who you've already quizzed about how to prime that wrought iron before you paint it... Unlike a real one, these husbands are bonded and their work is guaranteed... Pete's really does have everything from lumber (not big lots -- go elsewhere for that -- they have the random pieces of wood or trim you need for that project), hardware, tools, paint, screen door fixins, plumbing stuff, cleaning supplies, hinges and handles, locks and keys made while you wait, hats, plants, fans, wheelbarrows, and more. They'll even cut the wood (or whatever) for you...thread pipes for you... you name it! If they don't have it, they'll tell you where to get it, or how to get along without it. But the best thing about Pete's is the know-how they give away for free. If something's broke, someone there knows how to fix it. They are always so nice. So friendly. So helpful. So unlike those big-box DIY stores where all you get is a blank stare and a kick in the ass. Because Pete's is part of the Ace Hardware affiliates, you also benefit from their weekly national sales and great prices. I bought two 9-foot patio umbrellas there for just $24.99 each. Elsewhere they'd have been $99. What-a-deal! read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Pete's Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

First time at Pete's Ace Hardware in Castro Valley. The minute we stepped into the store, a gentleman offered help. I told him we were looking for the garden beds that were featured on the sale mailer, and he walked us through the store and to the garden section. Yes, walked all the way and guided us there instead of pointing. That's what I called service! After paying for the items, we drove up the little hill toward the back lot where the warehouse is. Two gentlemen got the garden beds boxes down. I don't understand why the 50 lb garden beds boxes are stacked on a way so high shelf! But they got them down, helped put them in the trunk of the car, and off we go. I need to come back to this store at a later date. I love to look and see all the items they carry... such a big store for an Ace hardware!! The 2 San Francisco stores near me are not that big... read more

Holy cow. I've been going here for a decade, but no more. Asked an employee for help who was standing in an aisle and told they were "too busy." Asked to buy some cable, told "we don't have anyone to cut cable today." I've never walked out on a business like this before. Maybe better after COVID, but I'd be Leary to even try. read more

Very upset with this place. Absolutely rude! They lied to us about when to come in and upon arrival they wouldn't let me in..the manager was so rude. Was an older lady black hair. read more

My family just moved to the area and we are very happy to be close to such a great hardware store. The staff is knowledgable, kind and eager to help. We were blown away by Andy's help with our paint selection. He assisted us in finding the proper brushes and rollers for our situation and he made sure we had every tool we needed for the job. This location seems very busy but that didn't have any effect on the level of customer service we received. We were in and out in under a half our and thanks to Andy's helpful tips our painting process went seamlessly. read more

Literally the helpful place. Have recently gotten more handy around the house, woodworking projects, general repairs, etc and every time I come here it's a positive experience. The prices are fair, the employees are super kind and helpful. Great CV establishment. 5 stars well deserved. read more

Ordered a fan online from this location which said it was in stock for pick up the next morning. Called 2 hours before closing and they said they were pulling online orders now and I should get a call soon, 1 hour later and the lady calls and says they don't have it in stock it may come in a delivery tomorrow but she will order it from the Sacramento hub to make sure, so if it isn't in tomorrow it would be in Thursday, mind you this is in the middle of a heat wave and the reason I picked the store is because it was in stock and a local business, the lady asks do I want to keep the order or cancel so I told her no keep it please i can wait since I have to. 2 days later I get a email that my order has been canceled? No call or verification from my end, not the type of customer service that gets repeat customers at all. Will not be doing any more business with this location. read more

Well, I have been there like 4 times since that I live in these area which is more than 10 years, but everytime that I've been there, I have had bad experiences with costumer service, to the point that yesterday someone (employee, old white male) was following me and observing what I was doing... Like if I was trying to steal something and I asked him in regards of some items that I needed and he walked away saying he didn't know if they had it or not (so, he wasn't really there to help me just to checking on me) I am doing some repairing at home I need some stuff and advice, but that's the wrong place to go, even their demeanor towards me was kinda on discriminating way, I usually don't go over there for the same reason, except yesterday that I'm trying to avoid big crowded places on these times, and it seems like it hasn't changed a bit. So I guess home depot's it is, for sure I would never go back over there... Also a lady (employee, old white lady) in the front door in a demanding way was telling me that my face mask shouldn't have respirators and it should be covered, that was their first strike, we're costumers paying for your overpriced stuff that you guys have, we're not there to ask for free stuff, so the owner should pay for a costumer service and descrimination course to his/her employees. read more

I really WANT to love Pete's, as my local mom'n'pop taking on HD and Lowe's, but they just don't have great service. The store is confusing, each employee will tell you something different, you have to "know" what to do/where to go/what to ask for, nothing is self-explanatory... it's unfriendly unless you're already in the know, and the employees don't really seem to want to bring you into the loop. It's like a clique. I'm pretty good with power tools and I'm a good gardener, so they should let me into their clique! But they never seem to want to, despite honestly trying the past few years. Lots of chances. Not just one bad experience. I actually think they have a very good selection and prices are competitive. I just wish I knew how to shop there without making the staff act like I've inconvenienced them. FYI the parking situation is dire. That lot is always bumper to bumper and contractors' trucks take up half the spaces. Not much the store can do; just be aware. Unlike other reviewers I think their COVID response was unremarkable. They're doing what's required for baseline safety; not really much more or less. read more

While I have been shopping here for years, and I appreciate that they are enforcing the mask law more than ever, the line leading to the cash registers is not very efficient. There is an area closer to the front, where there is a blind spot. Someone can simply cut in and because there's a curve, they don't see someone cutting in. It's a game. They are so strict about the masks, but they can't monitor the line. I was told that it used to go down the electrical aisle, but since more people use that aisle instead of the household cleaner aisle, they moved the line to that line. A person can be patiently falling in line, way to the back by the storage bin area, simply to be cut off inadvertently or on purpose by some jackass thirty feet away. My point is, people are following your rules, the lines, the masks, the masks without respirators, which you strictly enforce, but you could care less about the checkout line. And, as another reviewer posted, the people who work there are getting nastier than ever. Didn't used to be. I realize people are stressed out, but lately, except for three off the top of my head, a lot of the women in the front are getting to be angry, old biddies. Stay home if you can't be cordial. read more

Been a customer of Pete's for 30 years. It appears the Covid-19 county rules have somewhat impaired the thinking of those attending the front door and management team. A very disappointing experience today I never expected from Pete's. Store staff at the front door should act like a concierge being active listeners (regardless of the Covid-19 rules handed down by well meaning health officials and using this very loosely) -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. They should also be service oriented -- looking for ways to help people. However the front door staff appears to act more like grade school yard recess teachers. Person at the door asked "What are you looking for?" in a demanding tone, (not may I help you). Waited for her to say it was ok to enter; however she didn't like the fact I was holding my face mask while standing outdoors and waited for her say it's ok to go in, she stared for a few moments, the said in a demanding tone again "before I let you in, put your mask on!" I don't need to be reminded of the rule and fully understand what's required. Put the mask on said to her as I walk by her "she is stupid", and she grabbed me with both her arms and pulled me back and said you have to leave because you called me stupid, else going to call the sheriff. Enough was enough and asked to speak to the manager or owner, she responded I am the manager. Let her know if thats the case you will never get my business again after spending thousands of dollars over the years to support your store; have had many other choices to choose from. By the way, the staff inside are awesome, always very helpful, friendly, courteous, and eager to help customers; thats serious superior customer service in action which seems to be lacking on the management levels. Sad to say after all the years being a loyal customer, I will never spend another nickel at Pete's Hardware. read more

My boyfriend went to your store with his N 95 mask and the woman up front told him to wait in line and read their paper of acceptable masks. By the time he waited and got to the front the lady told him his mask wasn't good enough. She couldn't have said that before he waited around? You are all messed up over there, wasting our time when we just want to support local business. You are allowing people with homemade masks in but not quality ones? Bad communication and management, will be taking our business to Home Depot now, thanks. read more

Stopped at Pete's today to pick up one item. The tag said $2.49 but when it was rung up it was $4.89. I told the cashier that wasn't the price on the shelf and insisted she check. She went to check, came back and said my item was on the wrong hook and was, in fact, $4.89. I asked to see a manager who checked and confirmed the item WAS $2.49. The clerk was standing there so I tried to hand her the item and receipt to do a refund. Her response: "I'm going on break". So I got to stand in a long line for a second time. Not good customer service. read more

I work in the local construction & maintenance industry. I often depend on Pete's to have the exact part that I am in need of. Every little nut, bolt, Doo-Dad, and 'Hillbilly-Rigged' part I may be looking for, there is a good chance are they have what I need for success in completion of my project. A big shout out to Danny. He is 'The Man' as far as I am concerned. (Dan The Man!) He has my mad respect as far as his deep knowledge of where things are in the store. He has come up with some brilliance when assisting me whenever I need a 'brainstorming partner' to assist in solving an issue. He's not the only person there that knows 'what's going on' in that seemingly little store. Might look little on the outside, but they're very deep on the inside! When I have to go to Home Depot, I know that their knowledge base just isn't that deep. Then I am on my own to try to find something. However the people @ Pete's are willing and able to assist you. They 'bring it'. I have rarely if ever, been disappointed whenever I make the journey over to Castro Valley Blvd. to Pete's. A Castro Valley Institution for 92 (!) years! My hat's off to you! read more

Not sure why people would leave 1 star in a Pandemic. Home Depot is closer but I go here. Great place. You had to wait in line? Join the Donner Party. read more

I have been going to Pete's since 1958 when we moved to this house. First with my Father, and now still in my 65th year. I took industrial arts in school so for the most part I know what I need. But some times I need advice, and they have never been wrong. Also they have that "old school" atmosphere that no big box has. Wonderful staff, and if they don't have it, they can probably get it. A couple times I thought the would not have a special item, and they did! A special thanks to Miss C.... who helped me get a 100 pound toilet in my car, what a fine young lady thanks!! read more

Count 'em, 4 cashiers on a thurs PM.. who does that? Most places around here are under staffed not here. Very helpful too. Got me the Allen wrenches I needed and I'm on my way. I'll be back for sure And they have a garden section. Small though read more

Very nice had to get out of line to get canning goods. Had everything I wanted and more. Nice people always someone around to ask for help

Excellent hardware store! Staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable! Best place the go for DIY projects!

Everyone can complain all they want, but Pete's has been consistently great every time I have gone since moving here the past year. During Covid especially they have really stepped up. They always have an employee at the front checking masks and making sure everyone stays safe. Even during this time they still go out of their way to help customers. I had to make my own house number door plate recently and they gave me a piece of scrap wood for free from their back room after I explained the project. Yes, they close at 4pm now. It's right on google, I have never had trouble finding this info. Bottom line is Pete's is following safety procedures to make sure their clientele and employees stay safe, which I greatly appreciate since a lot of other businesses in the area are not doing so (I'm looking at you Safeway). The people complaining probably have (mental) health problems that prevent them from following basic safety procedures like wearing a mask or Googling store hours. read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - House numbers, twine, scrap wood - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Wow, cannot believe the service here! Walk in, and immediately a *knowledgable* helpful person offers help without being too pushy about it either. Last time I was there, instead of selling me a part I didn't need (because I didn't have the tools to disassemble a particular connector), they took it in back and just did it for me, gratis. Can't ask for more! read more

The primary advantage of this hardware store is its convenient location for Castro Valley residents. The staff is generally more knowledgeable and more helpful than typical big box store sales reps. The selection is quite good. The prices are competitive, only slightly higher than big box store prices. So why only 1 star? Well, about 6 to 8 years ago, I bought a set of Stanley's wood chisels from this store. I took the chisels home, didn't use them at all, and decided I wanted to buy a higher-quality chisel set. So, within a few days after the purchase and with the receipt in hand, I took the chisels back to Pete's for a refund. I thought it was a fairly routine return, but oh, how wrong was I to expect that? An unprofessional Pete's salesman took the chisel set and examined them up close for signs of wear and then proclaimed falsely that the chisels had been used and refused my refund request. I honestly never used the chisels but my declaration fell on deaf ears as this unprofessional salesman implied that I was lying and refused the refund. I took the chisels back and walked out. Prior to that point, I had been a regular patron of Pete's, but from that point on, I did most of my hardware and tool purchases at OSH, Home Depot, Lowes, or Amazon. It was only after OSH temporarily went out of business that I went back to patronizing Pete's again. It's quite rare that I ever returned tools after a purchase, but if I ever did, I expected the sales staff to treat me with courtesy. And I certainly didn't appreciate an unprofessional salesman implying I was lying to him to get a refund. At other retailers, my experience with refunds/returns was always seamless. This episode was at least six years ago (perhaps even 8 yrs ago). I don't know what is Pete's current store policy on refunds, but I personally wouldn't buy an expensive tool from Pete's and risk getting stuck with it if I changed my mind later. I still patronize Pete's for other things if I needed something in a hurry. It's just that when it comes to tools costing more than, say, $30, I buy them from somewhere else other than Pete's. read more

I live in East Oakland-This has become my go to hardware store. They have everything I need 95% of the time.

Love my local hardware store. They keep the store well stocked and will get anything else for you in a day or two. They're staffed by a ton of knowledgeable people who have patiently helped me work through many a household problem based on only a couple phone photos. From plumbing to electrical to building materials, they have it all! read more

Good old fashioned service, along with a smile and a bit of humor. Visited today and Bill quickly resolved my issue with a unique hex nut which was needed for my trolling motor propeller. Bill's knowledge and customer service are incredible and greatly appreciated! read more

Pete's Hardware often has helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. Today I went in frustrated and a bit overwhelmed by a home project. Andy was sent to help me. Not only did he give helpful advise but he helped encourage me that I could actually do the project. Andy was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and patient with my many questions. Not only did I walk out with the right tools thanks to Andy but I left with a much better frame of mind. Thank you Andy you made my day much brighter! read more

As a homeowner who is fairly clueless about handyman repairs I find the staff at Pete's to be most helpful. Not only do they save me time, but often explain things in such a way that I not only walk out with the correct product, but also some tip on how to use it or what mistake I might avoid. That, plus the convenience of parking close and walking right in...being served, and checking out quickly. That combination makes it far superior to wandering aimlessly in some big box store looking for someone, anyone, who knows what they are talking about. read more

It's Monday in November at 6 PM and I just called four times in a row. Each time I called, it rang anywhere from 1 to 4 rings. Each time, whoever is working there hung up on me. For an ace this yelp overall rating is poor. I consider myself a proud is shopper and absolutely swear by Ace it's a palling that I can't get anyone to answer the phone. I consider east to be an American institution that it's better than that. This place does have pretty good service when you're in the store. So I'm giving it three stars. I'd like to give it five. What a shame read more

I used to like going to this store. However my last experience was so bad that I will never go to this store again. I came in with some girlfriends of mine... we came in about 20 minutes before they were due to close. I had only two things on my list and my friend had only one thing to get so we would have easily been in and out of there before they closed. However, the moment we walked in we were followed by at least two to three employees who tried to appear as though they were being helpful but they were not at all helpful. They were acting like we were stealing stuff or something. They were really rude and impatient with us. I figured out that they just wanted to go home... EVEN THOUGH THE STORE WAS OPEN FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES. They were so rude that even when I was nice and said, "sorry guys i know you want to go home, but I just need some weather stripping for an interior door"... the three employees that were following us around did not even bother to help me out. Instead, they just stood there with their arms crossed as though I had done something wrong. I ended up getting the wrong weather stripping cuz I was rudely rushed out of there. We were still out of the store before they closed so I don't know what these rude ppl's problem was. So much for small town hospitality. What's even more baffling is that me and my two girlfriends were extraordinarily nice and bubbly and warm and friendly. The experience was so bad that I will never go there again... and neither will my gotlfriends. read more