I love stopping here before I head to the big box hardware store to support a local business. They have a phenomenal selection of plants to be located in the city. I recently purchased two large bags of organic potting soil for $15 each and I thought that was a good deal. The staff is attentive and helpful. One young man helps customers transport large items to their vehicles. They also let you borrow trolleys to get things to your car. I usually get my rock salt here in the winter and garden supplies here in the summer. All departments are helpful. I was in the plumbing department recently and was looking for something very small that I located immediately and the person working downstairs greeted me and asked if I needed assistance. I will continue to shop here first! read more

Stopped in here for a plunger and it was pretty easy to navigate the store. There are tons of options here and the staff were quite helpful.

I am in and out of Frager's almost every week. They have everything and their staff is great. Having them as an option and not having to go to the shxt hole that is Home Depot is amazing. read more

Every time we visit our grown children in DC, Frager's is always on our to-do list. We bought more flowers from their garden center just the other day to take to Mississippi. Plenty to choose from and the folks are way friendly and helpful. read more

I ordered a camping stove from the Ace website where it said this store had (2) of what I was looking for in stock. So, I purchased the item, chose to pick up from this location and received an email from Ace confirming my order. About 2 hours later, I decided to call the store to confirm they had received my order, which they did, but was then told that I had to wait until Monday because my item had to be delivered. After a brief conversation with the employee, I was referred to a manager who said that he himself had to cancel my order because the item SKU number was wrong, but he had to (2) other camping stoves in stock that cost a little more than what I originally purchased. Though he couldn't tell much about the upgrade, I kindly asked him if he could hold the item at the register until I got there. Upon arrival, I asked for the manger and purchased the camping stove. Because I never received an email from Ace informing that the order was canceled, I asked the manager if he could provide me with a receipt for the cancellation (since he canceled my order). He goes on to say, "I can't cancel the order, you will have to cancel the order through Ace for a faster refund or they will deliver the item to the store". Hmmm! So, I revisited Ace website where there was no change in the order status, called ACE and they expedited my request to cancel my order. Later, I cross-checked the SKU numbers and discovered that the numbers on the box were identical to the SKU numbers on the website. Turns out that I was overcharged for the same item that was supposedly cancelled behind the so-called SKU number issue, there was no upgrade. This is my first and last time patronizing this location. read more

Staff are always extremely helpful, and they know their inventory! Returns are also handled expeditiously.

I had a deeply disappointing and humiliating experience at Frager's Hardware on Penn Ave SE due to the behavior of Christopher, the cashier. As someone newly adjusting to life with a disability after a hit-and-run accident last August, I've had to learn to ask for help when needed. When I came into the store with my cane, I was able to gather everything I needed without issue. But when I reached the register and asked Christopher to redistribute the weight of my bag to make it easier for me to carry, he chose to mock me instead. He exaggeratedly pretended to walk while holding the bag, as if making fun of my request. When I asked again--politely--for him to either double-bag it or adjust the weight distribution, he outright refused. I ended up having to do it myself while he stood there. This was not just unhelpful--it was disrespectful and humiliating. No one should have to experience that kind of treatment, especially when asking for a simple and reasonable accommodation. I hope the management takes action to ensure that their employees treat all customers with the respect and dignity they deserve. read more

Frager's is exactly what you want in a hardware store. The staff are always super knowledgeable and friendly. I've gone in for standard home repair and improvement projects and with wild craft projects I have a vision for but don't know how to execute and they're always able to help me, regardless of complexity and details (or a lack thereof). We go here every year for our Christmas tree, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Their trees are always super fresh and healthy and they help put them on your car so you don't have to figure out how to get it home on your own. In the summer they're also one of my go-tos for plants as they just always seem to have the right selection for our zoning and DC space restrictions and everything is always so healthy, well-priced, and organized. They've also been my go-to for paint and supplies to strip and paint my deck the right way. I trust their advice and that they know what they're talking about--or that they'll tell me if they don't! I will say the rental company that's housed within Frager's is the total opposite in terms of helpfulness. I tried to rent a tiller earlier this summer and you can't do much online and have to actually go in, which is so Blockbuster 1994 of them, and the guy swore up and down that it wouldn't fit in my car and wasn't what I needed, so I just rented one from a big box store that didn't talk down to me. read more

Frager’s Ace Hardware - The best trees in town! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This will be a quick review. I didn't want to drive all the way out to Lowe's or Home Depot and thought to myself, "There has to be a closer hardware store around here! Pffft!" So off to Yelp I went to hunt for a good hardware store. Frager's was the first or second listing and after visiting, I guess it's for obviously a good reason. I only needed a few random screws to install a license plate. It's almost like my body new exactly where I needed to go in the store as I headed to the back and down the stairs. I guess you could say I know my way around most hardware stores. Especially since I just moved here and have been to Lowe's a million times. Don't get me started though because I also love Lowe's but this story is about Frager's. Stay on topic Josh! Jeez! Okay so all the miscellaneous nails, screws, fasteners, and such are on the bottom floor all the way on the last aisle. You look for the type of hardware and pull out the appropriate tray then put your goodies in the little clear plastic bags and label with the SKU code number. I headed back upstairs before I decided to buy anything else. Again, I love hardware stores. This store though has a lot more than just hardware. I saw pet items, gardening equipment, candles, housewares, lawn furniture, air filters, and a cotton candy machine possibly for rent. The items I purchased were reasonably priced. They were a little higher than Lowe's but not by much. So I'm okay with that due to the convenience of being so close to my house. I give the fifth star to complete the set because I was able to find parking directly in front of the store! Does that ever happen in DC? I didn't even have to circle the block or U-turn or three-point turn or anything. Thanks Frager's! read more

Frager’s Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I can't tell you how good it is to have a neighborhood hardware store. It's cool to be able to go to Amazon and order what you need or go to Home Depot, but it's nothing better than going to a place where you can get immediate help. No walking around aimlessly as you hunt down a small item in a huge warehouse. Or ordering online and hoping you get what you ordered and not being to ask questions. This was my first time coming here, and I'll definitely be back. read more

Love this store! Staff os incredibly helpful. I was greeted warmly and directed to the exact place I needed.

Great customer service every time. Staff knowledge is great. I really like that your account is easily found and contains all your purchases. read more

Outstanding neighborhood store! They always have exactly what I need with the best customer service in the world. The store layout is also so cool- I love to show my friends when they come to town. read more

Customer service is above and beyond. I was helped by Chris, who immediately located the issue, then jumped on fixing it while I was still in the store. read more

This morning I had a list of items and services needed. In no time, knowledgable Store Manager Charlie. Expert Pipe Cutter Lenny, and All-Purpose Guide Jerome solved every problem, answered every question. Professionally, promptly, never making me feel deficient or stupid. Clearly they respect each other and work as a team. Kathleen read more

Went in to have some keys copied. The keys were not copied properly as I was unable to use them. I was also double charged. There was an issue with the register freezing and the clerk told me we had to re-do the transaction. I asked if I was charged already and he said no. My bank account statement says otherwise. read more

It's always a pleasant experience at Fragers! The staff is always incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I appreciate that I never feel like a burden when asking for anything. Reasons I enjoy this place over any other hardware store in the city: - it's conveniently located (if you're east of the river) - it has just about everything you need and varying brands for key power tools and accesories - staff is awesome! I've never seen the same person there but everyone is ALWAYS awesome. - the staff is knowledgeable. Like, they actually know something about the products they're selling (above and beyond what's on the packaging) - moderately priced. I would expect it to be more expensive since it's a smaller hardware store but it's actually pretty comparable. - they also have GORGEOUS plants throughout. So for those who are plant obsessed...you've been warned. It's truly a neighborhood hardware store and I'm glad it's still here! read more

If you just moved to the Neighborhood, this Must be the first place to stop into. So grab a coffee just up the street and enjoy your neighbors as you walk this way. Even if you are just unpacking, or finishing up packing the moving van, you need something. The Frager family, Neighborhood Ace hardware has everything and the crew is waiting to meet & welcome you. They've got everything you need from icky pest control products, to colorful kites, for "it's a good day to fly a kite" I know you just read this & thought this is the owner. Nope. I'm ashamed to admit how many times I walked by before doing what I doing now. In fact we all want to get out of the once in awhile Mike read more

See all

Frustrating attempt to rent a carpet cleaner from them. I called and was told they dont reserve them and they couldn't even tell me whether there was a machine at the time I called...you just have to come in and "chance" whether a machine will be in-stock. Whats more; they "arent allowed" to tell you the cost of the rental over the phone. All-in-all....why would I "Support Local" when they make it SO much more difficult than Home Depot or Lowes? Also, I've nearly been run over by shoplifters trying to take off with stolen stuff two times in the last 18 months (lucky me!)...thats not their fault, but it does seem weird that neither time did any of the employees evenly remotely acknowledge it. (The first time the guy shoplifter ran right into me as I was walking in the door.) read more

Frager's is a convenient place to take care of your hardware and garden needs, especially if you live nearby. While the prices here are undoubtedly higher than other hardware stores, especially the big box stores, Fragers makes up for it with incredible customer service and friendliness. I have lost count of the number of times an employee personally walked me to the item I was looking for. The garden center staff will happily share best practices and tips for getting the most out of your plants, be they vegetables, shrubs, or houseplants. And on multiple occassions, staff have steered me toward the less expensive of two or three options, explaining why they think that item will suit my needs. This is why I come here - the people care and want to be helpful, and that's worth every penny. It's an Ace Hardware, so be sure to sign up for ace rewards, which gives you extra discounts and coupons. The only real downside: parking here is not great - there is only street parking, and it's a pretty busy block. However, if you have even just a few things, the employees will offer to help take things to your car. read more

Frager's is a Capitol Hill legend providing the neighborhood with all the house tools and supplies they need. Historically, it was in a tiny shop on Penn Ave until it burned down to the ground. Now it's back in a new building and much larger. There are two floors. It's owned by Ace, but feels like a local store. The staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. If you live nearby, you're bound to depend on it soon enough. read more

A great neighborhood option. This two floor shop has it all. As of today, if you "check in" on Yelp, they'll make you a free house key. The service this trip was perfect as they navigated me to the right aisle. I'd go here over other nationwide options because of the consistent 5star service. read more

Poorly laid out even with a new space. Big problem is that most of the folks working there no jack about anything. They have an ACE advice program on their computers to answer questions. But God help you if you get off the cuff advice about product while in the aisles. Any hardware store that sells a T-shirt with their logo is clown show too btw. It's where you go to buy paint not a damn clubhouse. read more

Sylvan Stromborg, in Paint at Fragers, is a paint genius! Full disclosure, I work with him as a sales associate in electrical, (aisle 5), and an employee of a Few Cool Hardware Store, BUT, I'm also a 30 year customer of Frager's! He was able to create a 50% darker custom sample for me from a "color match" sample I created. This sample was not an easy task, but he persisted, and the result is BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to use HIS formula to get gallons to paint for the most important room in my house! My dining room is where I show my guests how much I love them, and thanks to Sylvan, they're getting much more love! Completely Satisfied and Excited about my painting project! Sincerely, Jay Keegan read more

Fragers was once a wonderful community asset with a long history and an experienced, knowledgeable and caring staff. That was no more after "A Few Cool(?????) Hardware" stores took over. They installed a third rate manager who so badly offended and alienated the old experienced staff that within a few short months all but one or two of them had quit in discouragement and disgust. In a stroke, they lost a base of institutional knowledge which had taken decades to assemble. Now their staff is mostly young, lacking in professionalism and inexperienced in any trades. When I asked Aisha, the new manager, about this she stated that 17 people had left and they all did so of their own accord. She said this with something that almost sounded like pride. Like, "I didn't fire them, so I can't be responsible for this mass exodus of talent." How cute? You can never count on Fragers to provide a satisfactory shopping experience. And if you have the gall to complain, you are likely to be treated as if your patronage is unimportant and your complaint is out of line. I wasn't going to waste my time yelping about the new Fragers' mediocrity. But I observed something the other day which I cannot remain silent about. I observed an upper-level staff member, Stan, who has claimed to be a manager and evidently is trusted to be left in charge of the store, advising a customer to purchase a product that cost ten dollars more than another, chemically identical, product. The customer approached Stan (Scam?) with two drain cleaning products in hand. One was Rooto Lye, a sodium hydroxide (lye) product. The other was a product called Insta-Flo, another product with lye, sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. In short, the products are IDENTICLE. The customer wanted to know which product was better. Perhaps Stan thought that the customer meant which product was better to sell from Fragers perspective. But he told the woman the Insta-Flo, at $10 higher price was the better product. He even went so far as to tell the poor, about to be cheated woman, that the Rooto Lye at $5 a bottle was "no good." Either Stan was following training or company policy and recommending the higher priced item regardless of merit, or he just didn't know better. Either way he was being dishonest. And honesty is evidently not Stan's only challenge. Weakness of ego also seems to be a major issue for him. Today I was back at Fragers and there he was. I didn't say anything to him or anyone else. But I did give him a steady gaze while thinking to myself that he was someone not to be relied upon nor trusted and wondering why his bosses did not see that. Stan could not take the fact that my eyes were on him and he must have felt in some way threatened, because he became confrontational and beligerant. "You gotta problem?" he demanded. And he persisted in his verbal attack until we were parted by a closing elevator door. This is not the first time I have had difficulty with this person, he specifically told me once that he didn't care if I ever shopped at Fragers again. I have discussed the issue with the business owner, but she seems to regard Stan as an asset. If she ever bothered to address the issues I raised with her regarding Stan's conduct, evidently it didn't phase him. For a "manager" Stan does a poor job of representing his business. He is often sloppy in his appearance and when I observed him today, he wore no name tag nor company insignia, nothing to identify him as an employee, let alone the person in charge. I don't get why the store manager tolerates such lack of professionalism. Unless she doesn't know herself what constitutes professional demeanor and attire. read more

I bought a few items the first week of December, full price. Came back within the return window to return with the receipt and I'm told I can't because those items are now final sale. Fine, but they weren't final sale when I bought them, nothing on the receipt says I can't return them and no one told me at any point during the sale that these items couldn't be returned. A mediation could have simply been to refund me the price difference since they are now 75% off. But instead the MOD treated me like trash. I calmly explained that I wasn't mad at the employees, Kat and the rest of the garden team are amazing and I understand that rules are made and there's no point at yelling at people just doing their job. But when I tried to get an explanation as to why the items couldn't be returned the MOD responded "because I said so". There apparently is no rule. She just felt like being rude. I've gone from mad to simply disappointed. Since moving to Capitol Hill I have been supporting Frager's even though I know the prices are higher than other surrounding stores. I swing by about twice a week on average to buy something, especially in the garden shop. I even bought their anniversary merchandise to support the store this summer since I knew covid was hitting everyone pretty hard. I enjoyed supporting my local hardware store but I just don't see any reason to return after this experience. read more

Alas, another neighborhood gem that has gone downhill. I tried to get an auto key made here -- there's a sign outside saying they can do it! -- and after three visits, clear I was getting the runaround. I've also had several bad experiences with calling on other issues and getting rude customer service. I try to support the local places but honestly I'm just going to buy the key online now. Seems like this store has given up on service and is just trying to get by now. Edit: lol, I just read some other reviews after writing this, and it seems like the key thing is now a known scam at Fragers! What a joke. read more

Not sure what the point of having hours of operations are if you're not going to abide by them. I showed up before closing time to find employees chit chatting behind a locked door. They almost toyed with the idea of opening the door for me by opening and closing it multiple times. I don't know if they expected me to do a song and dance for the privilege of giving them my money but won't be returning ever again. Lost a loyal customer to some overly entitled employees. And they wonder why we brick and mortar shops are dying... read more

Just had a super poor experience at Ace Hardware. Which by the way, this is not Frager's. Frager's burned down. This just has the name on it. Long story short there was some younger teenager working there who completely disrespected my and my party and I decided that was enough, I will no longer give them my business. It's a shame because growing up on the Hill, Frager's was my first job. They are part of where I learned how respect went two ways. Frager's used to be a part of the community, it was integrated into our neighborhood. Ace Hardware is not. I went to Jenks & Sons on Bladensburg and had a fantastic experience there. Nice people happy to see you and they didn't treat me like an idiot or disrespectfully. All done with Ace. It's NOT the place. To the business owner who just responded to me, it's ok. I'm just going to go to Jenks from now on. Your folks here are just kinda rude. I'm glad I know what I'm doing and I never needed any advice from them. When I worked there in the 90s we had weekly store meetings. Even if we didn't need to. I'm not going to tell you how to run your business and I do t know if you have them now, but maybe you all should get together and make sure people there know respect given is respect earned. read more

I've been going to Frager's sporadically for 20+ years. I have never felt welcome,, not once. Their customer service is shite. The sales people make it abundantly clear that they are doing me a favor by simply acknowledging my presence. Answering my questions? Ugh, please, they'll answer your question with the minimum amount of words, and no offer of further help. Instead, their preferred MO is staring at you wearing a blank expression. I've heard people love Frager's. Were very upset when it burned down, and waited with bated breath for years til it reopened. I have no clue why this is. Moreover, their prices are ridiculous. The plants in the "Garden Center" look as depressed as I feel when I leave. Don't bother calling, texting, or emailing them a question. They'll give you the wrong answer. I only go here if I'm desperate. And every time, I immediately regret it. And I vow to never return. And that's what I recommend you do: go to Target, go to Home Depot, go to Walmart! After all, why would you go somewhere you're not wanted? read more

The staff were very nice. But the strangest thing occurred from either the owner or someone in upper management. I went in with my auntie who is 70yrs old. She always wears a small back pack. As I combed the store looking for potting soil, she sat down on a stoop tucked away because she was tired. After locating the item, we began to walk towards the cashier and that's when this older white man dashed out from no where and started walking close behind us On our heels. I wasn't sure if he was in a rush or out to get us. He hurrried to the front door were the entranc/exit was and stood there with it open, piercing at us. Meanwhile, we waited in line until we were up next. The white man kept looking over in our direction which was while he was still at the door. We finished up and walked out passing him. He spoke. But, after we processed to our vehicle, he immediately closed the door and went back in. When I mention the bizarre behavior to my auntie, she noticed that man looking at her personal bag. Now, the patron may have not been aware, but the staff probably understood his actions. I felt like I was being treated like a thief. And my aunt too. Too bad tables might not turn. The only reason why I didn't say anything to him was because my auntie asked me not to. Bottom line, I can go someone where else to spend my money. I live in a city where there are plenty of hardware supply stores. I truly care about myself. read more

Frager's comes through once again! I needed to replace a faulty custom bolt that came with a piece of furniture I was assembling -- and without it I couldn't complete the project. The Frager's team went above and beyond to find the right measurements for the bolt and adjust it in the way I needed to finish the job. All for an item that cost $1.50 total. You can't go wrong with Frager's -- you'll get what you need, and have a great experience along the way. Five stars! read more

I wouldn't give this a start at all.i call them and asked if they cut glass I was told sure do come on in and he will cut it. I drive 45min to get there to find out the dumb@$$ has no clue what's going on in the store he works for. And then try to lie and say the glass blades they use.to cut the glass has run out it's a simple glass cutting tool that cuts the glass and I've had a glass cutter for over 15 years and its blade still cuts like it's new. Lie after lie. The store use to be a good place to get what ever you needed and now it's gone to $hit read more

Nice hardware shop. Nothing like Home Depot size wise but has pretty much everything. So much nicer people than most stores. Will help you or if in another department they'll send you there and radio ahead so someone's waiting to help you. Downside is parking otherwise my go to shop. read more

I'm in fragers more often than I should be, but that's part of living in an old house I guess. I really appreciate having a local hardware store that is accessible in the neighborhood, and they have almost everything here. The only drawback is some things are much more expensive than you can get them at a big box store, but I understand why so I don't mind paying for the most part read more

I was planning a graduation party from out of town and used Frager's to rent chairs and tables. The staff were super communicative and helpful. It eased my mind knowing small details were being handled while out of town. Thank you for such professional and customer-focused service! read more

I would rate this establishment lower if I could. They had their delivery of propane at 4:26am! The delivery man could not have been any louder! When I went outside and told him he was so loud it woke me and that DC regulations don't allow for deliveries at that hour (regulations and the mayor's office state 7am to 10pm), the delivery man stated "Ace told me WHEN to deliver" and he continued his job. Unbelievable! The management at this store needs to read the DC regulations. Simply horrible. read more

Frager’s Ace Hardware - Ace propane delivery at 4:26am - Hardware Stores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

The garden store here wonderful, everyone who works there is so knowledgeable. It's like a little wonderland back behind the store.

I am sorry fragers used to be the best hometown dc hardware and garden store in the district but unfortunately they are no longer neighborhood friendly and just way over priced. A few things have changed since coming to the new location- prices way up, no price matching, no discounts and worst of it all it does not seem like management cares. Maybe it's time to check your Yelp ratings and see how you can improve cause I will no longer be coming here no matter how bad I need something. read more

Great selection and great service, especially on the plants side! Aaron was particularly helpful.