I was desperate and needed to get into an apartment vacated by our tenant right away. I believed that I had the right key, but wasn't 100% sure bc it wasn't unlocking the deadbolt. (Turned out I had the right key, but the ancient lock was broken). I got a recommendation to use Cole and called them. I had to leave a message and Marc called me back, as promised on the greeting, within the hour. He was wonderful and patiently listened to my sad tale of desperation and woe. Just the calming response I needed. I won't detail all of the back and forth I subjected him to. I will just say he was extremely responsive and helpful and scheduled an appt for me that worked with my schedule. It turns out that I didn't need to use Marc's services - I was able to get in and replace the deadbolt without the need for a locksmith. HOWEVER - if I ever need the services of a locksmith, Marc with Cole Hardware will be my first call.... without hesitation. read more

Cole Hardware ( not computer hardware ) has been in business in San Francisco at Cole street for over 100 years. It has four locations in San Francisco. You want to get an extra keys to the kingdom you can have them made here. You want to build a garden this is the place. Want to get those extra trash bags to take out the trash this is the spot .Going camping or camping out at home there are plenty of products and supplies inside. This location is known as " Barbecue Central". You will also find BBQ grills of all sizes from going to Golden Gate Park for a spontaneous BBQ grill for two or that backyard BBQ grill to feed a squadron. Cole Hardware has you covered if you are indoors or like being outside in the big outdoors. You will find almost anything you need to build , repair or fix any interior and exterior at your place. Cole Hardware the store not a computer hardware device is where you will find homeware supplies and walk inside for a pleasant surprise selling everything from gift certificates to the Cheese Cake Factory and The Pie Company take and bake home pies Grab a grill and some charcoal so you can BBQ beef ,shrimp and chicken thighs then grab a cooler so you can fill it with champagne and wine with lots of ice then you can party during the Summer of Love from Sunset to sunrise read more

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Hi yesterday, I went in there for a few items There was a girl making Keys so I went over there. She said oh I have to make 20 keys. I'm sorry it'll be about 15 minutes so I said OK I'll come back but then I said I have a key with a red thing on top I said, did I buy this from you? She said I don't know and I said can you just look at it? She said no I have 20 keys I said could you just tell me if you have this key she goes no I have to make 20 Keys and I said I don't mind coming back, but do you have this key? I just a regular key with a red thing on top and she's like I can't look. She was very rude. I know you have to make 20 Keys, but I don't know why you can't stop and look for a second or why you had to be rude about it read more

Fabulous service, love their locksmith, everything you need (and a ton of things you thought you could only buy from AMZN). We're frequently in the gardening area in the back and for quick visits for nuts, bolts, washers etc when it just has to fit. read more

Cole Hardware - On point for fun ornament gifts or white elephant ideas - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is for a phone call interaction that I had with the store on a Tuesday morning inquiring if they had in stock the 33" tomato baskets. I did not want to drive all the way to learn that it was not available even though the website for this location said they had 3 in stock. Good thing I called and the answer was "no" CH Cole street should up date their on-line site so others don't get disappointed if they make the drive. Four stars as the phone interaction was not an issue. read more

Greeted like I was an old friend when I wandered in. Well, it was a destination errand though and "whoa, you have those pies here too?" "We sell a ton of them, and you get a free wrench in every pie" "Really? Is that true?" "No, but it'd make a good story" Cole Hardware's customer service desk looked at my drill, they thought it might be the battery. I asked to buy another drill but apparently you need to know the size of the bit you need. Can't they just sell a newbie fix-it starter pack that says, "These bits are what you'll usually need, $25.99"? "These will put together/disassemble IKEA stuff"? Walked out empty-handed this time, will be sure to buy something next time, even if it's only a pie. For now, my freezer's full. Really nice employees, immaculate store filled with everything fix-it including drop off recycling for old paint (5 gallon limit). read more

Cole Hardware - Those pies are here too, they sell a lot of them! $19.99 - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I would like to thank Larry at Cole Hardware from the bottom of my heart. He spent over 30 minutes helping me with a very stressful car key issue and, in the process, saved me close to $700. I had gone to several places for help with a small screw issue, and no one was able--or willing--to help. The Honda dealer told me it would cost $700 to fix and made me feel as though I had done something wrong. I was in tears. Larry was the complete opposite. From the moment he helped me, he was patient, kind, and never once made me feel embarrassed or at fault. Larry calmly tried different tools and methods, taking his time and showing genuine care. Other places warned me the key would likely break. Larry fixed it perfectly without breaking anything. His kindness truly meant more to me than I can express. Larry went out of his way to make sure the problem was resolved. Experiences like this are rare, and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you, Larry, for your compassion, patience, and incredible help. Cole Hardware is lucky to have you. read more

I asked for help several times and the front desk kept calling for someone. Meanwhile I'm watching people just stroll into the aisle and immediately get help. If you need expertise quickly I do not recommend going here. It's a waste of time read more

RUDE STAFF!! They make you feel like asking a question is a chore. this store has gone downhill for about 5 years now. get people who want to work in a hardware store to help! read more

Marc Estoque was extremely helpful installing my new lock When there was a problem he helped me return a lock I thought was going to work for the right one and then came back a second time without charging additional fee to install the lock He was great at communicating and a very nice person Highly recommended read more

Had a really unfortunate experience here with the staff. We came in about 10 minutes before close, we were waiting for an Uber and going to pick up a little succulent or plant as a gift and planned on being in and out in just a few minutes especially since our Uber was already called. Unfortunately the staff was very aggressive and we basically got chased out by 2 different staff members who wanted us out since it was 10 minutes to closing time. If Cole Hardware doesn't want to be open until 7pm then that is fine, close earlier. But if you are open and doors are open please don't verbally harass customers. I live near another Cole Hardware but now I will shop at other hardware stores with better customer service. Harassing customers is never, ever okay. read more

They don't make 'em like this anymore. I bet this is how it used to be when Grandparents talk about how times have changed. Consultants who help you and have knowledge on everything you ask for your home. Most of the staff that works here were in construction in SF, so if you live an old victorian, they have the knowledge and experience to recommend the right solution for your SF home. Thank you Cole Hardware for being a part of the neighborhood. read more

Love this Cole Hardware! Well stocked and very rarely hasn't had what I needed in a pinch. Well run. Great staff - shoutout Rick and Fernando! read more

I posed a unfavorable review a while back during to snark and employees who could care less Today, which was my first return since then, I take it ball back. I went in and was greeted by friendly hepful and courtesy. Male employee recommended I buy an arguer to fix my problem. The check out clerk, a lady, was also kind and polite. I am very happy. Customers love kindness read more

Serious price gougers on anything seasonal. $109 for a plastic Christmas tree stand lol $22.95 at target read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Usually popping in to copy keys or buy incense sticks, but several months ago I made a unique purchase. I was visiting someone who had a window blind in distress. The first time I noticed it, it was hanging off the hinge and then over time it had completely collapsed. Their "temporary solution" (pillowcase taped haphazardly on the top which never stayed on and tin foil on the bottom portion) had become not so temporary and though they seemed to not care about it, that itself made me really sad for them every time I came by. I didn't want to say anything, as it was not really my place, but couldn't help but think of solutions that could be sneakily done without anyone knowing so as not to cause embarrassment. After some research, I found that temporary stick on paper blinds exist (!) and proceeded to call every hardware store in the city to no avail. But, cole hardware eventually came through after I stopped in several times and politely inquired about them. I appreciate it. :) Though the blind I know is just paper and thus not the highest quality, the updated aesthetics and overall energy is palpable; the room instantly warmed up. All that energy shifted, for under $10. Even better , the person never noticed so it was seamless in all ways. Yay! Attached photos are comparisons of the aforementioned window blind read more

Cole Hardware - Le "Before" - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This review is for all the staff at this place. They really need better customer service skills. This store is tiny, and half the staff does not know where things are located. I mean I used to work at Home Depot and pretty much could find things after working there for about 2 months. They all work in a tiny little space that does not grow and yet they cannot find anything. Some of the staff have to ask other staff members where things are located its kind of a joke. This is where society is now where people want to do the bare minimum and expect to have positive results. The staff seems like they are not being treated right because they definitely do not give me the welcoming neighborhood feeling. And guess what I live in the neighborhood. I especially do not like the male staff at this place. They think that they are gods gift to earth and do not know anything. It amazes me that no one has come in from management to retrain these people to have better customer service. I do not think I will be shopping at this ACE store even though its only two blocks from my house. I would rather go to a big chain then to this store with their non friendly employees that do not want to learn their inventory. I especially think CHRISTIAN NEEDS RETRAINING ON CUSTOMER SERVICE BIG TIME!!!!! THATS ALL! read more

THANK YOU Denise & Staff ... you guys are fantastic!!! We came in with our rental bikes and we needed Bungee Cords and an Allen Key to adjust our seats, so we could ride comfortably over the Golden Gate Bridge, all on Thanks Giving Day. Thank you for the AMAZING SERVICE! Cheers, Linda Canada PS We made the crossing:} read more

Gabe and Steven delivered a Big Green Egg today and were total pros in getting it set up right where I needed it. They were kind, speedy and total professionals. That's why I love Cole Hardware!!!! read more

Cole Hardware - A gift they gave me with my order!! - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Please understand this low score is for ONE EMPLOYEE. HER NANE IS ANNETTE. I have been a member of Cole Valley Ace Hardware for the last 22 years. Everyone there has always been helpful, gracious and fun. I can bring a photo of my project to ACE and they will help me! That has always been my experience. However, There is an employee named "Annette" that is so rude and unhelpful. I had 3 negative experiences with her. The fact that she seldom smiles or give eye contact. I thought that was strange, but that was just her. But then I asked her if I could see an external speaker. Then I asked if she had any others I could see, she said no. There was another employee who overheard her and began pulling speakers off the shelf behind the counter. I purchased the second one. She never acknowledged that incident. The last incident which happened last week... I asked if I could get help with old paint drop off. She said go to the door outside. I said I have been waiting at the door. She said " go to the service deck!l". I am shocked!! No personnel at ACE over the last 20 years has ever treated me so dismissive. Please someone talk, train Annette. We must do better because Ace is great and she is bringing this store down. I have been a Cole Valley homeowner since 2006! Thanks so much! read more

I am a long-time neighbor of Cole Hardware, having been here for decades. I recently had yet another unpleasant experience with a surly staff member. A week back, i went into the store at around 1:00 p.m. to purchase a device to check my electrical wall receptacles. After wandering around the store for a while and being unable to find the device, I saw an employee, large guy, and asked for help. He informed me that he was going to lunch but would send someone over to assist me. Ten minutes later, no one had come to help me, so I found another employee, a man with stuffed animals glued to his hat. He frowned as he took me to the spot where the devices were located and picked one out to unlock. When I reached for it, he pulled back and said he would take it to the front for me. I looked at another version of the device and asked about it, to which he replied, "That one is for people who know what they are doing." He refused to let me touch the device he had picked out and instead ran to the cashier with it. I was in a hurry, I should have just walked out of the store at that point. Yesterday, I finally attempted to use the device to check my outlets. However, it was designed for three-prong outlets, while my house, built in 1880, has mostly two-prong outlets, rendering the device useless. I realize the store has a lot of theft , but there is no reason to mistreat your real customers. In 15 minutes, I can drive to the ace on Clement. They are helpful and friendly read more

Worked with Marc the locksmith he was great! He gave additional knowledge about our situation based on his expertise

Unfortunately this is a poor review due to poor customer service I received this week (9/6). During this heat wave, my housemate and I purchased an evaporative cooler online. There were two left, we purchased one. I went early to pick it up (the e-mail confirmation had not yet been received) and was told that the cooler had not yet arrived. Thought that was fair as I had not received the e-mail so stepped out to get a drink next door when I got the e-mail. When I went back in, the staff told me that the unit was not there. When I explained that I had received the e-mail that it was ready for pick up I was told that it was an error. The situation was escalated to Scott who then came out and said in a very rude manner that it was picked up already. I explained that it wasn't possible since I didn't pick it up. Then he said "No, you already picked up. We checked your ID earlier." and literally walked away. I said out loud, "It's OK that an error happened, don't have to lie and be rude." Didn't stop to ask me any details, check my order #, nothing. I could also take it as Scott accusing me of lying and coming back for another unit. Staff member Christian and another female staff member looked at me and actually apologized likely sensing that the encounter was extremely rude. I spoke with Any who looked into my situation and apologized for my poor experience with Scott. Turns out the customer who purchased the other cooler online came into the store earlier that day and purchased the one that I had purchased online. Clearly, there was just some error in the process that would allow this to happen. I don't have a problem with that, it sucks but it happens. I have a problem with Scott being rude and not even bothering to look me in the eye and talk about the situation. Thank you to Christian and Any for being helpful and apologetic for Scott's rudeness. After two 3 hour round trips, I have the evaporative cooler. Thank you Any for making it happen. read more

I bought a tree from Cole Hardware and it was perfect! Gabe and Nate (I can remember the other younger man's name) were super helpful in both preparing and tying the tree to our car. It looks great and still quite fresh! read more

Cole Hardware in Cole Valley. I haven't shopped here much. I visit Home Depot and the Sunset Hardware and Cole Hardware North Beach. Cole Hardware is a good community outlet and space for fun hardware stores. Kitschy fashioned hardware stores that have lasted here in last century--1920-2020--here's to Cole and Santa Claus is Cole and notions of livelihood. read more

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Rude staff. I just went in and three different employees made me feel like asking a question was such a bother.

Knowledgeable staff and easy to get in and out with the stuff I needed. I'd highly recommend

How do they magically fit so many different products in this tiny store? Rarely have I left without what I was seeking. Are the workers grumpy? Mostly yes. Do you need compostable trash bags, new numbers for your house, live ladybugs and a new Yeti water bottle all in one trip? Get over it. Is it a little expensive? Yes. Is it worth it because it is 4 blocks from your house? Yes. read more

I am a regular Cole Hardware customer but always go to SoMa one. I was passing by this one and went to buy some screws. I go to the checkout and the cashier is asking me the price of the screws. I ask her to wait as I pull up the pictures of price of the screws. She answers me: "That can't be right, it's too expensive". She asked me where it was so she could check, I offered to go check together and we went. It seems that I had the price right but she could not believe it. Therefore she went ahead and gave me 60% off the price. Note that I did not ask for a discount. That's what I call customer service. Not only she trusted me by "just" asking for the price, then protected me from a potential pricing issue, and even after checking the "correct" price, she did a gesture. At the end of the day it's not a big save, $2 or $3, but the intent is worth much more than this. It made my day :-) I don't remember the name of the person, but she was dark hair Asian woman: very well done. (on March 5th ~5PM). Rick, she deserves a raise ;-) read more

I had an issue assembling a bed frame that I couldn't fix myself. In less than 5 minutes, I explained the issue and they fixed it. Amazing

Cole Hardware is such a great little neighborhood hardware shop. I honestly hate shopping in huge hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, but Cole Hardware is so much more inviting, and I love how they have other section like home goods. Also there back garden is like a little oasis. Cole Hardware is seriously our first stop shop for all home improvement items. Since moving to the neighborhood, we probably frequent it at least 2 times a week. So glad this place exists! read more

Cole Hardware - Exterior of Cole Valley Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

A hardware store is pretty essential but not always pleasant to shop at. Fortunately, Cole Hardware provides all the goods you need while making the experience quick, easy, and effortless. During pandemic times, my partner and I have found ourselves having a need of a hardware store much more than before. At times it's for all of those safety related items, but often it's for DIY projects and home decorating. Cole Hardware always has what we need...the right hanging bits and bots, epoxies, and more. You'd be hard pressed not to find what you need on that front. They also have a large plant area in the back of the store, which is what really puts them over the top. The focus is (rightfully so) less on actual full-grown plants and more on the things that you need to get and keep them there. They have an excellent selection of pots, accessories/parts to do macrame hanging, and so much more. And finally, the staff/mgmt do a great job at keeping the store physically distanced so you can go about your business with caution. There will likely be a line outside when you go, but it moves quick and you'll be glad that they kept the store limited because the aisles are definitely tight. Very lucky to have both this and Robert's for hardware needs in the Haight. Between the two, you can never go wrong. read more

From 1992 to 1995, I lived around the block, and I bought lots at Cole Hardware. I moved away in 1995, then returned in 2010. My wife and I have a house about a mile and then a smidge, away from this location. That means, after a fire consumed our neighborhood go-to, Progress Hardware, this business is once again the closest place for tools and sundries. So probably I have had a half dozen keys made there and stopped in a dozen times since the start of the pandemic. It is convenient. The prices are not an outrage. The truth is, for most items, I order online. But sometimes you need to buy whatever it is right that instant, in order to use it. And it is good to have a neighborhood shop such as this. That means we have to patronize it. Their customer service is excellent. They are friendly. It's the sort of business you feel good about having around. I hope enough people continue to shop there that they thrive. We would regret it otherwise. So pick up some nuts and bolts or fertilizer. read more

Marc the locksmith at Cole Hardware is fantastic. He arrived within ten minutes for an after hours call when I was locked out after my deadbolt breaking. (I was lucky he was nearby!) It was an epic puzzle to get in and get it all fixed, and he was incredibly helpful, kind, and professional. Highly recommend! read more

Coke Hardware is the best. Very friendly and helpful staff. It's my go-to for just about everything.

Julia was a great cashier and really sold me on my purchase. The young tman working in the garden center was super nice and approachable. You guys hire the best people! read more

Cole Hardware - Front of building from across the street - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Their nursery and garden section is stacked. Great for small gardening projects. Got cover almost the perfect amount of cover crop seeds for 30$, might be back to grab some more soon. Friendly staff too and good selection of incense (unexpected but welcome surprise!!) read more

Fantastic service from "ANY "very helpful, professional and knowledgeable i really recommend this place read more

Pretty drastic price gouging on n95 respirator masks. I went to Cole Hardware around 2:45pm today to look at some n95 masks (took a picture). A pack of 25 was selling for $64.99. I did some quick googling in the store, found out that the original retail price (that is, pre-coronavirus panic mode) was $9-12 for the pack, felt shocked by the markup, and then I left the store to work in a coffeeshop, giving myself time to do some more price comparison online and thinking I'd pick some up afterward on the way home. After I finished work at Wooden Coffeehouse, I returned to the store around 4:45pm and found out in the two hours I was gone, they raised the price to $89.99. I still bought a pack because I'm planning on visiting my parents this weekend (planning to share with them), and it was sold out everywhere else online. I don't think price gouging is really ethical in this scenario. Want to mark up Christmas trees during the holiday season? That's fine. But these masks are for the benefit of public health, and making profit out of an essential health item reminds me of big pharmaceutical companies maximizing profits off Epipens. Which just bounces on my nerves the wrong way. ...And, considering that the SF mayor declared a state of emergency just two days ago, I'm not even sure if this is legal: "California's anti-price gouging statute, Penal Code Section 396, prohibits raising the price of many consumer goods and services by more than 10% after an emergency has been declared" (https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters#3C1). I do understand that raising prices can allocate resources to those who need it the most. But in light of the easy transmissibility of coronavirus, maybe making them less affordable and letting people think they don't really "need" them isn't the best idea. Even Amazon is shutting down sellers who're doubling, tripling their prices, so I'm confused why a neighborhood store is doing this. +1 star for the other times I've visited this local store -- all transactions were smooth and employees were friendly. Also appreciate that there's a limit on the number of masks you can buy per customer, which helps with more fair and efficient distribution of resources. But sorry, I don't think I'll be supporting Cole Hardware after this. read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is my go-to hardware store and yesterday was really a cherry on top! I needed something very specific but wasn't sure the size. Folks in the store were SUPER helpful, sharing advice and ideas and problem-solving with me. They helped me get exactly what I needed! I also really appreciate that I could pay by phone, since I had left my wallet at home, oops! read more