This place is absolutely terrible. Not only is it an eyesore with taking up the entire sidewalk, but the owner is absolutely rude. His wife is sweet but he's terrible with customers. I watched him argue with a customer that they didn't have a particular toilet piece. She said that she just wanted to look but he kept telling her that it's a waste of time and he knows they don't have it. 5 minutes later she came back with the part. Instead of apologizing he just rung her out and that's it. The store is always dirty and overpriced. Do not come here! read more

Mom and pop operation. I've lived in the area for three years and dart over here for odds and ends now and then. Inventory is incredibly deep for a relatively small storefront- and much more accessible than the big box stores. Lots of random hardware, electric, plumbing, paint, kitchen supplies, etc stuff for any project or repair. There is a whole additional room downstairs with more products. Yesterday I picked up stuff to patch an area in bathroom- was making small talk at checkout, and the owner suggested a product less than 1/2 the cost of what I had grabbed. They are nice decent people who will give honest suggestions for any issue. read more

Staff was incredibly helpful in helping me find what I was looking for without being pushy. Very friendly and positive experience

It's remarkable to read the divergent reviews! I've lived 8 blocks away for 4 decades, and I always look forward to stopping by this Aborn. It's an efficient family-owned store with an old-timey feel but very well-stocked. I've been dozens of times, as has my wife. Or, I would often send my kids. We've never had anything but congenial and knowledgeable service. I'm incredibly grateful for this local and homey alternative to big box stores. In any case, I wanted to reassure new shoppers that this store has a devoted fan club (it's a pretty busy place) despite the bad shopping experiences of some. Oddly, I can't account for the disconnect between my family's universally pleasant experiences vs. those of the folks were treated poorly. I've not only loved the customer service here, but I've never witnessed inappropriate behavior toward anyone during my many, many visits. It's one of 5 businesses in Brookline where I'd feel at a loss if they closed or changed ownership. read more

Never have I ever encountered a store owner as abusive, confrontational, and downright mean than Jose Monroy at True Value in Brookline. I walked in looking for a space heater. Jose pointed me to the aisle. I chose said space heater and approached cash register where I saw a sign that said "AC units cannot be returned." This prompted me to wonder what the return policy of the store was so I asked. "What is your return policy?" Jose said, "Why, are you going to return it? " I said, "Not unless there is a problem, and I would just like to know what the return policy is." "What's the problem going to be?" he asked, taking the space heater from the counter where I had set it. "There is no problem," I replied. "I'd just like to know the return policy." He then got visibly angry and said: "Don't think you can come back here after you open the space heater and return it. You can't just bring it back here after you use it. We don't take returns." "Oh, okay. Well that's good to know, and you really don't need to get an attitude with me. I'm trying to buy something from you and don't appreciate how you're talking to me," I said. "Attitude, I know I have an attitude," he responded. "I have a bad attitude!" he said. He then proceeded to yell things I honestly can't remember because it was just bizarre. I remember saying "This is no way to treat a customer," and he said that I thought I was special. Here's the moral of the story. I will never return to this store because of the complete disrespect of the owner, and I would encourage anyone to walk a few blocks across Comm Ave and go to any number of the houseware stores. Or shit, I'd support the global Amazon conglomerate over this terrible businessowner any day. read more

Fantastic family owned business, very helpful and stocked with pretty much everything you need. Definitely my go to hardware store

Had a key cut here last week. Took it home and found it won't unlock my door. Guy at the checkout was rude too. Won't be going back.

Some of the worst customer service I have ever received. The man "helping" me was incredibly rude and condescending. Even if the location is convenient they will not be getting my service again. read more

So I went in to get a key done; after waiting 10 minutes I inquired how long the wait will be, Francesco (that's the name he told me) says, "What, you don't have 25 cents for the meter?". I then tried to explain to him that i had to be somewhere (why did i bother...) and he continues to go on about the meter and "What's your problem that you can't afford 25 cents". It was truly bizarre. I then asked for the manager's name, which he wouldn't tell me. It's no wonder that places like Home Depot and other big chains are so superior to these lame rinky-dink stores. At least the chains try to train their staff in basic customer service (lesson 1: don't insult your customers). read more

The older man, who may or may not be the owner, is so rude! He has no customer service skills! He really needs to learn some manners. If he goes on with this attitude he will soon lose all customers. I used to shop here fairly often because it's the only hardware shop close by (and the other employees are fine), but now I'd rather have to travel further than shop here! So unnecessarily rude and nasty! read more

The store has a lot of things that you can not find somewhere else such as nice plant pots,table clothes by the yard etc.Jose,who is probably the owner very helpful,polite.I always find something unexpected when I go there. read more

The owner is an old, overweight man with thick glasses that looks unhappy all the time. When you try to ask him for help he is condescending and gets very upset. He is grumpy and most of his employees are the same way (bad role model). The selection in this hardware store is very limited. I would go to Model Hardware at 22 Harvard Ave that has 5 times the selection and great customer service. The prices here are also high. It is about 30% higher than prices you find at Home Depot. The owner thinks he is doing you a favorable by selling you his products so he can earn a living. Don't waste your time and money here. read more

Like Angela L, I have never posted a review on YELP before, but I feel compelled to now because I just had one of the worst customer service experiences of my life at this store. The manager, (whom I presume is this Jose guy other reviewers are referring to) , was incredibly condescending and mocked me, for reasons I could not understand. If you're looking for helpful and respectful service, I strongly encourage you to take your business elsewhere. read more

I have never written a review before, but I'm doing this in an attempt to not carry around my annoyance with me all day, because I'm really freaking annoyed right now. The staff is extremely rude. They refused to help, which I have never experienced before. Literally flat out refused.It's a wonder that people even attempt to get help here. I'm sorry I did. Very disappointed. If you're the kind of customer who can walk in a know exactly what you're looking for and don't have to interact with anyone then this is the place for you. If you aren't savvy in hardware and need direction then I would go elsewhere...maybe I'm wrong, but the staff should be able to point you in the direction of the item you're looking for and not respond "sorry I'm not helping you." And then when you attempt to resolve the confusion with another staff member their best response is "okay..." 2 for 2. Hopefully they have other people employed besides those two from today, because that is extremely poor representation for the company, especially having to compete with larger companies like Home Depot. I wouldn't want that in my business, not even close. Go here if you want to be talked to like you are not worth someone's time. read more

I have lived close to this hardware store for 26 years. I discontinued shopping there due to a very negative experience. I purchased plants, watering cans, pots, screws, plant food, shopping carts and many other products. Recently, I purchased tape to hold down a recently purchased carpet. The tape did not work, so I returned it along with the slip and packaaging, and was met with anger and hostility. I was not assisted with this replacement, so I chose another one at a higher price. The comments from the husband and wife team were hateful.The male manager said to me, "So what am I going to do with that without the sealed package?" I was shocked because for many years the two people and I had a a friendly relationship.. The man stood in front of me in a aggressive stance. I came home and the new more expensive tape worked great, after I was told that it would not. After the recommendation that the original purchase was the best solution, I ignored the comment. The new tape worked perfectly. I will never shop at this store again. read more

It is closer to 1.5 stars, since they are open on Sundays, unlike another Brookline hardware store. I went in on a weekday to buy 1 gallon of paint. There were 3 or more people working there. Right away, a man asked me what I wanted, I said paint and he pointed to the color display. I picked a color in about 30 seconds (I had looked at them before) and handed it to him. Then I went to the paint aisle. He did not offer me any choices of brands, or grades. I said I wanted FLAT. Absolutely FLAT paint, as it is the best for walls. In the meantime, he had grabbed a gallon. I asked if there was a choice and he said "True Value XXX" I have to go mix it now. So, he disappeared. He returned about 10 minutes later, and started stocking shelves with employees. He did not have any paint with him. I was the ONLY customer in the store. After I picked out a couple of bits and put them on the counter, he rang them up along with the price of the paint (which he had not told me prior) but still no actual paint. He disappears again. 15 minutes later, no paint. I ask him if something is wrong (I have done a lot of painting in my life, and even when I have had to wait at Home Depot, it has never taken more than 10 minutes to shake a color into a can of paint) he says "it is a deep color (it was medium) so it takes longer." 10 minutes later he is stocking things with employees again, one other customer has come and gone in this time frame. So I ask again, what is going on and he says he will "check". 5 minutes later, an employee plops the can of paint on the counter. Does not say a word. Very Bad Service. Worse yet: I give the paint can to the guy who is re-plastering my wall after ice-dam hell. Today I went to look at the finished job. The paint is NOT FLAT. It has a slight sheen to it, like bathroom paint. It is a huge difference in this room. It looks cheap now. I wish I had not gone along with his crap in the first place and demanded to see the can for myself. That said, he treated me like an idiot--love their ask the true value guy, or whatever, that's obviously crap--did not give me what I asked for, and took almost 45 minutes to shake one can of paint. I will never go here again, and suggest caution. Maybe it is a sexist thing (as I see there are reviews of less than equal treatment for women here on Yelp) I don't know. All I know is that my room looks like a bathroom, not because my contractor did a poor job. But because the Aborn guy sold me the wrong paint. Maybe he just likes to entertain himself by messing with customers. Think on that before you go to this awful store. read more

Absolutely terrible customer service. Cashier with the tattoos is disrespectful and is a condescending prick. The staff are not helpful at all. Do not recommend and will not buy from again. read more

What's the point in supporting local businesses if the manager can't even be nice to customers? I will try to stay local, but not here. It's too bad because my first experience was positive and this time a simple, quick question was met with sarcasm and a gruff response. read more

This place has lots of stuff and a good variety of products. But I don't think I'll be going there anymore - twice now I've had a run-in with Jose, the jerk of an owner referred to in other reviews. I don't need the abuse. There are other places to buy some contact paper. read more

I know it's strange to give a hardware store 5 stars, but this one really deserves them. They seem to have absolutely everything in their small store, and they are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I have come here a lot of times over the past year with very different problems that needed solutions, and they always had good advice or ideas in addition to having all the products on hand. So glad this store is in my neighborhood! read more

I've lived in the neighborhood for 6 years and have received, repeatedly and consistently, nasty treatment from the owner and his wife. There is an unsurprising frequent staff turnover. I believe strongly in supporting my nearby local businesses, but I recently made the decision to walk a bit further to the other hardware stores in St. Mary's or Washington Square, where I find similar products and more respectful, community-oriented service. read more

I work in construction. One day, I went to this store to return a faulty product and was accused of improper storage and ignorance. I was up front with the owner and told him I was upset with the can of faulty spackle, which I bought the day before. I told him that I had walked home around the corner the day before to find it was defective. He proceeded to rant and rave about how I don't know what I'm doing and that I'm not the first person to come there with this kind of problem; that people like me think we can store spackle outside in the cold and think that its TrueValue's fault when it doesn't work. He went on to tell me: "I don't care if you're upset" with the product. Let me tell you - I go out of my way to support businesses like his - but NEVER this one AGAIN. I don't need to be treated like a complete idiot over a $6 can of spackle. I'll go out of my way to get Home-Depot customer service over this jerk any day. Respectfully and sincerely, Angry Ex-Customer!!!! read more

Great local hardware store. A bit pricey, but you pay for convenience... Tight quarters and far from the selection of a Home Depot, but they've always had what I needed in stock. Friendly staff who's always quick to ask if you need help, with a family feel. read more

3 out of 3 visits, each one did not fail to disappoint. You'd like to help-out the local shops, but not at the expense of having to deal with unprofessional, arrogant and rude staff. Location is convenient, totally not worth shopping there though. read more

I thought I would shop local to help a 'small' local business. Big mistake you are better off going to a Home Depot or Lowes for your hardware needs. Aborn has a policy that you cannot return open or used tools which is BS. I bought a 'C-clamp' from Aborn which was the wrong size and I wanted to buy a bigger size, but Aborn would not take the original C-clamp back because they claimed it was used, even though I brought it back the next day and just measured it and did not use it! It was not worth it to argue with Aborn about it - I just took my business to Home Depot which has a very liberal exchange policy and I was able to buy two C-clamps for the price of one at Aborn. Save yourself the 'drama' and just go to Home Depot. Thought I would publish this experience as a 'beware' to other potential shoppers of Aborn. read more

Great customer service; owner has helped me with minor projects, due to his belief in providing great customer service -- so he didn't make a lot of money off my $3 purchase, but was still willing to spend considerable time helping me. read more

The staff is always pleasant and helpful - even with detailed questions. They have a great selection of just about anything you need and the knowledge to help you navigate it. For years, I've been able to depend on Aborn True Value for everything from light bulbs to custom shades to keys to paint and other supplies. I would much rather shop here for the extra customer service than a big box store. read more

Terrible customer service!!! A couple months ago, I rented a jigsaw from this store. One of the main guys over at this Aborn True Value store in Brookline assured me it was the most appropriate equipment for shaving down the sides of an interior door I was trying to install. I had to take off about 1/4 inch or so off the side of the door for it to fit. When I came to pick up the equipment, it was only type of saw he had available. Looking at it I was suspicious about how effective and efficient this saw was for doing the job. He kept assuring me that it will do the job perfectly fine. When I got home, the jigsaw was just simply too small and weak to do the job. It would have probably taken me 4+ hrs just to cut the door. When i brought the jigsaw back and complained, this guy just shrugged it off as if was none of his business and said that I didnt know what i was doing. I did not appreciate how condescending this man was and it made me even more dissatisfied with the store's service. I ended up going to Home Depot to rent a electric planer, which did the job quickly and perfectly. In the end, I felt he just wanted to rent out whatever equipment he had on hand, and didn't really care whether the customer was getting the help they really needed. Definitely will not return to this store. Buyer beware. read more

Maybe the worst hardware store in Boston! Jose the manager is incredibly rude and unprofessional. I went on his day off and a lady helped me. I asked her FIVE times if i could return or exchange one of the items and she said yes each time, saying it was absolutely no problem. The next day when i went back Jose told me i couldn't replace the items. I told him the lady who worked there said it was possible, and he said she didn't speak any English. I had spoken to her in English! Then he told me she was new and didn't know anything. I told him that what's the point of hiring someone who doesn't know anything and he was incredibly rude--asking me repeatedly where i was from and what ethnicity i was. We had an argument where i told him it was a manager's job to train their employees upon hiring. He told me it wasn't his concern if his employees knew the rules or not, and it was my problem because on the bill it said no returns. I wouldn't have a bill if the lady hadn't reassured me that i could return or replace the items. I'd rather crawl to the other side of Boston for a wrench than this awful location. read more

When I first moved to Boston I was daftly in need of home improvement supplies. Since this homegrown shop was nearby I decided to give it a try. My first impression should of been a red flag. The store was incredibly dirty, some of the employees don't know anything about products other than by name. The manager is incredibly rude and incompetent. If he doesn't like you he will most certainly show it to you. They let their dog run around and mess on the floor. The shelves have 20 years of dust on them. Their products are old if not in best of condition, as well as rats roaming around the store. I worked here for a couple of months and to be completely frank, the things that I've seen and been treated like by Jose would have him in court in a matter of hours. He does not treat customers or his employees well at all. He has told me to my face that I am retarded and should not go to college because, "It would be a waste of money because my brain is not smart enough." If he doesn't like you, he makes sure that you know. He will even refuse your purchase and throw you out. He kicked me out for just saying I had an interview for a second job at apple. His son, or assistant manager, hardly shows up and hardly works at all. Instead he drives his car around and watches movies while occasionally helps out around the store. To be honest, his wife is more competent and kind than Jose and his son, and could even run the store a lot better than the two of them combined. For those in question about this store, there is a far better true value down the street and is worth the walk. read more