I would give this ZERO stars if I could. I came in here to buy a jump starter because I was stranded on a road trip. Once I open the box I realized that the product requires a power outlet which I do not have because I am stranded roadside. When I explain my scenario to the manager he informs me that there are absolutely no refunds. I'm understanding so I bite the $100 bullet. Half way down the block the manager calls me back inside and makes me confirm that I actually purchased the jump starter. Are you serious?! Once he makes himself look like an idiot he goes on to tell me "I have to do this for everybody". Mind you, I'm African American. If you're a MINORITY I recommend you DO NOT shop here and take your business elsewhere. The manager is racist and the shop is overpriced! I say again, DO NOT SHOP HERE! read more

No improvement since the last visit. I came in again for garden containers and the owner clearly gave me a dirty look once I decided not to buy. On a different note, does the owner of this crappy store pay yelp for high stars or st? Just saying read more

I purchased an air conditioner for $129 that only functioned as a fan. I called this True Value and the owner implied that I was installing it backwards and that he had never had a problem with this brand in 15 years. I exchanged the air conditioner for another unit and took it out of the box. Much to my disappointment, this air conditioner's cord was completely chewed and looked burnt. I called the owner again and he got very upset and told me that he "no longer wanted me as a customer" (no problem, Sir!). My boyfriend and I brought the second air conditioner back to the store and the owner insisted that we come to the basement. When we got to the basement, he already had the first unit on a table. He made us open the boxes and show him what was wrong with the units. We told him that the quality was unacceptable and he countered with, "I agree that it's unacceptable but the question is, how did it become unacceptable?" (implying that we had caused the damage to the units). Things spiraled down from here and he told me that when he first met me, he didn't think he would have "any problems with me". Eventually after a lot of arguing, he agreed to return my money. read more

I've been looking for a specific screwdriver since i wanted to replace the one that we broke. When I called in to see if they had it the salesperson on the phone seemed very disinterested. After asking if he carried Stanley brand screwdrivers he automatically mumbled. I thought I'd ask in a different way and say that Stanley screwdrivers were yellow and black. He laughed at me and said "Sweetie, I carry any color you want. I've got blue, I've got green, even pink if you want." He was incredibly rude and continued to laugh at me during the entire conversation. read more

Horribly rude service from the owner. While I've used this shop for 3-4 years for small parts, this was the first time I've had to actually interact with him. He was incredibly insulting, and insisted on wagging his finger in my face the entire time and giving me a lecture on manners because I asked him for help and he didn't like the way I did it. Rather than helping me with my question, he instead threw up his hands several times and said "This isn't rocket science" while also admitting that he had no idea how to solve the problem. While I won't entirely write off the place for small parts (they have a great selection), I would refrain from making contact with the owner. I left with such a horrible taste in my mouth. read more

Incredibly rude service. I've been in multiple times and each time I have to track someone down to help me find something. Never very friendly either - the owner in specific. Look at the Not Currently Recommend reviews, 90% of them are one star reviews complaining about the owner and his terrible customer service. read more

I came down to this store to grab some bathroom materials, unfortunately like other reviews here the owner was very rude and condescending to me. While I was paying, I tried to pay using Samsung Pay on my phone. But he insisted I should just pay with a real method. When I told him it would work, he proceeded to give me a lecture on using a proper method of paying where I would give him money in exchange for goods and services. I ended up just pulling out my card just to get this over with, only he proceeded to walk through every paying step like I had never done it before (Swiping, signing, etc.) Completely rude and uncalled for. Just go to another hardware store if you can. read more

This is such a nice place and all of the staff are always super sweet. It always has what I need and is in a great location. Definitely check here before going to a big name store! read more

Came here and the staff was lovely and very helpful. Don't listen to the reviews, people are just salty lol

I went here to get mouse traps. I asked an employee for advice, he recommended sticky traps 'if you can stomach it.' We talked for a minute and I concluded I couldn't, so I asked of the snappy ones, did he have a recommendation? He said he already told me his recommendation, and refused to discuss any of the snap ones. Flat out refused. Said again that he already told me his recommendation. I didn't want to give them my business after that but I needed the traps and I couldn't get to any other hardware stores before they closed, so I bought 2 packs and left. Needless to say I will not be back. read more

Small store that packs more stuff than you would think . Been going for years and they always have what I need for my little apartment-improvement projects. Staff is attentive and helpful. Bonus: sometimes the owners bring in their friendly Boston terrier. read more

Just curious: What is the point here? To put a long established Hispanic-family-owned business out of business? The store is clearly very well-stocked, well kept and very convenient. Anyone notice that the Town continues to raise commercial property taxes much higher than residents? And that the MBTA took away all the parking spaces in front of the store a few years ago? Might be worth considering what giving a store 1 star means. If I ever feel that way, I just would not go back, but I would not go on here to run them out of business. Does anyone really know what is going on it others' lives? The person could be having not just a bad day but a horrendous year due to personal or other matters. One never knows do we? Yet you go on here to destroy. I would consider what makes one want to post things like this. Why be so self-centered? To be mean? To feel superior? To make up for our childhood? Ever consider bad karma? The little local hardware store has become the capitalist enemy? I'm afraid I am not as woke and smart as many of the other reviewers. PS True Value is a franchise as is Ace, McDonalds, Dunkin etc. etc. So, they pay a fee to use the name and buy their products, but a local owner owns the business. read more

First time in the store, wanted to buy a minor item. Mentioned a price difference between this store and my local big chain store to the owner, he flipped out on me - told me I insulted him by comparing prices, asked me if I would ask my doctor about price of his services (apparently this guy is not aware of how the healthcare system in the US really works - the master charge list is exorbitant and the insurance company, or the patient if they're unlucky, negotiate it down; so it is definitely proper to ask your doctor about prices). Then he continued to complain about how hard it is to run a business (um... everyone works hard here. Life in Brighton/Brookline costs a ton of money. If you're not competitive, perhaps you should close down?) I understood it's my turn to shut down and listen if I don't want to drive to Home Depot today. After a few minutes he ran out of steam, handed me the item, and turned his back on me. I paid to another employee at the counter and left. Never again will I set my foot in this store, 5 minutes of driving are not worth being verbally abused and serving as a pro bono psychiatrist/sounding board to this piece of work. read more

I have a somewhat bizarre hobby. Well, I have a lot of somewhat bizarre hobbies, but one thing I am rather gung-ho about is my collection of antique microphones, radios, and phonographs. Not only is this a wonderful hardware store with a very friendly and knowledgeable staff and not grossly inflated prices, but the owner, Jerry Katz, also seems to share my passion for antique music equipment. The window display on Harvard Ave had me effectively drooling, which is something that's not likely to happen anywhere else in Allston. I walked in and had a chat with Mr. Katz about his radios, and he explained to me that he personally refurbishes all of them, tests their safety with a 1952 vintage vacuum-tube tester, and insures that they all are in proper playing order before selling them. Considering the fact that they are antiques that actually work, the prices are quite good -- far better than a few similar items I'd aquired through eBay. I bought a gorgeous art deco styled radio with a silver and blue face from him that day a few years ago, and it still looks and sounds wonderful; it's in positively pristine condition. He assured me that if I ever do encounter any problems with it he would be more than happy to help me fix it. Meanwhile, I'm kind of afraid to go back simply because I am quite sure I'll end up easily dropping some large bills. I encourage you, if possible, to keep walking past Economy and support this little business. This is the kind of place you just don't see enough of anymore. read more

I needed to hang a ton of stuff up on my plaster walls, and did not know what to do about it at all. From the moment I walked in here I was treated like I was the only customer in the store, and after paying close attention to every detail of what I needed to accomplish, the employees here helped me until I fully understood everything (which took me a while sadly ha ha) Not only is it good to go here because of the incredibly helpful crew of people working here, but because it is so much better to support your local mom and pop stores! (Not to mention the fact that when I went to Home Depot to try and figure out the same stuff- I had to literally hunt someone down in the store to even get them to talk to me, and then once they did they were really of no assistance at all.) read more

For the first time in my life I am asked how much are these, by a shop assistant. Admittedly these are a few screws, it's not my job to figure out how much to charge myself. read more

Having been a suburbanite for many years, I am used to going to Home Depot or one of the larger True Value hardware stores when i need any basic hardware things. Having just moved to Brookline and having no car, going to HD is no longer an option. I was pleasantly surprised here. walking up and down the aisles, I saw that they have an excellent selection of just about anything you need for your home. True, the selection may not be as big as HD, but they will most likely have what you need, from a selection of screws and small parts to paint plumbing etc. Great customer service as well read more

Aborn hardware is my oasis on a street largely featuring stores I tend not to need. This place and City Housewares next door are really the Harvard St. 1-2 punch as far as I'm concerned. I generally prefer this style of hardware store (as opposed to Home Depot or Lowes, which regretfully some friends of mine call hardware stores as well) because its small size permits a leisurely browse. Coming from a small town, it also feels very familiar, so maybe I'm a little biased. HOWEVER, I still believe there's much to gain from a little store like this because you can run your eyes over every class of hardware object in a fairly short amount of time and, quite often, remind yourself of all those little things that need a fix. You simply cannot do this (quickly) in Home Depot or Lowes or even WalMart. That being said, Aborn is a GREAT little store because they have a great variety of items and great prices. Best of all, they have pretty late hours too (Open until 8 most nights), which is definitely clutch for the 8-5 M-F schedule. What more could you ask for when you move into a new apartment with a backed up tub, no closet space, and a roach problem? Aborn to the rescue, kids... Also, MY experience with the staff (i've probably been in about 10 times now) has never once been unpleasant. This doesn't discount what other people might experience, but I simply can't imagine the people in this store being rude or anything. read more

Very hit or miss. I went in there for window locks, the guy quickly told me which to buy, and when I went back in after they didn't work, I was told they would not take them back. If he wasn't sure if they'd work, he should have asked me more questions instead of rushing away to something more important. Occasionally will get a helpful employee though, and the location is convenient. read more

I have lived in Brookline for 20 years and shopped at this store during that time. Service was usually good. Today it was horrible. The clerk behaved as though I was interrupting his day. When I refused to put up with his attitude he ordered me out of the store. Then he called the police. I don't know what his problem was. Is he a racist? A misogynist? I support neighborhood businesses every chance I get. I am even willing to pay higher prices, but not if they treat me like dirt. Get real Aborn people: I was ready to spend my hard-earned money at your business and you treated me like s**t. Not good customer relations. read more

I live in the neighborhood for a number of years, and buy from this store from time to time. Service is always friendly and helpful. I really have no idea where all those 1- and 2-stars reviews came from, and whether the "rude" service were all resulted from the same employee, or not, since I've never had any problems with any of the employees or the owners in this store at all. Maybe all those who complained were looking for friendly advice on things that they don't try to look up on first. But hey, this is a neighborhood store, it won't have wide selections even if they try to advise you on. Its compact size can only afford basic stuffs, so you really would be going in to get EXACTLY what you need which is what a neighborhood hardware store is for. read more

I'm deducting a star because of my first few visits here. The first few times I came in here, I was pretty annoyed with the staff. They made it seem like it was a big that a girl was shopping at a hardware store. Not only that, that I was buying "real" supplies and not just stopping in for decorative tape or something. On more than one occasion I was if I knew how to use what I was buying at check out in a way that was really condescending and not really a helpful customer service question. After a while, the staff stopped making comments about my purchases and have just been friendly sales people. The selection is pretty good. It's certainly not a Home Depot, but they keep a little bit of everything in stock from construction supplies to Christmas lights. read more

The store has excellent aspects mixed with VERY POOR aspects. The staff is very knowlegible and the store has a very wide diverse product line, and it is conveniently located along the MBTA 66 Bus Route, next to the Butcherie. However, be prepared to KEEP the item is if doesn't work the way you want, doesn't fit, or is defective, as this store's manager has TWICE refused to refund, credit or exchange the product I was returning in spite of my having the returned item in its original packaging WITH the receipt purchase, returned the same day, within hours or even minutes of purchase. The first time was a wall adhesive to hang a clock, and the clock fell right off the wall, and today, an electric stove coil did not fit properly, because the woman working there gave me one that was not designed to fit GE or Hotpoint Stoves. The old one said GE on the coil and the package said "Not for GE or Hotpoint", which the woman did not notice nor did I, and she was the one who ESPECIALLY should have noticed it. In any case, my satisfaction of having my debit card would have been sufficient if there was no other item available for what I needed, but the refused, leaving me out $31.00 read more

Aborn True Value Hardware - Aborn True Value Hardware on Harvard Street, Brookline, as seen from The Butcherie - Hardware Stores Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I needed paint to touch up the walls of my apartment (the former tenant wrote on the walls - probably when high - lovely) and I only had a tiny paint chip. The team at this store worked very hard to mix exactly the write shade of off-white to match. They tried again and again and when I said "close enough," they said, "no, it's too yellow" and tried again. They worked much harder than most people would for only a $6 sale. I just finished painting over the former tenants poetic musings, and guess what? The color is perfect! I love this store! Aside from mixing paint, they also make keys and have all hardware essentials. Great neighborhood hardware store. Much better than Economy, easily. read more

Old school hardware store where the staff know their stuff and advise you on what you need. And they are dog friendly, giving out treats when I bring my pup. Great neighborhood place. read more

It's great to have a traditional hardware store in the neighborhood as an alternative to the yuppie ones that call themselves hardware stores (*economy*) but have kids working there that have no clue about anything other than how to use a cash register. The employees are always very friendly and helpful in finding and/or recommending something that's "that thing that you use to plug that part that's missing" without making you feel like a complete idiot. The prices are cheap and they have a good selection of just about anything you'd need for a home. read more

The store is clean, well-stocked, and conveniently located. Just don't expect service, much less a smile. I have been here several times - it has *not* been pleasant, but I tend to find what I need. read more

Great little local hardware store. A little more expensive than Home Depot, but I prefer to support small companies over huge corporations. Could use longer hours, but you cant win em all. read more

0 stars! Read all bad reviews first and you'll see why. Abusive employees, yells and is quite aggressive. Incredibly unprofessional, went to return a light thing because it wasn't what I thought it was, had my receipt which said only tools are not returnable and I said it's in the 30 days return window, and the manager I'm guessing, was incredibly rude and condescending. I said I like the store a lot but the customer customer service should be improved and he said started raising his voice ( in what world does an employee raise their voice at a customer) btw he says he hears this a lot! Then do something about the complaint if your hearing it a lot, not rocket science. As I was walking out to leave he threw the plastic bag I politely asked for them to throw out at me and said take your bag and don't come back.. It sucks cus it's a nice hardware store but the employees are incredibly obnoxious... go to economy hardware, nice people, more knowledge, or even a big box store, just not here...0/10 DO NOT recommend! read more

I'm gonna spam this Yelp/ Google/ any other review site I could possibly find so you all know NOT to come here, and to save you the headache of having to deal with a pig of a store owner. Even if this location is convenient to where you live, or where you might be at the time, DO NOT COME HERE. A few minutes ago, my boyfriend and I decided to come here to buy just a wrench to remove the foot holsters from his bike that was parked just outside the store, and some emery paper for an unrelated home project. We purchased both items with no problem. Literally minutes after having left the store, we checked to see if the wrench fit the nuts holding down the holster, and saw that the wrench was about 1 size too small. My boyfriend proceeds to make the very short walk back to the store, with receipt and tool in hand (still with original packaging on), and when he gets into the store the guy behind the counter (we assume is the owner) immediately started berating him when he asked if he could return the first wrench and purchase the correct one instead. When my boyfriend questioned him as to why the store has such a policy, he told my 25 year old boyfriend that he could never understand because he was "too young". Now, the wrench that we purchased was priced at about $3. The wrench that we wanted to exchange it for was double that. My boyfriend then met me back outside and told me what had happened, so I took the receipt and tool to give it a shot for myself. When I walked in, I explained that we had just been there not more than 5 minutes ago, and he had seen us purchase the items himself. I continued to ask him why he couldn't just make an exception this one time, given the fact that A) we were just there, and B) the item we wanted to exchange it for was double the amount. Why wouldn't you want more money in your pockets? He said it was just store policy... Again, I asked why, and he gave me the same response, not even bothering to go into detail on this "policy". Sir, if you're reading this, fuck you, and your shitty policy. To everyone else reading this, you're welcome. read more

In Aborn, there's more than just what's on the shelves. I had a mouse problem (there was a hole behind the stove big enough to put my head through being used as a mouse superhighway), and went looking for a piece of steel or aluminum screen. They didn't seem to have any but when I asked, an employee took be down to the basement and cut a piece to size for me. The prices are reasonable, the staff is great, and they have everything you need. The only problem is they are open roughly "standard business hours" and it can be difficult to get there before closing when I'm coming from work. read more

I lived in Brookline for over 30 years and have been going to this hardware store since it opened and expanded. Over the years, we spent a lot of money there as we owned a home. I always appreciated their customer service (and was surprised to just read reviews today that the service was bad as I had never experienced that). I no longer live in Brookline but was in the area yesterday and stopped in. I ended up spending over $100 there. Today I drove back to the store from Boston to exchange/return a few items I bought yesterday and was told that due to Covid-19 they do not accept exchanges or returns. They pointed out the signs. I did not notice these yesterday. I suggested that they put the signs in a more visible spot at the register. I also think they should tell customers this as they check-out as it is a very unusual policy (even during COVID), especially when the receipt still says that returns accepted within 30 days. I was extremely disappointed. I bought the item I was hoping to exchange and now wish I hadn't. I would have continued to frequent the hardware store when in the area but after reading the other reviews and my experience today, sadly I will not. Not accepting an exchange worth $16 today has cost a lot more than it is worth given the amount of lost future business. I write this with the hope that the owners will re-consider these store policies and learn from the impact of customer service, especially to long-standing customers. read more

I've been frequenting this incredibly well-stocked home and hardware store for many years. Jose and his lovely wife do an exemplary job. I think I understand why there are negative views. Jose can be a sensitive guy, and he is very helpful if you come seeking advice. But if you make unfair demands, or act like a know-it-all (which many of us do at times), Jose can be a bit brusk. At places like Home Depot the staff is trained to take and smile at all the crazy questions and notions that people throw at them. But this is our neighborhood hardware store. Come in in an open neighborly fashion and you will get to love the place. Jose cannot please everyone, that's true. He does have a wealth of knowledge, and he is happy to share that. You are always going to pay a little more at neighborhood places than you would on Amazon or at a Big Box store-- but it is worth it. We need Jose and his hardware store in our neighborhood. His long-term customers know the value Jose brings. Please become a long-term customer, buy the things you need at this store, support Jose and his business-- in time you will greatly appreciate the value he offers. He and his store are part of our neighborhood. read more

No zero star option? Huh. Well, finally had it today. Actually subscribed to Yelp just to write this. I've tolerated their unfriendliness, their "we know more then you" attitude, the flawed advice, the wrong recommendations, etc, etc for years because I can walk to their store and want to support Mom and Pop businesses. But today, I popped in to buy a bulb. They didn't have the one I needed, but something close enough. I reach over with my watch at the terminal to pay with Samsung Pay, which I've done there many times before without issue, and..... The person checking me out this time I guess is the owner. He covers up the terminal, and yelled something like, "We're not signed up with any of those!" I tried to explain this isn't Apple Pay or Android pay and he doesn't need to be "signed up," and it uses the magnet of my card, and I used it there before many times, and says he needs to instruct his cashiers never to allow it again. He won't hear it, keeps the terminal covered up, and won't even let me attempt to pay. Now, I didn't have my actual card with me, I don't use it walking around Coolidge Corner anymore (don't need to with phone/watch pay). He insists he "wants to get paid" and keeps refusing to let me even attempt to pay for it. At one point, he even was going to give me the bulb for free!! I refused, and said if he wouldn't let me attempt to pay, he doesn't need my business, and walked out. Now, I've spent a LOT of money in this store over many years despite the surly disposition and to support a neighborhood business. But it's 2018, not 2015 when Samsung Pay was introduced, they've gotta get with the program. This convenience is why people buy stuff online now. I'm trying to give an independent store money, but they won't take it, and even will bodily block me to attempt from trying! I bought the actual correct bulbs (and not their "close enough" version) on Amazon, they'll be here tomorrow... BEWARE read more

I used to shop at this hardware store all the time. I've had a couple of interactions with the new owner over the past few years that left a bad taste in my mouth. He was somewhat condescending. Yesterday I brought in a shade that needed replacing. The employees were quite pleasant and I left with the new shade. Unfortunately, the new shade was a bit too short. I returned today with the new shade and explained the situation to the owner. I offered to show him a snapshot of the problem but he wasn't interested in seeing it. He measured the old and new shades and said they were the same lengths. We went back and forth and he wouldn't budge. I took both shades home and measured them. They were not the same length! Now, he finally did show me how I could adjust the length with a screw driver. However, that doesn't make up for the fact that his overall attitude was abrupt and basically uncooperative. Never again! read more

most people that leave a bad review are those that are walking around angry in general. fact of the matter is that their always there to serve as best possible. you don't speak the language they try to figure it out. Respect shown respect given. then again home depot am I right?! read more

We lived near here a few years back and were regulars. I was back this weekend and stopped in. They have expanded into the spot next door. They have a bunch of stuff but it's not the friendliest place. Prices seem a bit higher than they should be but I guess that could be the location. read more

This is my first ever yelp review because I was drawn to comment on how incredibly AWFUL the customer service was, mostly from the manager guy who I assume is the one in all the reviews here, Jose. He is utterly condescending, arrogant, and totally in the wrong business. Maybe I caught him on an off day. After he couldn't understand what I was trying to describe (a couple pieces of customized plywood, really not that difficult to grasp), I attempted to diagram it on a sheet of paper. He laughed at how ridiculous and impossible it was what I wanted to do. When I knew this wasn't getting anywhere, I asked for the paper with the diagram on it so I could look to take my business elsewhere. He remarked with a smirk, "but you asked to use my piece of paper didn't you?", and refused to give it to me (it was totally marked up entirely and could not be reused). Even though this looks like the quaint little neighborhood hardware store that may have all the usual supplies, avoid it at all costs. Take your business elsewhere where it will be appreciated and truly deserved! This is a horrible business for the community, and I will definitely not be coming back. read more

Yeah Jose is a pretty terrible guy. He'll totally kiss your ass if he's in the mood but in general he's miserly, arrogant, and condescending. He has no problem being really rude to people and treating his employees like indentured servants. Jerry was a good guy and a respected person in the community. He helped to create a balance where he could be the face of the business and Jose could be head of operations. Irene is one of the sweetest ladies ever. Go somewhere else where they have a clue about customer service. read more

We bought a paint here, in a light beige brown, or so thought. When we got home and poured it for two different walls there were TWO different colors in the can. It was obviously not mixed at all. When I tried to return the can and ask for a new mixture, the owner said I was playing a joke on him and said it was "Impossible" well it is possible, and it happened at your store. He was very impolite and would not give us a new can of properly mixed paint. I will NEVER go back to this store, the owner was rude, inconsiderate, arrogant, and condescending. read more