Are usually go to Progress Hardware, but I cannot right now, so I go to Cole Hardware, the Beck Staff are very friendly and know where everything is, But the cashiers never say hi never asked how you're doing. and this morning the cashier Bob was quite rude. Try to use the chip on my card and he said why don't you look at the machine we're it say scan here he physically showed. He was annoyed because I didn't know how to use his machine. You can, but Progress Hardware never did that read more

Horrible, terrible, No-good service. I went there simply for a happy return should have taken 30-60 seconds it turned into 10 minute ordeal. . . But I was verbally accosted by a worker named Glenn. I tell him in here for a "happy return" he begins to tell me they call them "evil returns" and people who do the returns are evil too. He proceeds to tell me how happy returns is owned by paypal and Venmo and that I am evil if I use those companies. He started going on about staples stores not available in San Francisco. The return still hasn't happened. I told him I just needed to return my items. I couldn't access the QR code because there is no service in the store. I asked for the WIFI name/password, He refused to provide it to me and told me to go outside walk down the street "and maybe you can get service, take a photo of your QR code and come back when you have it" At that point I asked for a manager and someone else to do mHis response: "well, you'll still need the QR code and you still need to leave the store". I needed a a key made as well, but I didn't even bother. This place WILL NOT ever get my business! 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

Goodness me this is a terrible hardware store. The crew are reliably unhelpful, and not knowledgeable. They don't know where their own stock is, and nor do they help you. They frequently are out of stock on key items. I really hope that Progress Hardware one neighborhood over comes back. Until then, getting things directly from Amazon is way less hassle than trying to use this store. read more

With my occupation, I frequent hardware stores. When the staff are knowledgeable, I am able to work with them to determine the best products for the best possible outcome. In this way, my clients are satisfied and I can go home happy. This store is just that. The people here are experienced and the items they sell are plenty. #1 in SF as far as I'm concerned. Thanks Rich -- and the many others who have helped me along the way! read more

I went to Cole Hardware Downtown to have FIVE keys made. I also bought FIVE rubber key rings to go onto the keys and TWO skinny little rims to hold the keys. The total cost of this was $31.98! I WILL NEVER BUY AT COLE'S AGAIN! THEY ARE GOUGING PEOPLE! This store is ridiculous to charge this much just for key items! read more

Went into the downtown location and was helped by Denise at the front desk. I had to return a fan. She was very busy and stopped everything she was doing to help me out. You are lucky to have such a great employee with impeccable customer service! Thank you!! read more

Great service - I had an emergency lock situation and called Cole Hardware and they put me in touch with Marc Estoque their in house locksmith. Marc answered immediately and came right out. He was personable and very knowledgeable. He fixed the issue and the price was actually less than expected. another nice surprise. I Love Cole Hardware, and I highly recommend the Locksmith service if you ever find the need. Thanks Marc for the great service, I can see why Cole Hardware recommends you. read more

I am leaving this review because of the locksmith Cole has partnered with. Marc Estoque is the most unprofessional person I have ever experienced. We made an appointment for between 4-5 pm and I told him I would be unable to be on the phone due to work commitments. He didn't show. Around 4:55 I saw he had texted around 4:30 so immediately called him. He texted back that he "always verifies appointments" but he had never said that to me and I was waiting for him to come & ring my bell. When I make an appointment I expect both of us to show up. Then he offered to come but for "an extra charge" (several hundred dollars) because now it would be after 5 by the time he could get here. Needless to say we parted ways and I will not be letting him into my home. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS MAN. He will try to trick you into higher costs while saying he's doing you a favor. OTW Cole Hardware is great. read more

This little local hardware store is what every community needs. The have the some of the things a big box store would have to order. I need some wood glue and putty for a blow out from drilling a hole one of my technicians made and they had everything I need in a matter of minutes versus a big huge store where I'm looking up in the rafter to read signs on isles to find what I'm looking for which takes about an hour if your lucky. These little store are all worth it to their local communities. Support your local stores read more

Living only 5 blocks away, I'm in this store at least once every week or so. It's a great general purpose store, with standard tools, screws/nails/nuts & bolts. Their plant and garden center are well stocked considering how small the yards are in our neighborhood. As well they have all the general purpose household items that every Ace store carries - lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, paints, etc etc. My only complaint is that their store isn't bigger, so they could carry a wider selection of tools. read more

Review for Marc the Locksmith! Marc was able to accommodate an emergency change of 7 locks in less than a day, and despite running really late thanks to us underestimating how many badly fitted deadbolts we had, he stayed and finished the job perfectly!! Wholeheartedly recommend him! read more

We feel lucky to have this store as our local. The hardware literally has everything and the staff are so helpful and friendly! Each year they also have a good healthy selection of Xmas trees. read more

When there to get glue, screws, washers and a few more things, it was $60 dollars, I went back, talked to the cashier (very nice) but she called the for help, this guy came and since the beginning he was very condescending. The first thing he said was "next time you need to know the price and the name of the screws and washers buddy I am not his buddy, like it was my fault and I sure I am not his buddy I usually go where people know what they are selling, then he asked me for my phone number, why do they need my phone number, Then he just refunded me the money for the washers and screw and I asked, isn't it $60 dollars and said in a condescending way again "didn't you get the glue? and I said; they are right next to you, by this time I was very upset for his behavior and I asked for a full refund, I am not sure if he talks like that to white people read more

They make keys fast and cheap and they work well so no complaint there. They typically have everything I need! I feel like I'm greeted nicer on the phone rather than in person because this older white male cashier (glen or something like that), is not very cordial and always sounds impatient, rather condescending too. Everyone else is great read more

I don't like negativity so when I come in to pick up an order I placed online, why doesn't the guy in customer service just go pick it up? Why does he say, "but did you get a confirmation that it was ready?" Yes why do you think I am here? Do you think I am stupid? Two parts of my order were cancelled. Of course they were able to up-sale me to something more expensive than the two items I had already paid for. For some reason I found everything this guy did unpleasant. I say thank you, and there is no you're welcome. I say I decide on which item I want, and then he questions my use for it. Aren't the days where females don't know what they are doing in the hardware store over? read more

I had a terrible customer experience with the manager here called "Any". I was dealing with a warranty issue on my big green egg. She took a horrible attitude and tone through the whole experience - firstly directly contradicting the instructions that green egg had given, promising to follow up and never doing so. The big green egg folk were clearly frustrated at her also - I quote from them "I apologize for that store's poor customer service, - but like I said, they aren't a part of Big Green Egg as a company, nor is the distributor. They just sell our products!" Two weeks later I worked it all out with the folk at big green egg - and came back. She refused to believe what was in the emails they had sent me - and was incredibly grumpy at having to help. I bought this big green egg originally from cole hardware - at considerable cost - so it was disappointing to be treated so poorly throughout this process. And I still don't have the replacement parts that green egg sent cole hardware (at no cost to cole hardware) for me! What a disaster! Please give "Any" some customer service training! read more

If you read my rant review about this place yesterday please disregard. Castro Valley was crossed for Cole Valley ‍ Cole Valley I've been to and it's awesome!! Staff is super helpful and down to earth... total opposite of that crappy place in Castro Valley. Sorry for the confusion. & read more

This a shout out to Ben who helped me find the purrfect last minute birthday gift ( a Kit-tea loose leave tea infuser). I would not have found this gem of a gift if it weren't for Ben who literally dug it out of a storage box at the base of a shelving display unit. This hardware store has everything any city dweller could possibly need, in addition to friendly and helpful staff. Come here and buy their wares. Also, be sure to investigate their garden section in the back! read more

Called Cole Hardware's 24/7 locksmith Marc and was SO impressed. What seemed like a simple fix to me turned out to be a symptom of a larger issue that Marc thoroughly and thoughtfully explained and repaired. He worked efficiently and charged a very fair price for parts and labor. 10/10 recommend to anyone in need of a locksmith, I never knew I could be so excited about properly functioning door locks and knobs. Thanks Marc! read more

I've dropped by here multiple times to buy house plants and other odds and ends for home. Somehow they manage to fit a ton into a very small space, which does mean it can feel a bit crowded in the store. That being said, if you need it they likely not only have "it," they'll also have someone on staff who can give you good advice on whatever project you're working on. I really love the little gardening section in the back. I could probably spend and hour there and be perfectly content. Very healthy plants and reasonably priced pots and containers. Really a nice, and well kept local hardware store. read more

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

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I found a locksmith, Marc, via Cole Hardware and was 100% satisfied. We had an industrial door that needed a new lock, and Marc knew exactly what it needed and which parts he needed to pick up. He even sent me links to show me the lock I needed and to explain the pricing-- industrial locks are more expensive than normal ones and it was reassuring to know these prices weren't just being made up. Marc then fit us into his already full schedule and installed the lock with no problem. He was super knowledgeable and gave us some extra tips on how to keep our door and locks in better condition. He was really patient with my many questions and was truly the best locksmith I've ever worked with. read more

Needed help finding a replacement screw. Ended up paying $2/screw for IKEA furniture. The employees let you know how big of a loser you are for it too, along with being a guy needing help finding something. Good luck going here. read more

I love this hardware store. Something I never thought I would say. But they always seem to have what you are looking for. The organization has the best intentions with rewards for the customers and recommended repair services. I was never able to get into the system or connect with a repairman online. But the store always helps out. It is no surprise this store has a long checkout line on the weekends. But it goes quickly and the staff is always so helpful. All great staff there. read more

While overwhelmed with moving I stopped at Cole Harware and they were incredibly thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable. Denise in customer service even helped he load a car across 4 lanes of traffic without me even having to ask. The staff here are some of the best! read more

Brought my own key from Jeep to cut like I did last time. This time they acted like I had stolen blanks keys. Obvious ratios bias. POC STAY AWAY read more

Very helpful staff! Great community spot with knowledgeable folks. I always get the help I need with projects that I don't know much about!

Your staff asks for donations at the cashier, which are unusually high. There is one particular person who does this at the cashier, I didn't see her name this time. Your store should be making donations NOT the customers. You make quiet a nice profit, hence your prices are disgustingly high. I wish your small business closes down. Home Depot has much better prices, and staff plus they don't steal from customers. read more

Rented the Rug Doctor and they gave us a very clean machine and clear instructions how to use it. Also showed us little hand held accessory for doing carpeted stairs. So grateful for their knowledgeable support. Have been buying hardware and cooking items here for years. Green Egg for grilling supplies. Always learn something, have easily returned wrong items, get a big discount on your birthday, support community service projects. Such a great store that I travel there instead of using stores closer to me. Love these experienced people who know their stuff ! read more

Why so rude all the time? Our neighborhood hardware store burned down a couple of years ago and I have been forced to shop elsewhere, so stopped in today. Each time I have come to this location, the staff I have encountered is, at best, apathetic toward customers, and mostly rude. Perhaps I am spoiled because my neighborhood hardware store was incredibly helpful, friendly and proactive helping CUSTOMERS...ie the people who shop there that pay your wage... but I guess Cole's staff doesn't care? Seriously I could pay less ordering on Amazon and having it brought to my house in 24 hours. While it is important for me to support SF small businesses, I'm finished with Cole Hardware. Anyway, a well-stocked store for sure but so is Cliff's Variety and they actually are happy to help you find what you need, so taking my money there next time. read more

I was looking to buy potting soil. All the bags of soil -- many different brands and sizes  -- were sitting directly outside the store on racks; not one of them was priced. I asked Glen, an eccentric character who works there, if I could find out the prices and he said I really couldn't, except that they ranged from 12 to 24 bucks. He then told me the quality of the various brands (something I did not ask him about). That was the extent of our exchange. It had been a long day for me and I was tired. I simply wanted to see priced merchandise so I could make a purchasing decision. Unfortunately, that appears not to be possible at Cole Hardware. I bought nothing, left the store and vowed never to return. read more

I waited almost 10 minutes to have someone unlock a case for me. Two people paged THE ONLY guy on the floor: black shorts tall, thin and rude! When I asked him if he could please unlock the case for me --after he walked by me without acknowledging me THREE TIMES--he said "Yeah, when I get to it." What kind of BS is that? That is not customer service: that is someone being a jerk. You guys really need to get your customer service together. I am never coming back here again. read more

Love this store. Lots of product and knowledgeable staff. Small garden area, but enough to get by.

I was hankering for a succulent garden as per all the hip kids ever so I headed to Cole to get some. They were $5 for a 4", pretty standard, but there was a great selection of herb plants right next to them for $4 each! I got some basics: chives, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano but they also had lavender, strawberry and peppers if you are an advanced herb gardener. I know succulents are in right now but you can't eat them. They had even more plants in the back of the store - air plants, Venus flytraps, plants on plants on plants. That's where I got a little tray that PERFECTLY holds 3 herbs. Please see my picture of my burlap DIY herb tray and be in awe of the Pinterest worthiness. It just happened to be BBQ demo day! I shamelessly wolfed down chicken wings and pizza pretending to be interested in a grill for my apt with no patio. ALSO there's a tamale man right outside!! Maybe there is a separate yelp page for him. $5 for 2, he had 5 flavors that day. I had the sweet corn which was SO good. He told me he's been there for 7 years. Neighborhood hardware store + neighborhood tamale man = win. *** frequent customer card - spend $100 get $5 back, you also get a $5 of a $25 future purchase when you sign up YAY MORE HERBS FOR ME or maybe just replacements for when these die read more

Cole Hardware - My new herb garden from Cole Hardware! 3.5" herbs and these small air plants $4 each - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love this hardware store. It has a little bit of everything . Recently we have been in a canning frenzy and luckily we have found most of the cans we need. They have so much fun stuff in such a small space. Christmas decorations, housewares, small gardening area, we've purchased a cute French bistro table and chairs, umbrella stands, etc. There always seems to be something we need for some home project. read more

Lately I'm in this store at least once a week. And nearly every time I'm there, I swear I've been saved by the same knowledgeable guy. Matthew moves fast, but he's always super friendly and willing to think creatively to help me out. Whether I've needed a quick answer about a particular drill bit, or had dozens of questions about various paint finishes, or was asking him for tips on refinishing a floor, or I needed help finding juuuust the right type of pipe fitting, Matthew has patiently talked me through whatever problem I had. He'll listen first, ask follow-up questions, then literally hand me exactly the right tool or material I'd been looking for. I leave the store feeling a little smarter each time, so it's no wonder I keep coming back for more. read more

The only reason I gave this 3 stars is simply to support small business in San Francisco. Sure its nice being able to walk a few blocks to pick up some screws and bolts but its expensive and for as much as Cole likes to advertise how helpful and knowledgeable their staff are is absolutely false. For all the years I've walked into the store in search of wood screws or like today a drill bit kit (lost mine) I waited forever for help and when I did get someone they were of NO help. Not that Home Depot is any better, I too wait to find someone to ask a question, but they seem like they know their stuff better. I still will go for the small stuff. read more

My happy place!! One of the best in the city. Helpful staff. Great collection. From hardware to garden supplies, this is our go-to place for all pur home needs! Thanks for being the best in business!! read more

Reposting my review that got flagged due to sensitivity, but edited. My 1 - star reviews stands. Perhaps the quarantine got people on edge but the people that work here aren't very bright. After being sheltered in for a few months, this establishment was my first interaction with the public and reminded me how much I don't miss people. People here need to get some education and learn how to read an internet invoice This is one of those local businesses that you would hope to fail. read more

I just don't understand why they're sometimes so unpleasant here. Especially the woman in the gardening section. Maybe she needs a raise or a break or a drink but she's pretty rude. She's not the only one. They bark at you in line... I'll stick to Cliff's. read more