It's true what the other reviewers say... the staff here are the friendliest and most helpful I've ever met of all hardware stores. I came here for gardening advice as a novice herb gardener and now I have successfully grown fresh herbs! I came here looking for supplies to build my photography light box and now I have an awesome light box! I came here because an Ace Hardware did not cut my keys correctly and, even though Cole Hardware is only an affiliate and is independently owned, they offered to help me fix my key problem without charge. Amazing! Yes, it's a bit ridiculous how many good experiences I've had here. But you know what? It works. Even though it's a 20 minute walk from my apartment, I'll lug my ass over there and back just because I know they will have what I need or be able to help put me in the right direction. read more

I love strolling into here whenever I need random things for the house from nails to dishcloths, etc. Friendly, helpful staff. -Reload your clipper pass here -Make spare keys in minutes -Typical Hardware store read more

Super VERY much loved how extremely friendly the employees were in Cole Hardware/AKA- Cole Has-Pretty-Much-Anything-You-Need Hardware. You guys rock! I know where to go when I'm looking for general household odds and ends and to have keys made :-) read more

Just got keys made here. Fast fast fast. So fast, I didn't even have time to make any impulse purchases. :( They have Benjamin Moore Affinity paint too!! Including the little sample pots! read more

Problem: Living with two guys is not easy, no no. Broken doorknobs, cracks on the mirrors, coffee table stains, dirty rugs, dead plants, and trash everywhere. Every time I ask them to clean up, they get mad, pick up something, and move it to another spot. It's a roommate nightmare. HELP! Maybe I should be Dexter one night and buy duct tape, 3 or 4 rolls, 80 yards of plastic sheeting, garbage bags, black gloves, and a black apron..hmm..Kidding... Solution: My best plan of action was to visit Cole's. Buy tools, another garbage can to place near them, cleaning supplies, and many many candles. Did it work? Hmm not quite, but hey, the candles work wonders! Thanks local awesome hardware store. Your friendly customer service, magical supplies, and free popcorn relieve me from roommate insanity and becoming Dexter. read more

It is so ironic that the "About the Business" section states "Our Polk Street store specializes in great customer service." I had an awful interaction with their employee Brad. He was tremendously rude and saw fit to yell at customers shopping for plants. His temper tantrum definitely alienated me. Never going back again. read more

I really wanted to rate Cole higher... This has the potential of being a nice neighborhoody kind of hardware store but it seems every time I go in I am ignored, can't find what I'm looking for and in general have a poor shopping experience. I tried to buy a paintbrush the other day and when I was finally able to find someone with the key (do people really steal $3 brushes?) the clerk got it, handed it to another clerk and walked away without a word. Perhaps they feel I'm not the sort of person they want to deal with. I have talked to "corporate" before and they are sympathetic but nothing really ever seems to change in terms of customer service. Cole Hardware is always first to raise a ruckus whenever a "big box" hardware store makes noises about moving in but if they keep this sort of customer service going they will find them moving in anyway. read more

I just need to reiterate my love. I bought a plant here almost three months ago. It started to die, so I brought it in. Gertie, the nicest, sweetest lady ever, took at least thirty minutes to stand outside with me and totally repot my old plant, giving my great advice along the way. Talk about great customer service. I will come back here forever. read more

We untangled our old Christmas tree lights and were getting ready to hang them when we noticed half the lights weren't turning on. We tried a few different fixes; none worked. We called Cole a half-hour before closing time. They told us they had various lights so we rushed over. Even though it was 20 minutes before closing time, the nice worker actually showed us two different kinds of lights and convinced us the less expensive lights ($5!) were better for our needs than the $12 lights. Wow! That's customer service. read more

Disappointed that we bought a light fixture last week but they won't return it until 30 days after covid. When will that be? 2021? Receipts need to be changed to update that policy as well as someone telling you at the register. read more

The store has a great selection of any hardware items or cleaning supplies I need. However service that I received was lacking. The older guy behind the cash register was condescending and unhelpful when I asked few questions. He clearly seemed very annoyed at his job. It made my experience very unpleasant . read more

I used to enjoy shopping here. This is the second time I rented a rug doctor. I returned it clean per their instructions which were given to me verbally before I walked out and are also on the machine itself. The instructions - clean the lint filter and clean out the dirty water tank. I mentioned there was clean water in because there did not appear to be any way to get it out, and they said yes, that's true - there isn't. Oh, and because of that I wouldn't get my deposit back. I asked why and they said that I hadn't returned it clean. I repeated that it was clean and they said no, I should have continued to cycle the vacuum to empty all the clean water on my rug. I said a) no one told me that and b) that would have soaked my carpet which is a no-no if you want your carpet to live a happy, healthy life, therefore I'd like my deposit back. They repeated that now they would have to empty the clean water and that's why I wasn't getting my deposit . I offered to run it right there and they said, no, then what would they do about the water? Uh, gee, that's why I wouldn't run it on my carpet guys. You'd think a hardware store might have somewhere to empty water, like oh, on the cement rather than on wood floors or a carpet. They went on to say no one else had ever complained. Oh, well, then I must be incorrect because no one else spoke up... The staff then told me to take it up with Rug Doctor. Yes - customer service at its finest. All over a stupid $10 deposit. Now they've lost a customer for life. Well done. read more

I don't know what kind of happy pills the folks that work here are on, but they are total sweethearts and super helpful without fail, and I've been coming here for about eight years. I feel good about supporting a local business when I shop here. The other thing I feel that's important to mention is that at a lot of hardware stores, female customers are often treated like dum-dums. Not at Cole! I've bought everything from paint to gifts to split-valve for my shower. The selection of cleaning supplies is BEYOND. They have an excellent stocking of environmentally friendly supplies, if you're into that. There always seem to be at least two choices of every type of product and the people who work there will always give you an honest low-down about each one. Helps to make an informed decision on price and quality. And the popcorn machine is adorable. read more

Great little neighborhood shop! I got my keys made and I purchased a tomato plant at the same time! In the Spring they boast a decent selection of plant starts, and a variety of types of tomato plants which I greatly appreciate. I was able to pick up "Sweet 100's" a delectable variety of cherry tomato. The shop also has the expected tools and hardware, even for being so small. An unfortunate gentleman behind me was solely buying a plunger. Good luck to him! read more

This has been my "go to" hardware store for many years, UNTIL today. During the SIP orders I have been renovating my apartment. I have been ordering Ben Moore paint over the last month by calling in with a credit card number to allow to pick up without having to wait in the store. Today when i called to place another order for 2 gallons, I was informed that i could not order over the phone and would have to go through the Ben Moore website......I tried to do this and kept getting re-routed to other stores....Grrgghh. In addition, the person i spoke with was curt and rude.......I hung up and called Brownies, who very graciously took my order without pause. Cole HW is no longer my hardware store......In times like this the less time i have to be in a confined space the better.....Patti read more

Cole Hardware makes me incredibly excited to be living in Russian Hill! It has a cute little place has a huge selection of hardware and home items- and I realized the place is not so little once you head inside. The other weekend was their anniversary sale so I picked up a free tote and got 20% off my purchases. My new neon pink bag is perfect for lugging groceries home from the market. I picked up a bunch of nails and accessories for hanging pictures, and some other other random stuff that I'd forgotten to pack but definitely needed. I can see myself coming here often. read more

Ok, I admit it: I grew up in the suburbs. And in said suburbs, hardware stores were for nails and toilet plungers and getting keys made. For everything else you went to Target (or worse, the dreaded Walmart.) So when I first became a realtime citygirl, I didn't realize you could get things like bamboo spatulas and shower curtains and plants at a place with "hardware" in its name. And I certainly didn't expect said place to hand out freshly popped corn and offer discounts left and right. So, yay for friendly family hardware stores that sell most everything you'd need to trek out of the city for! PS. If your newest copy of the Yellow Pages is still sitting on your doorstep/below your mailbox (who uses a real telephone book anymore?!), you'd be wise to open up the plastic bag, for on the cover lives a sweet discount coupon to the one and only Cole Hardware. $10 off a $25 purchase or 50% off one item priced under $30. sweeet! read more

I've never had a neighborhood hardware store before, and now I know what I've been missing out on. I feel like I've been transported back in time to the days before amazon ... and it's actually really fun. If you have any kind of home project going on, just stop in and the helpful employees will talk you through what you need (and believe me, they'll have it). It's kind of like what Lowe's pretends they're like in their commercials. You can also get your Muni pass here. AND they have a really excellent kitchen section. I used to be a Crate and Barrel girl, but now I get all my neat cutting boards, vases, jars, etc. from Cole Hardware. Suffice to say, if you are in need of something and you can't figure out where to get it, they probably have it at Cole Hardware. Sign up for their frequent buyer card if you're a local! read more

Was a fan. Capitalizing on the Burning Man economy, they sold rebar (used, rusty) at $9.99 per bar. I admire capitalism but this is robbery. read more

This place is a neighborhood gem that has saved me so many times with odd miscellaneous items I need last minute, and helpful staff. Sometimes I've thought what I'm looking for is too random, but called ahead. Not only did they have the items, they helped list out the options and prices. With the fairly habitual turnover of business on Polk St I hope they stay around for a long time! read more

So, if you are doing a project, say, putting new valves under the bathroom sink, and you overpower the threads on the pipe connection using your grandfather's adjustable pipe wench that is too big for the work, and it is late on a Sunday, and you have to turn the water back on soon so life in the house can return to normal, it is REALLY FINE if there is a hardware store still open. Enter Cole Hardware. I had gotten the original valve at a National Chain Too Big To Mention. Which was too far away to get to before closing time. Cole had the valve I wanted, plus the advice of what to do about the stripped threads. I got the valves done, turned on the water..... and no leak! Triple woo-hoo! Good People, Cole Hardware. read more

Great little hardware store with excellent customer service, selection, location, etc. Have been here a million times since moving in recently, but one visit in particular really stood out. Ikea forgot to include the hardware with a set of bookcase doors we purchased (d'oh!), so the sales associate kindly helped us attempt to locate equivalent screws, etc despite those notoriously wonky Swedish directions. And she didn't just point and say, "those are probably good," she opened up tons of those teensy little doors and evaluated several options right alongside us. Thanks! I always come in for one thing and manage to leave with 20 - with particular weaknesses being mason jars, plants, kitchen gadgets (LOVE my new immersion blender), and other delights (stainless steel water bottles! bamboo travel cutlery!). They also cut keys while you wait and have a frequent buyers club. More plus points abound. OK, I'll stop now :-) read more

All around solid local hardware store. Great staff, plenty of inventory, and popcorn. Name another hardware store that sells popcorn... Been here a few times since moving to the neighborhood and have always had a good experience. Returned an item I bought a week ago and picked up another item this morning and had a smooth transaction. Keep doing your thing Cole Hardware read more

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

This place is like an unusual blend of Home Depot, Williams-Sonoma, Walgreens and Bed Bath & Beyond. There isn't anything you can't find here for your home needs. Stopping in, you are sure to enjoy: **an amazingly helpful, knowledgeable & friendly staff **a vast array of quality items **great prices **freshly popped popcorn in an old fashioned cart I find myself strolling the isles for FUN... something I never thought I would do in a hardware store of all places. Cole Hardware - I am so happy to have you in my life! You complete me (and my apartment). read more

Bit pricier seeming than Brownies but great selection as well. There are some helpful folks and some not, but overall appreciate what they have to offer. read more

Cole Hardware isn't really a hardware store, but still full of useful goodies and friendly service. If you think cleaning and repainting your kitchen counts as renovation, then this is the place for you. If, however, you need a planer for some new cabinets you're building - not so much. People who have just moved (or are about to) will LOVE this place for its large selection of cleaning supplies, many of which are environmentally friendly, and for its selection of essential household items that never seem to survive the move, like your garlic press or "World's Best C++ Programmer" coffee mug. Oh, I also like the nifty, little, useful things like Klean Kanteens and Nebo flashlights that they sell. In the back is a section that they call the "camping section". I wouldn't depend on the equipment if I were actually camping, but the stuff is useful in case of blackout, or if you go car camping. Basically, if you need some random housewares, to build a shelf (the pre-fabbed "board on brackets" kind), to paint something, to clean something, some extra light duty camp wares, or a standard hand tool (nothing crazy now), Cole Hardware will hook you up, and with a smile to boot. They also have some cute potted plants to help you get started on civilising your abode. Join the frequent shopper's club, even if you don't shop frequently, and accumulate points. read more

I don't really like being lectured while shopping. I was waiting in line with headphones on and suddenly a new cashier was behind me waiving furiously and directed me to the register she was opening. I went over and she started lecturing me about wearing headphones because I couldn't hear her. I mean, that's the point. I told her I was in line wearing them and would have taken them off once at the register. She kept arguing with me about how I couldn't hear her, and I responded if I had seen her wave me over from the register I would have come. Like you're in my blind spot. But why is this such a argument? Like I am here and I took them off at the socially appropriate time when I was to speak with someone. Sensory overload is a thing and sometimes it's helpful to block out a lot sounds. No one should have to justify their use of headphones while shopping especially considering all I was doing was politely waiting my turn. You got my attention, I don't need a lecture on if you think I should be wearing them or not. read more

I went in to get a power drill. One of the salespersons, Gertie, stepped up to help me in my search and we found the one I needed. She asked me some good questions before she showed me a drill... How often would I use it? What size screws would I be needing? What was it going to be used for? Since I'd only be using it for quick fixes around the home and to assemble new furniture, she pointed me to a nice kit with the most common bits, cordless drill with a charger. It was perfect for my needs! I like that she wanted to help me get the right tool for me instead of what was most pricey. Great salesperson and customer service! I took a quick walk around the rest of the shop and was delighted with some of the other items they had on sale. Lots of tools and equipment for small gardening and planting, also some very nice items for the bathroom and the kitchen. I'm not a "brand name person" but I was pleased to see Simplehuman on the shelves. I'm keeping Cole Hardware in mind! read more

Amazing staff and will help you get whatever you need and explain it. I would avoid Brownies (lower polk) at all cost and would go to Cole instead! Go to Brownies if you want an old white man to be rude and refuse to help you find anything. read more

So I had a gross and embarrassing fly problem in my house. I came here desperately and spoke with a lady seconds before they closed about what to do. She was super helpful and attentive even though I'm sure she was ready to get out of there. We were in and out in like 5 minutes and she solved my problem for sure! read more

I was really pleased with the staff at Cole Hardware. Someone I knew told me to stop in there if I had a question about 'anything' - as the staff was so nice they'll help me get around (I was new to town.) She was right. Too bad the things I needed weren't sold there (muni ticket book, computer paper, etc.) They do have FastPasses though - and I will always remember CH for selling me my very first one as a SF local. read more

I did not arrive to the thunderous fanfare that other yelpers did, but this does not matter to me. Where I'm from, the only choice in hardware is the local "home despot". For the average DIY'er, this store has all the same things. I was looking for a drain snake, and they had a decent selection. Store layout was great - since it's small, it's not a huge trek to find whatever you're looking for. Finding car-sized parking in this area is always a challenge. If possible, I recommend to travel by bus/bike/motorcycle/horse. The hours are great, too. I'm a nine-to-fiver, so it's usually a race to get to the store before it closes, but not here. read more

LOVE this place! Who would think that I would be raving about a hardware store?!?! Alas, it stole my heart. Not only do they carry just about everything any normal human being would need, but the staff members who work there are more than happy to show you where it is and how to properly use it. I'm impressed. Really impressed. PS - I love their window decorations!!! read more

My dad is pretty handy - built our first house; was constantly puttering on the one we grew up in. Determined to ensure his daughter knew how to swing a hammer, I spent a lot of time running errands to our local hardware store with him. This place feels a lot like that one did. A few months ago, I was putting together presents for a few friends, which this year involved earthquake kits. Bucket - check. Crowbar - check. Work gloves - check. As I started hunting around the store, one of the clerks asked if I needed help. I told him what I was doing, and he took me around the store to check everything off my list. Importantly, they had everything I wanted, somehow crammed into that little store. We talked about the '89 quake and what the city was like (I was a kid, but he remembered it a bit more vividly). Really lovely, community-centered place. read more

Cole Hardware is my favorite hardware store in town. I am an enthusiastic supporter of this place. Normally, hardware stores are boring and intimidating; Cole Hardware is the opposite. The staff is always friendly, no matter how much of a do-it-yourself novice you are; the display is fun and whimsical and you always get honest, solid advice. You can tell there is a culture of making the customer happy, and it's not a silly slogan that says it: every conversation I have with Cole Hardware employees (at this location or the Fourth Street one; I haven't been to the others), I feel that I'm talking with someone who is genuinely knowledgeable and interested in finding the best solution for me. I love the community newsletter as well -- just goes to show that Cole Hardware is more than a place for you to buy tools, it's also that strives to make you feel like a part of the neighborhood and world around you. Cole Hardware, you rock. read more

Cole Hardware on Polk is a great place to pick up a couple of home improvement chotchkies. If you need any help finding something, the friendly staff will help you out. Last time I was there, I got a few little herb plants: a potted lavender, rosemary, and a lime thyme. The thyme has passed away but the other are doing well. Upon purchase, I was given a set of ambient light-sensing LED night lites. What a pleasant surprise! Cole Hardware at Polk: If you are in the area, and need some knick-knacks for your home, stop on by this quintessential neighborhood hardware store. For you, Cole Hardware, I give you 4 stars, since I'm not close enough in proximity to give you 5. read more

Here is the deal. Great local hardware store. Has pretty much what you need. The people their are very friendly and helpful. 2 reasons for the no fiver: 1. It's on the expensive side compared to it's competitors. 2. I am not sure why, but the workers are extremely slow with the check-out. Extremely. Parking; Metered street parking on Polk. If you hunt a little you can definitely find free parking on the cross streets. Little note: They have more than just hardware. They have plants, mops, pretty much little bit of everything you may need around the house. You've just been yelped in. read more

In the past few weeks since moving to the neighborhood, I've visited Cole Hardware with such odd requests as "what can I sew easily into a shower curtain to better weight it down" -- answered, effectively, and cheaply. In addition to helping me with supplies a bunch of minor electrical repairs (3 for 1 on electrical tape special, woo!), understanding ancient San Franciscan fuseboxes, and having just about anything I could ever need in a local hardware store (seriously, they are well-stocked) -- these folks are just downright friendly. From the older employees' experience and willingness to share to the younger employees who just want to be friendly, this is a pleasant place to do business. It's been a long time since I have had that local hardware store feel, pretty much ever since I started living in big cities. I've gotta say, I missed it. Also, for those who need a random piece of telephony or Cat6 cable stat without having the time to purchase online? WAY cheaper than Radio Shack over at Cole. read more

Alot of oddly useful miscellany here...not just confined to what you might narrowly define as hardware.....great Knives with multi tools... Lot's of weird Iron tools that you could use Against a Mugger or As a Mugger...(don't try this at home).... Plus cool mini flashlights which I've decided are Much safer to use for a cat toy than lazer pointers read more

I find it so funny that I'm writing a review of a local hardware store.. but.. I've. Got. To! The people that work here are phenomenal! So fun, friendly and helpful. My husband and I make at least one trip here a week and we always find what we need at a decent price. We've purchased: space heaters, bowls, special/specific light bulbs, party decor, paint, simple human garbage bags, Christmas wreaths, succulents, kitchen supplies, last-minute greeting cards.. they've got it all. To all the wonderful folks that work at Cole's, THANK YOU! read more