Used to be an ACE, now it's a True Value. * * * TIP * * * Their house key duplication is the same price as Depot, but True Value offers real brass keys instead of the lower quality steel keys at Depot. * * * TIP * * * $75 Chip car key replacements!!!! Just had a very helpful experience with them for a chip key replacement for our car. Dealer wanted to charge $240 + an hour of my time (pre-scheduled appointment too) for a replacement chip key. True Value can save you tons of cash !!!! After a lot of research I was referred to a True Value in Wilmington as someone who does chip keys. I decided to try a True Value nearer me. The Newtown Square location does not do keys; very frustrating. Luckily we're actually closer to this Paoli store, so I gave them a try. They looked up our make/model/year to be sure they could do it, and had a blank for our vehicle in stock. There is one main guy who does it at Paoli, so you should call to make sure he'll be there before you go in. Unlike Lowes and Depot (who I'd called earlier in my research), True Value actually knew what they were talking about and were familiar with our car. The man who does this totally knows what he's doing, and was totally competent about running us through the details of how it all works, and price ($75) and time (20 mins to program the vehicle). WAAYYYYY better than what my dealership was going to charge. It was like 70% off the price, and a third of the time! No brainer. Note: Lowes and Depot only do certain makes and models, and even then, only certain years within their already-narrow parameters. If you have a very popular car, you may be in luck there, but it is really hit or miss, even with some pretty well-loved vehicles, like ours. As mentioned above, not all True Values offer this. This Paoli location has a superior key service, and they deserve a lot of credit for the value they offer, plus the customer service. This is my 300th review, and I'm super-happy to make it a 5-star one! :-) read more

The Hardware Center - True Value Paoli PA Storefront (screen shot from online maps program) - Hardware Stores Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

Smile, I moved into the Paoli area in 1989 and being a DIY'er we needed something from the hardware store almost every 5 minutes the first few days. It was a pain in the neck trying to run to the big Home Depot and run down the aisles. So we found the local Mom and Pop store. Paoli Hardware - in the shopping center near us. You walk in and you're greeted with "What can I help you find today?" It really took me aback coming from New York, believe me. Well after the first few times of going back in and out, I was having conversations with the lone female employee that they had on the first floor hardware section about which framazam was better than the other. If you live in this area you'll find that this is a very nice hardware store. They've gone over to the Ace Hardware line, so they carry kitchen ware stuff, gift ware, etc. And yes they do have an excellent toy section upstairs, thank G-d my children are grown. And if you need gardening stuff you go downstairs or you can pick up your perennials or annuals outside during the summer. I sometimes go in just say hello and browse if I'm walking past . Over the years they get to know your face, your kids and smile, even your dogs. read more

Great people with honest advice and expertise on anything home/lawn/etc! Every time I go in I can get what I need and all my questions answered. Added benefit is it's close to home! read more

They have practically one of everything at this hardware store. And unlike the big box stores, they have real people who actually can help. And by "help" I mean that they actually take you to the aisle, talk to you about what you need, and offer suggestions on how to do it. It's a real throwback to the good old days of hardware stores. And today, they had fresh tomatoes for sale in the front of the store. As another writer said, there are 3 floors. The top floor is a kiddie wonderland with lots of toys. And the basement is filled with gardening and patio equipment. Look at Paoli Hardware before you run off to the big box. My guess is -- and I don't know how this works -- they'll have it. read more

We have been there a few times looking for tools we need for the house. It's not just closer to where we live, but also cheaper than those big stores (e.g., Home Depot) on some of the things, for example, outlet covers. People work there are super helpful. We have got paint brushed from there, also outlet covers, wrenches, pipe tapes, garden gloves and some other tools. They do offer some sort of customer shopping card, but we haven't bothered to figure out what it entails. Definitely a great local mom and pop hardware store worth to shop at! read more

I was super disappointed in the local "communities" hardware store. they did not honor a return in which they did not give me a receipt. I went to the store 30 minutes later to return the heat gun and they would not value my return Because I did not have a receipt. Super disappointe will not shop here again. read more

The reason I used a local hardware store and paid more than Home Depot was to get advice on product usage. But I didn't get the necessary information until after I installed the SharkBite fitting onto new copper and the fitting leaked. Only then did I get the advice to sand the copper first. I've never had to sand copper with a compression fitting, but with SharkBite that is a must. Live and learn. There is also nothing on the SharkBite packaging warning of this. read more

Always go here before you go to big box stores!! One of my favorite places to go for all kinds of help with home and hardware.... as a woman of a certain age, these guys know everything and always steer me for what I need... fix my lamps, cleanup, light bulbs... last week on of the guys (Jeremiah?) opened my new big zapper so I could put in the big attractor (it was impossible for me to open). I bought a Shepard's hook and extension cord to place the zapper in my back patio. The staff is always willing to help. Thank you for being there. read more

In my opinion, the management and staff of the Hardware Center are incompetent. Let me tell you my story. I have been dealing with the Hardware Center for over 40 years. Years of good service were just wiped away by these recent actions. My daughter brought her screen door to be repaired. The screen door was supposed to be repaired and returned. A simple process. However, my daughter's screen door was lost by the Hardware Center and they absolutely refuse to replace the door. Instead, they are trying to craft a position that the lost door is somehow my daughter's "fault". Do not do business with the Hardware Center read more

Listen to the reviews that tell you how miserable these people are. My wife always asks me why I drive to Home Depot 15 minutes away when this place is literally around the corner. Today was a prime example why. I walked in there to buy a couple screws. As I was picking through one of the drawers, an employee comes over and literally pushes me out of the way to make space for him and another customer to stand in front of me in the very same space I was standing. The customer recognized how rude he was and said 'excuse me'. The employee just glanced over and back. I stand there for 3 minutes (which doesn't sound like a long time unless you are pushed aside, it felt like an hour). Finally the customer is done and the employee turns to me and with a long sigh says 'now how can i help you?'. The so called Big Box stores may lack in some areas, but basic employee training is not one of them. Shoot me if I ever consider going back here. read more

I'm a fan.....great service & lots of employees roaming the aisles, always ready to assist you (unlike Home Depot or Lowe's). As noted earlier, the second floor is a surprise -- a toy store with a wide range of games, toys, bikes etc as well as some unique items. In the basement level is the garden center which in October turns into a pretty good Christmas store with all the stuff you;d expect and more. I always want to support the smaller establishments; although this is place is an ACE hardware it really has the feel of a small town hardware store. One guy remembered me (& what I purchased) from a visit I made almost 2 weeks earlier. Good stuff. It's the service that really sets this place apart -- many of the employees there are older & very helpful; the younger dudes working the counter sometimes seem too bored to be working there, but I suppose that's a standard M.O. for a 17 year old who is always trying to act cool. read more

There are very few stores like this anymore! I've lived in Paoli for the past 40 years and hardly a week goes by that I don't visit the 'Hardware Center.' This is the closest thing to an old 'general store' that you'll find. They carry everything from hardware to toys, produce (the best fresh tomatoes and corn in the area), candy, greeting cards - well, you get the idea. If their friendly staff can't find what you want they'll either get it for you or suggest where you might find it. It's a one-of-a-kind store that's very refreshing in these days of big box/little attention retailers. read more

Awesome store! Needed a snowblower - went in on Monday and they were out of them/ but greg ordered me one- and delivered it to my house wed afternoon before this last storm! And taught my husband and me how to use it. Great service to their customers! read more

I would have to agree with all of the other comments. Every time I walk into the store I am greeted with a friendly smile and I have always been able to find what I need. And if I need assistance there is always more than one person willing to guide me around the store. We need more of these stores. A smile can go a long way, in addition to the great products and service. They also have a GREAT toy store on the second floor. It is perfect for those last minute gifts that I always seem to be needing for my son's friends. I can also get in and out without having to walk miles up and down toy aisles. read more

This is the best place for hardware items and toys!!! I will give this two reviews as the hardware store and toy store are separate. Hardware: I love this place. First, I do not have to walk 5 miles to find a box of nails. Second, the staff are very knowledgeable and have always directed me to the right items for my project. Third, 98% of the time they have exactly what I need to get a project done. Toy store: Staff is equally as wonderful as the hardware portion downstairs. Also, the toy selection is awesome! I have two toddler boys and I love getting them unique toys ... this place is the place to find them. read more

I have been a big fan of this store for almost 20 years now. It has something for almost everyone, there is a large garden / seasonal level downstairs, A great toy and game area upstairs, my kids love it, and a great hardware selection on the main level. They also repair broken lamps, screens and gut glass to order. read more

Paoli Hardware Center is located close enough to my home to go in a pinch. They have a lot of old hardware store advantages--like screws and nails in a bin. I am being generous with the three stars, this morning as I have to go back this morning for the third time to get a 4.22 refund on two keys, I HAD to get yesterday for a tenant--made from an original numbered key. A simple thing, keys. Right? After the first trip the keys did not work easily--they stuck. The second trip back he fine tuned them--then they didn't work at all. I rushed to Do it Best Hardware in Wayne before they closed--where they did it best because they did it right. When I delivered the keys I found out that the reason the keys were needed in the first place was because the keys the owner originally had made for the tenant didn't work either--they had also come from Paoli Hardware! read more

Paoli Harware has been in the area for many years. It has recently associated itself as an Ace Hardware franchise. This has allowed the store to compete with the Home Depots which are located in King of Prussia and Frazer. I have never been to Paoli Hardware and not been able to get what I was after. Uncanny! The owner has been very intuitive regarding what the community needs and wants. Located in a small shopping center, parking can sometimes be a problem. The prices are competitive. Accepts all credit cards. read more

I like going to this hardware store because it sort of reminds me of the old fashion hardware stores but better. They have beautiful things for the holidays and their displays are gorgeous. I miss Waterloo Gardens and on a much smaller sale, their Christmas displays are similar. My husband likes to go there because he finds people that know their products. They usually have quality products which you can't find any where but the prices can be high. But we bought a pizzelle iron this year for only a slightly higher price than we found online, so not all prices are high. The 2nd floor has different and interesting toys and is a fun place to shop for the kids. read more

I had a pleasant experience there over Christmas but was treated so poorly recently by some miserable old man that I will NEVER go back to this store again. They do seem well stocked so if you can get in and out without having to deal with the nasty people that work there it might be worth it, if convienent, but as for me I am going elsewhere. read more

You can not pride yourself on customer service when your associates provide NO customer service. The older associates at the counter need customer service training. They are the bad. I'd rather deal with Home Depot then the representatives you have. read more

They are awesome, but the actual name is now True Value Hardware store. They are always helpful and give you the best customer service. I don't think I have ever had to look for anyone to ask for help, they always beat me to it. read more

I've been going here for a dozen years. The guys are always helpful once you can get their attention and they almost always have what I need. Life's problems solved for $12.46. read more

This is the place to go when you have a home project. Knowledgeable staff always ready to help. No more Big Box guys for me.

Buyer beware. Unethical business practices. My family and I will never shop here again because they would not honor the return policy stated on the receipt. It clearly states 30 day return/exchange policy and I attempted to return my unused, unopened item 14 days from the date of purchase. I tried to reason with the owner, Steve, who absolutely refused returning the item even if it meant future lost business. I've never written a review before for anything and I will be disputing this charge with my credit card company. It's a shame that this could have been avoided by honoring their receipt policy like many other retail outlets. read more

At least three or four separate visits over three months, additional visit by son separately, total spend approximately $250.00. Great first/second impression (loved this store the first time or two). Then you realize how careless and subsequently truly rude they are. Pros: 1. great tomatoes (3.99 a pound, though, it adds up) 2. good selection (three floors) 3. well-lit, clean store Cons: 1. sassy (ok, rude) sales help (one ridiculed my son, on separate trip, looking for a specific clamp, which he found at Home Depot, needed for project, obviously store help had no clue what my son was talking about) 2, cashiers careless (rang me up for 2 quarts of black paint, would not credit me one quart, why would I buy 2 quarts when I can buy a gallon for less? and I don't have that much black metal at home to paint) 3. owner rude: said loudly "it took her two months to realize she didn't have 2 quarts of black paint?". Fair enough. Except I came in before to get credit and tried to give your store the benefit of the doubt. 4. No return policy listed on receipt. 5. Shelf prices not the same as what rings up on register and receipt, always in the store's favor (naturally), ie. higher than shelf price. 6. Kind of crappy merchandise, ie, no different than anyone else's: my candy thermometer broke after one use, won't bother taking it back, having had a taste of owner's Customer Service (hah) Summary - Owner(s) probably good at making money, stocking nice-ish stuff?, careless with customer's money (pricing, ringing, returns). Wouldn't go if I were you. read more

I have no sympathy for owners of "mom & pop" hardware stores such as Paoli Hardware when they complain about the "big-box" stores hurting thier business. I live 2 minutes from Paoli Hardware but it seems every time I need something, THEY'RE CLOSED! Here it is Saturday evening and I'm making repairs to my home. I need some clamps and a few other small things. Even though Paoli Hardware charges about 2x what Home Depot would charge me on most items, I would be willing to pay if only for thier conveinant location. But now I'm off to the big-box store. They're open untill about 9 or 10. And tomorrow (Sunday), I'll go probably need to go back for more stuff but again, it will be the big-box. Why? Because the local hardware store closes at 3pm. ...So to summerize: Revenue to Home Depot: Lots and Lots of $$$. Revenue to Paoli Hardware: 0.0 If they ever go out of business, this will be why and I won't care. read more

I love this store. New homeowner here and they are so helpful with any question I have and suggest items I may need and not what they can con me into buying for a higher price. I appreciate their customer service and how close they are. Sometimes you need the mom and pop store when the big box stores are too big and overwhelming. read more

This could be a wonderful hardware store, but the guy running the place is an asshat who thinks it's appropriate to make disparaging remarks about his customers' character. Within days of first moving into the area, I got snowed in by a huge storm and lost power. When I could finally make my way out, I went to this place looking for a generator. They were out of them, which was disappointing but understandable. What was NOT understandable was that the manager apparently thought it was appropriate public relations to tell me I wouldn't be in that predicament if I hadn't procrastinated. Procrastinated? When did they send out the memo saying "You'd better get a generator for your new place because a huge storm is coming and they won't be able to get power up and running for days" that was supposed to start the countdown period when "non-procrastinators" all ran out and bought generators? Funnily enough, I never got that memo. read more