Very helpful staff! I went in here to look for oven cleaner, and I was advised to use a heavy degreaser instead. Hey, makes sense. Lots of choices and prices. read more

On the island we have 2 hardware stores and close by in war torn Oakland is a Home Depot. The hardware store at South Shore is convenient if shopping at other stores in the center but the problem is I usually have to go to the other hardware store to actually find what I need. The other store....Encinal Hardware. Granted neither place is going to have the quantity and breath of products as Home Depot. Given that, I almost always find what I need at Encinal Hardware. Growing up I was in hardware stores all the time so I love the old style multi tiered nail bins among other things. The isles are narrow but navigatable and packed with just aboit everything you might need. The staff is as knowledgeable as any I've seen. I usually know exactly what I want but I have had some assistance with getting custom cut items in the back. I have also overheard staff helping other customers who have no clue. Staff is alway patient, polite and helpful. From now on even if I need something at Safeway or TJ's at South Shore I'll go out of my way to come here for hardware needs. read more

Encinal True Value Hardware - Bulk nails - Hardware Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

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After decades of being a customer, I no longer shop at this store. I brought my kitchen knife to them for sharpening, and when I picked it up, it had been damaged in multiple ways, and an invoice which I had never seen before charged me 50% more than the cost I'd been quoted, for "stamped restoration," which I had not ordered, in addition to sharpening. First of all, the blade had been substantially reshaped from a chef's knife chopper to a slicing knife, which I had not asked for or wanted. Next, the bottom corner of the blade, which I had used frequently and did not want removed, had been shaved (or as I suspect, broken, and then shaved to cover up). He then also shaved down (badly) the handle at the base of the blade, and in the process, loosened a rivet that attached the handle to the knife so much that I could see space between them, and which is now impossible to thoroughly clean. My phone number and email address were on the knife handle and on the sheath, but nobody contacted me to ask my permission for, or apologize for, any of this. When I went back to the store, two employees (neither of whom expressed the slightest concern, and one of whom wasn't even polite) denied all responsibility, telling me the knife sharpener was a third party who wouldn't be back for a month, and they had no way to reach him. I entrusted a valued tool that I use daily to Encinal Hardware. I picked it up from Encinal Hardware. I paid Encinal Hardware. And I felt a little sick when I saw how it had been irretrievably damaged while in the care of Encinal Hardware. I was also charged for a "service" I didn't order, and which looked a lot more like an attempt to cover up a mistake instead of admitting it, and then - outrageously - bill me for the time spent doing that! And I didn't receive even an apology for any of that, much less any attempt at restitution. I don't do business with that kind of business "ethic." read more

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I was there yesterday at the recommendation of a friend. I needed a nut for a hundred year old screw. The person who helped me was so kind. He took the screw in the back and cleaned it up. I didn't know it needed to be cleaned up. The cost? 25 cents. So kind. So helpful. And the store is full of anything you could ever need to fix up your old house. read more

I recently had a really upsetting experience with one of this company's employees that I know works here being the blonde white woman who usually works counter. While I was driving she cut me off then ran a stop sign to pass me. She brake checked me, flipped me off and threatened to throw a water bottle at my car and even blocked me from turning right. She then proceed to get behind me and follow me from Webster & Santa Clara to the Alameda tube where she then pulled up to my car and started aggressively yelling at me. I did record some of the incident. At no point did I provoke this behavior. I am pregnant and truly feared for my safety during the entire situation. I recognized her right away and it made me realize that if I knew who she was then plenty of other customers could've too. I was once a loyal customer but after this I will not recommend this business to anyone. I feel no choice but to share this with Alameda peeps as this is extremely unacceptable. This kind of behavior is dangerous and unprofessional and it really reflects badly on the company. I hope management takes it seriously and addresses it before someone gets hurt! read more

WHEN: Mon @2pm PARKING: We lucked out on a spot right in front! And since this shop is in the middle of a residential area, parking is free anywhere nearby. I love a mom n pop feel kind of shop where the staff greets you and makes you feel confident in any purchase. Came here to have keys made and for 2 copies it only cost under $7 for both. The staff member even assured me that if there is any issue to come back. If you try to get a key made at one of those machines at grocery stores, those will go for like $12 for just one! So if you need keys done, def come here! They have a pharmacy and the hardware shop sells all sorts of things not limited to tools and hardware items for homes. They have snacks too! read more

I love this hardware store so much! My family and I recently bought a property just a block away from here and we regularly work on it and it is so great to have a store that is so nearby, priced fairly, with an incredibly kind staff, and everything I need for my handyman repairs. I can't stress enough how great the staff is. They are always in a good mood, eager to assist and I find I leave the store with a smile on my face. I'm really grateful to have this hardware store so nearby. read more

The most amazing customer service ever I really didn't know what I needed. I only looked on up on Amazon, but I wanted to support local love versus going on Amazon. Crystal was amazing and they had everything that I needed. read more

Smallest hardware store with the biggest and greatest customer service... it was awesome to have all 3 staff members at the time I arrived, which was right at closing, work diligently to assist me with finding what I was shopping for. I absolutely love the communal, and small town vibes of this aren't hardware store. I appreciate you all at True Value Hardware Store! read more

These guys are the best, incredibly friendly and helpful, even if it's just for a small item. Yesterday Mike went above and beyond helping me fix my glasses when I couldn't find the right special screw elsewhere . He found the right tiny size, put it together for me, and it cost me just $1.50. Great service and just a great neighbor to have in Alameda. They are my go-to hardware store. Thanks Mike!!! read more

Nice hardware store! Very helpful staff! They currently do not sell any Meyers cleaner stuff, however they have tons of different cleaner options there (I made the trip to get Bona floor cleaner). It seems to share a space with a pharmacy, which I thought was super old-school and cute. read more

Support small businesses! Sophia was such a nice and friendly worker. Loved how she was knowledgeable and super helpful!

I was helping a friend out with her Ring doorbell and we needed a weird small star shaped screwdriver to undo it. I took the device to this place and the owners were so helpful finding me the right tool which relieved my pain of finding a solution to my problem. I felt like I won the lottery I was so happy they had this weird screwdriver and so glad this place is here to help people with home projects . read more

I went in with a kitchen faucet problem and Mike was really helpful. This is my go-to hardware store.

This store is a nice hardware store. anything you need they're very friendly,very knowledgeable and good customer service. I'll be returning to this location!! I was so pleased with their customer service. read more

This store has been around for ages. A true Alameda staple. Whenever I'm in Alameda and need something for work or around the house this is my go-to place to come. They are well stocked but beyond that, they are very nice and helpful. Support you're local businesses. read more

This is a great little hardware store with lots of cool old things on the walls. Old tools and stuff like that. Their shelves are well stocked and priced fairly. read more

This place has it all, and if they are out you can ask they may be able to order what you are looking for you. Everyone is so nice and knowledgeable who works there. This is the best place to go for all home improvement projects read more

Good selection but something is off about the customer service here. Went in asking about where to get a drill and woman's first response is "Good for you." Maybe she was having an episode or something. Find the drills, locked up, and go back to ask if someone can show me the drills. Another woman comes, with a key, opens cabinet and when I start to ask questions she says something like "Oh I'm the wrong person you need Joe in the back." I look at her with an expression that says I guess I need to go back and get him. She doesn't move. A moment later the guy comes and tells me about drill. I had another odd experience with them getting paint one day. I don't expect to have my ass kissed but basic customer service would help. My sense is 6-7 on duty here and 1-2 know what they are doing. read more

Great place for tools, lightbulbs, most hardware goods in general. Keys are cut here... Even have your prescription filled here. The people are ALWAYS nice and helpful which is always a PLUS! Oh ya... They recycle your old batteries for you too. You know the ones you better not be just throwing into your trash?!? read more

Encinal True Value Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

I've been coming here for years. Great local hardware store. The staff is always very helpful. You'll never get customer service like this at a big place like Home Depot! If I think they might not have an item, then I call first and they are great at letting me know what they have. Keep it local. read more

Great local hardware business. Really nice staff, always asking if they can help you find something. Will walk you to the items and make sure you find what you're looking for. Despite the stores smallness they have an amazing inventory. Also they recycle florescent and CFP bulbs for free. Great community service. read more

Awesome local hardware store and pharmacy! Mike will help you with any problem and is a great source for contractor references.

I'm a usual costumer here, as I like to support local stores than heading over to larger chains like Home Depot or Lowes. But a recent incident at this store, definitely made me realize that I won't be stepping foot here again. My partner and I, visabilly apparent people of color, recently went in to browse for some stains but after realizing they didn't have the color we wanted in stock we headed out. While walking out the door, I noticed we got stared down by the cashier, and I smiled back, but guessing he didn't catch it with my mask on. We walked to our car only to have the cashier run out after us. We exchanged an awkward questioned look as to why he rushed out and he tried to play it off by asking if we needed help. Buddy, next time instead of staring suspiciously at your costumers, how about asking them while they were in your store and not awkwardly while we were getting into our car. My partner walked back in after a couple minutes to let the guy know what he did was not cool. But of course he denied it. Hope the owner reads this and tries to address his staff to not place biased assumptions of theft based on costumers race - especially in a place like Alameda. read more

TIM WAS AWESOME! After speaking to him on the phone, I came in & told him I wanted to build a bird stand for my parrot using PVC pipes. I didn't know anything else.. What pipes to use, the measurements, nothing! All I did was showed him a photo of what I wanted, he asked me what size I wanted it & he built it in store for me & it came out just like the photo! He was so helpful (& gave me an extra pipe lol) I couldn't imagine doing it by myself. Tim needs a tip jar! read more

It's a nice small local hardware store. They carry a lot of stuff for a small space and always seem to have what I need when I'm in the middle of a project and forgot something. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I couldn't ask for more! read more

This is a mom and pop shop, that you can't stop So close for Alameda residents, it's a skip, jump and a hop Kind of place you'd find in Leave it to Beaver Local shops are the best, and they make me a believer Their old school hospitality you cannot find anywhere Customer service is like an old barber shop kind of care This place would be a 5 but they don't have everything....actually, changing this to a five, because as a small local shop it does the job. They don't have everything under the sun like Home Depot, but they got something Home Depot doesn't have, and that's good old customer service. It's a first name basis kind of place, where you know the people around and they know you. I love this place because it's quiet, not crazy like Home Depot. read more

I went in looking for a shorter screws for a deadbolt, instead a gentleman named Phillip helped me by cutting the screws that I brought by 1/4 inch. He solved my issue without any cost. This place is a gem in Alameda for all DIY projects. A+++ service and very knowledgeable folks. Their prices are also competitive. I will definitely support this place. Thank you. read more

Always a joy to come to this store as everyone is very helpful and they carry lots of items you might need if you have one of those centurion homes. read more

Great place for those of us who want to grab a few things and get out quickly. The staff is super knowledgeable (especially Mike) and have a decent selection for the size of the store. Heck, I was even able to get a water heater, pvc, and bark for my landscaping. Another notable project that I was able to get done was on my sideboard where my daughter broke one of the glass pieces. I had this broken fir years before I found out that encinal sold and would cut glass to fit the door. Bam! Fixed in 15 mins! read more

This is the best service I ever had in a hardware store. They go above and beyond for their customers. They are very honest and will help you save money. They even cut my new sink piping for me. They are very helpful and make me want to spent my money there than anywhere else. read more

Hardware store choices in and around Alameda are very few - either the Home Depot across the bridge in Oakland or one of the two (that I know of) independent stores in Alameda: the overpriced Pagano's or Encinal Hardware. I go to HD when I know what I want and where I'll find it in the store; otherwise, I'm stuck on the island. Pagano's is a last resort, but it's close to home and does have a wide selection of goods. Encinal Hardware is another story. I rarely shop at Encinal Hardware, mainly because of the limited selection. But on both of my most recent visits there, I've also encountered consistently rude service by the staff (including Millie both times), which I am sure is the family that owns the place. During my last, and I mean last, attempt to shop at Encinal this week, I was looking for a seasonal item that I couldn't find in the store. I went to the front counter, where Millie was chatting with a co-worker about LED bulbs. She stopped chatting, looked at me, and then turned back to the guy and continued her chatting. After a bit, Millie turned back to me and asked if I needed help. I was honored. I told her what I was looking for. "We haven't brought those down yet," was her reply. Well, okay. I asked when the item would be available and she gave me a guess at when last year's stock would be dusted off and put back for sale. Clearly I was wasting her time. I won't make that mistake again. Better Half tells me that the Jaber family, who owns Encinal Hardware, has long had a reputation for rudeness, yet many islanders continue to patronize the place. They can have it. read more

I'm probably just echoing the sentiments of previous reviewers, but every little bit helps, and I definitely want to help this place stay in business. Encinal Hardware is a fantastic, classic hardware store. It's not the biggest place, but it's a refreshing mix of non-corporate business and friendly, genuinely caring service. First and foremost, the selection of hardware is great. That's what anyone goes to a hardware store for, so it is obviously a key strong point. If you need it, they probably have it. However, I'm sure if you need very specialized parts, they might NOT have those, as it's not a huge building. As far as general nuts 'n' bolts, screws, rakes, hammers, various tools, etc., they have it all. The staff is wonderfully friendly. Picture yourself walking into a Home Depot or Lowe's, the staff is usually made up of people who have no real interest in what they're there to do, they just work there because they need a job, and a paycheck. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with wanting to make a living, it's not preferred by the customer. Now you're walking into Encinal Hardware. Someone up front greets you, asks how you are, and if you need any help. You ask for some obscure part that you've never heard of before, and you show them the example. The employee will walk you right over to what you need, tell you what it's called, tell you the pros and cons of the different brands they have, and give you prices. All in the time it took you to read this paragraph. Excellent, knowledgeable service. I am currently fixing up the backyard of my apartment (the previous tenants left it in shambles) and have visited Encinal Hardware every day for the last week, and they have never failed or disappointed me. A classic, American hardware store, and one of the true hidden gems that make Alameda great. read more

I was not in the place for 20 seconds before someone asked me if I needed help., walked me over to where I could find what I needed and placed it in my hand. What I needed was an allen wrench that fit my garbage disposal but I had forgotten the size. The gentleman not only showed me where the allen wrenches were but asked me what size I needed. When I told him, "I'm not sure, I think it's 5/16." He asked me what I needed it for. When I told him, he knew exactly what I needed and gave it to me. He even gave me instructions (they weren't too complicated or complex but it saved me having to google it when I got home). That's in complete contrast to the type of service I received from Lowes in Union City a few years back. Oh and the woman that checked me out at the register was very nice as well. read more

Spittin' distance from Casa de moi, they have had everything I've gone in looking for, in each of three or four trips in a week. That's handy. (Get it!!!!) read more

I love these guys! They are family owned and do a wonderful job of not only providing quality products, but outstanding customer service. You aren't in Mayberry, but you sure will feel like the good old-fashioned values are right here in your local hardware store. They'll remember your name, greet you with a smile and really care about helping you solve your problem. If Mike doesn't know the answer, I'm pretty sure the answer doesn't exist! But you may want to run it by Millie, just in case. 'Cuz that little lady knows her stuff! ;) read more

I had just moved to town and found myself in need of various hardware-type items... I wasn't about to trek out to the Home Depot and I asked someone to point me in the direction of the nearest hardware store. The second I walked through the door a friendly person asked what I needed and helped me find it! While perusing, I was asked at least once more if I needed help. Then I spotted the pharmacy. An interesting and yet convenient combination. I had to stop my boyfriend from buying an elaborate set of wrenches that we don't need, but otherwise, FANTASTIC. read more

This has been my "go to" place for duplicating keys forever. I've never had a problem like I had in the past at a big box hardware store where they rush through the job and the key doesn't work. Encinal hardware will replace any key that doesn't work right. And I've never had to return one. I cannot tell you how many times they have saved me times for other odds and ends. If Millie or Cindy can't answer my question (and they almost always can) one of the owners jumps in from nowhere and walks me down to the right place. I've even had them offer creative solutions to fix a door that didn't require me buying any additional hardware. There's also the convenience factor. I can park right in front on any day. For Alamedan's you can bike there, also. Sure they aren't open at 10pm at night, but do you really want to go to Home Depot at 10pm? I've got better things to do. :) You don't expect a hardware store to do more than provide what you need at a good price. Encinal Hardware does so much more, you just have to ask. You'll find you don't need as many mind numbing trips to Home Depot for many things. And the personal service, advice and convenience will keep me going out of my way to return. read more

I cannot thank enough the owners of this store. The Jaber brothers, Michael and Philip are caring, patient and incredibly helpful. Occasionally I go to their store but I had never known them as the owners. Today I went to their store to purchase a metal hole puncher. The store didn't carry the size I needed so Philip offered to help with his own tools! Who does that nowadays??? I went home and return back with my "project" and Philip punched the hole of exact size I needed. Not only that he literally "manufactured" a 2 inch size washer to go around a pipe that was supposed to be fitted to the metal can! I am planning visit Encinal True Value Hardware store as often as I can (bye bye home-depot!) read more

I LOVE this store. The staff is friendly, extremely helpful, and have more in stock than the size of the store would lead you to believe. If they don't have something they will order it. If you have a problem they will find a solution. Nothing like a "home improvement" store that have people who no nothing about the materials they are selling. Cannot praise these guys enough. Oh, and you can't pick up a stool softener (pharmacy is part of the hardware store) at the same time as a plunger at Home Depot. read more