this is a great store. the hours as posted here are wrong though, so i just wasted my time making the trek out. they close at 8 pm m-f not 9 pm. also a little known service is you can drop off your kitchen knives to get sharpened on the bottom floor at the key counter. read more

I like to support local business, so I accept the higher prices and head here when I need light bulbs, screws, packing tape, whatever. I like their selection -- the upstairs level is fun for walking around and thinking about all the things you might someday need to buy. Plus, it's nearby, and when you need to grab nails, it's usually urgent (you never know when that whim to install your IKEA shelves is going to strike!). Although I don't spend a ton of time in hardware stores in general or anything, they're the most professional and easily-navigated of any hardware store that I've been to in the Cambridge/Somerville area. And that 10% student discount is really nice, especially with those prices. read more

I really like Tags. They sell almost everything you can think of that you might need for home, auto, personal and many many miscellaneous yet useful items. I went in there today looking for something to repair my shoe but enjoyed walking through all the aisles. It's the Swiss Army knife of hardware, diy, project and home stores. read more

These guys have been around for a long time. The place is a little dishevled and reminiscent of a rural hadware store. They have a pretty good selection of the sort of things renters tend to need. The staff is courteous and helpful. read more

Yes, it can be pricey, but the laundry rack I bought at Tags for $29.95 is far sturdier and has already outlasted the laundry rack I bought at Target for $14.95, so often you get just what you are paying for. I also appreciate that their hardware and gardening sections nearly always have exactly what I'm looking for, from painting supplies to fertilizer to filters for my air cleaner. They do actually have some lumber, but you have to ask for it. And kitchen gadgets galore to drool over, not to mention the extensive Le Crueset selection upstairs. Sigh. Plus it's an independent store, which I'm always happy to support. It's true that the staff quality is variable, hence my four stars rather than five, but otherwise, it's a Cambridge treasure. read more

This is a good hardware store. They have virtually everything, plus a lot you'd not expect to find. The service is excellent, very helpful people will take you right to the item you need and explain it if necessary. I'm a regular customer and will continue read more

I was at Tags the other day running some errands for the store that I work for and it was an extremely pleasant experience. Everyone who worked there went out of their way to help me find what I need and for what they didn't have they recommended other nearby places I could go to find said things. The employees seem very knowledgable and happy to be of assistance. It is a pleasure every time I go in there. read more

This place is great! They have everything the bigger hardware stores have, but I like knowing I'm supporting a local business. The people who work here are friendly and helpful, and the store has all kinds of useful stuff, including paint supplies, hardware, fans, bug spray, kitchen gadgets, lamps, shelving units, etc. read more

Went to Tags looking for a key copy. This is one of those complicated laser-cut car keys. The employee I met said they couldn't do it, but he directed me to a nearby business that he thought would. I really appreciated the extra effort from Henry. At another hardware store the employee told me to go to my car dealer (which still may be helpful) but Henry told me who could do it, what was necessary to do the job, and where to find them. Thanks! read more

Mike was incredibly helpful in assisting me in getting the right parts for a small household repair.

Tags is now my favorite hardware store, tied with Masse's. I recently had some issues installing a garbage disposal. I went to several hardware stores, 2 different Home Depots, and a plumbing supply store, and Tags was the only store where the staff didn't talk down to me, wasn't annoyed that I was asking for help, and not only knew what they were talking about but were good enough to help me find a creative solution to a tough problem. I now have a working sink again, and I fixed it myself for not very much effort or money thanks to the folks at Tags. read more

That's right! As good as it gets! Went today to buy a space heater as a gift. Got their always 10% senior discount AND a free tags tote bag for spending over $50 AND their best kept secret - FREE GIFT WRAP And the friendliest and most helpful service. I had called and asked about this space heater and without asking it was waiting for me at the counter! I love supporting local businesses and found this over the top for quality, price, courtesy, and PERKS! Good deal even if you are not a senior ! read more

I'm happy to support this store because the people are really, really nice. And really helpful. From the diy supplies I pick up for a little home improvement project to the housewares that I would normally have to find at a big box store that has lots of other crap I don't need, this is my store. Plus they still had air conditioning units during the recent heat wave and none of the Home Depots or Targets did! read more

I enjoy shopping here. When I come to look for something specific, I tend to find it, and when I come to simply browse around, I always find something exciting, useful or otherwise interesting. I also like the location, which is easier to reach if you don't have a car than many other hardware stores in the larger area. read more

The people here are super nice, there is pretty much any home improvement-type stuff you would ever need, and they allow dogs! They even have little biscuits at the front of the store. I always end up spending more time/money than I planned in here because there is so much neat stuff. In addition to all the usual hardware stuff (an entire isle of screws, various types of paint, gardening stuff, etc.) they also have a huge kitchen-stuff section. This includes things like storage canisters of every shape and size, any kind of kitchen gadget you never knew you needed, and even some small appliances. You can also bring in your knives to be sharpened and keys to be copied. They also have a smaller section in front with seasonal stuff. It is full of Halloween decorations and such themed items at the moment. Definitely go here. And bring the dog! read more

Going into Tags is like walking into the Heaven of hardware stores. Their customer service defies anything I have experienced anywhere. Can you imagine bringing in a broken lamp and the hardware staff, David, asked if I could wait while he repaired it on the spot. My charge was 37 cents! You won't find this kind of service at those mega hardware stores. Their housewares department is a chef's heaven. The housewares staff are so enthusiastic and really know their products. The housewares manager always spends the time to ask how I'm doing and how my dog is. She is so knowledgeable and informs me of upcoming events she thinks I might be interested in. I have gone to a few of their special cooking demos and love being able to talk with the chefs. The icing on the cake is that there is a bowl of dog treats and lollypops out on the counter. My dogs literally starts drooling when we drive into the parking lot. Thank you Tags for your amazing service and great staff! This is one store where employees seem to love their work! read more

My husband and I always receive friendly assistance whenever we shop there. And a special thank you to the kind folks who helped us select our patio chairs yesterday and get them out to our car. It's not our closest hardware store, but it's worth the trip. read more

I went into Tags to purchase a grill because I wanted to support a local business. Even though I was assured by the manager I spoke with that delivery to my third floor deck wouldn't be an issue, the store proceeded to call the local fire department because they felt they were "liable" in some way. It was a complete breach of trust, totally overreaching and a ridiculous explanation for their actions. Unless you want the morality police at Tags to check up on your purchases, I'd strongly recommend shopping elsewhere. read more

Really enjoy shopping in this store. If you have a hardware need or just want to browse around the first floor and its interesting and high quality kitchen supplies and gadgets, you will enjoy checking out TAGS hardware. They have higher-end housewares on the first floor such as Dansko, pots and pans, Miele vacuum cleaners, coffee machines of all types and prices, Lekue cookware, nice linens, bathroom needs, etc. In the basement they have everything else - plumbing supplies, nuts and bolts, birdseed, insulation, light bulbs, flower bulbs, door bells, tile adhesive, paint, you name it. I have received excellent advice on DIY toilet repairs and catching mice. TAGS is also a Miele vacuum repair facility. I brought in my mother's 20+ year old Miele vacuum for servicing. It turned out the motor had gone. We discussed options and I settled on replacing the dead motor with a used one, the most economical choice. When I picked up the vacuum they charged just the repair fee and provided the used motor free - this impressive customer service prompted me to report my positive experience. Not only did they not push us toward the most expensive option, they stood behind the products they sell and really helped us out with that used motor. My mother and I so appreciate this excellent customer service. TAGS is also the only local place I have found that stocks Harbor Sweets products (winter months), and their annual Customer Appreciation Weekend is a lot of fun too. I'm glad TAGS is in our neighborhood. read more

I'm actually looking forward to going out and purchasing wood cleaner, because I get to go back to Tags. This is a great shopping experience for home and hardware needs. read more

Ohh! Gender fail today in hardware. Just got questioned for buying an item for working on masonry, while looking female. Otherwise, great neighborhood hardware store. read more

This store has almost everything one needs to fix up their home. I rarely have a problem finding something there. Also, they give out free lollypops and occasionally some free popcorn. read more

poor customer service. poor selection. avoid this place. go somewhere else if you need hardware supplies. this is a generic Walmart.

the lady asked me if I wanted a bag and said its 10 cents. I said sure. The total came to $39.91. I gave her two twenties and searched my pockets for change. I had none at all. She voided out the bag fee and gave me my 9 cents back and no bag. I said i'll just juggle it all on the way out. I also said this is a good enough reason to never come back. she said it was Cambridge bag policy and fee. I've spent thousands there on supplies in the past. Unreal. read more

I generally do not like hardware stores but Tags, Cambridge is actually a fun place to shop. Not only do they have a large variety of nice stuff for the house (not only hardware !) but the way they treat their customers is exceptional ! I had brought in an old lamp for repair and, unfortunately, my instructions were mistakenly not followed. When I went to pick it up the manager, Mike, could not have been sweeter or more accommodating !! I was overwhelmed by his truly wanting to get it right. Ten thumbs up for Tag, Cambridge and Hardware Manager Mike ! read more

Convenient place to pick up home improvement items without having to go to Home Depot if just getting something small. Paint, keys, garden items, tools... fast in, fast out. Glad they're in my neighborhood! read more

I absolutely love having this store locally. It's slightly magical in that they always seem to have what I need, whether it's a special kitchen gadget or simple painting/hardware supplies. I love that I can stop in while taking my dog for a walk and not have to worry about leaving him outside. Did I mention they even have popcorn on the weekends? What more could you possibly want? read more

no line, cool store, plenty of help, there is plenty of parking, but a busy store!

Tags is rad, well organized and well stocked. Well maybe not on that last one, I don't know enough to say. I've always found what I was looking for, though I am not exactly a prolevel maker with fancy projects. The staff have helped me with questions about wood moulding glue to a roasting pan (separate endeavors). They have dog treats for dog friends too. read more

This is one of the best stores in Cambridge; refreshingly helpful people, a wide assortment of items and easy to get to. Almost every store in Porter Square has come and gone over the last 40 years except for Tags. It tells you something about their excellent customer service. The people are so nice and I love the popcorn on Saturdays. Keep up the good work!!!!!! read more

Love this place! Yes, some items can be expensive (for the location, what do you expect?) but I've never walked away with a negative experience. The staff are GREAT- I recently purchased a huge amount of paint and the young gentleman who helped me out was patient and friendly (Thanks, Louis!) They have a great selection that allows you to stumble upon things you thought you'd have to run to another store for. Fellas, drop your ladies off on the first floor to enjoy the thousands of houseware products and head downstairs to hardware heaven. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

I love Tags. Where else can you get a spatula, electrical tape, clothes hangers, and a box of nails all in one place? It was my savior when I moved into my apartment and after a long day of trudging up and down three flights of stairs, found myself lacking all of the above items - I am all about one-stop shopping when I'm exhausted. The employees are helpful and are happy to point me in the right direction. They also have free popcorn on the weekends, which brought back memories of going to the local hardware store as a little kid with my dad. Sometimes I wish they had more of a selection of certain items, but overall it's pretty good. The prices are decent, and there's a student discount available for those with a college ID. read more

An excellent collection of kitchen- and bath-ware, better chosen goods than Bed Bath and Beyond (and delightfully scent-free, unlike BB&B)

The Best. They have everything I have ever needed, and they offer great customer service. They really appreciate your business, and do plenty to let you know it! I've been surprised more than one weekend by showing up on an unexpected 'Customer Appreciation Day' that offers not only cake and popcorn, but big sales and coupons. read more

You don't have to drive all the way to the container store. Has a lot of things that you would never expect a hardware store to have.

I can't say enough positive things about the customer service at TAGS. I have been a loyal local customer for a while now, and have always appreciated their return policy and willingness to ensure customer satisfaction in general, but I just had an experience with the owner of the business that I think warrants special mention and kudos. I had a problem with a product I bought there and was feeling very frustrated about the product company's policies around honoring and executing on their warranty. I hadn't even thought to contact Tags about it because I figured they'd tell me to just contact the product company. I decided, though, to contact them, as I'd become so frustrated with the product company that I was feeling helpless as to how to get compensated for what I was beginning to feel was a bum deal. I emailed Tags directly about the issue and got the promptest, most courteous, professional and helpful email back from the owner-- I was stunned. He offered to accept the faulty product back for store credit and even suggested he might contact the company himself about my concerns. This response exceeded my expectations enormously. They have definitely just earned themselves a lifetime loyal customer, to the point where I would go out of my way to buy products there instead of shopping around for small savings. Customer service like this is priceless and the small savings you might get at bargain basement discounters could never be worth the peace of mind I just obtained. And, it feels good to patronize a long time family owned business like Tags. read more

Tags is a really great local business! The staff is always super friendly and helpful. As mentioned in other reviews, items can be on the more expensive side but I would say that the majority of things are reasonably priced. When I'm checking out they always ask if I'm a student (10% discount!) I highly recommend going here if you live in the area. read more

I usually don't post Yelp reviews, and I'm not a DIY guy who frequents hardware stores. However, my wife and I have stopped by this store a few times for random odds and ends, and we have both commented to each other about how all-around great the staff is. They are very knowledgeable about seemingly everything in the store, and exceptionally pleasant and helpful without being at all pushy or intrusive. I don't know what management formula they're using there, but it works very well. Highly recommended. read more

Tags is just Awesome! The store has been at Porter square for long time (over 25 years). Tags is modern, yet has an old school feel to it because of the level of customer service. Tags is so "easy in - easy out" compared to a place like Home Depot. You can't help but feel good after a purchase at Tags! read more

Paint disaster -- get your paint mixed somewhere else. I got a sample pint at TAGS, tested it on the wall, went back and asked for 2 gallons of EXACTLY the same color. They mixed a different color, close enough that I didn't notice painting in the evening with only a ceiling light, but different enough that the room looks awful in daylight. This is just plain sloppy! And time-consuming for me to fix. read more