I have always had great experiences at Ace Hardware in Northbrook--the customer service is exceptional, and I'm always in and out within minutes. Before the snowstorm on 2/12/25, I was trying to get my snowblower working. I had filled it with gas, but it wouldn't start. So, I went to Ace to purchase a gas stabilizer as recommended in the snowblower instructions. The person who greeted me at the door asked what I was looking for, and after I explained, he asked how old the gas was. He then told me I was going about it all wrong and suggested I try TRUFUEL instead. Unfortunately, they were out of the size I needed. A snowblower tune-up at my house was going to cost $300, so I decided to visit a local auto parts store to find TRUFUEL. Sure enough, after draining the old gas and using TRUFUEL, my snowblower started right up! I was so happy! Thank you, Ace Hardware, for the great advice and excellent service! read more

I LOVE our local Ace Hardware(Northbrook)! They are ALWAYS very helpful and have a tremendous selection of products/options. If they don't have the needed item, they do everything possible to find it or suggest where it can be located. read more

Great Selection recently bought spray paint that matched my patio furniture. Paint dried in 20 minutes. Purchased a Weber Propane grill the guys put grill together entire staff great customer service Purchased gardening supplies and projects for new home. Recommend Ace Great Store!! read more

Ace Hardware Northbrook is an anchor of our village downtown. For decades it has reflected the values of the father and son team who own the franchise. Range of product is astonishing for such a small space and is, certainly compared to Home Depot, quite easy to find. And if you can't, knowledgeable patient, and friendly staff are right mere steps (not aisles) away to help you make the best selection for you. On all dimensions -- service, selection, value -- this store goes the extra mile. If you're at all local, you will inevitably have a reason to shop here. Every now and then, your need will be urgent. Before you hike out to HD, give Ace a visit first. read more

I'm a Northbrook resident for many years and have always relied on this store to carry everything I need. This week I purchased a new grill from them. The entire process from sales to delivery and setup was perfect. A big shout out to Brad, who helped me through the process. After this amazing experience I will definitely be moving as much business to them instead of the big box improvement stores. read more

Northbrook Ace Hardware - New big green egg - Hardware Stores Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

I have stopped in here a couple times. Every time I do they always have everything well stocked and the store manager is always helpful with finding the items I need. Store is clean and well maintained, will be stopping in again! read more

I will never shop here again. I just returned a leaf blower. With tax I paid $199.99. When I returned it, they gave me back $197.99, and a comment of, "well, it's close enough." What?! I returned 100% of the leaf blower, I expect 100% of my money back. Two old men tried to explain to me, "well, its because of the $20 discount you got." Someone should send them back to high school, because the line items don't matter. Its the total. I gave you a TOTAL OF $199.99, I should receive $199.99 back. But, it doesn't end there. The cashier then asks the manager, "should I just give her her two dollars back to make her happy?" in the condescending tone that only an 80 year old man can. The manager oks the additional refund. But do I get the full $2? Nope. I get $1.97. I just left rolling my eyes. I'm getting my three cents worth in writing this terrible review. Look, I get computers can be hard for the Boomer generation, but don't be condescending and act like I'm unreasonable just because I want all of my money back. read more

Our local neighborhood hardware store recently switched affiliations from Do It Best to Ace, but as far as I can tell they still have the same friendly people working there and for the most part the change was seamless. I am a big fan of this store, mainly because it is so convenient and they have good hours. I could get a lower price by driving up to the big warehouse store in the next town, but I would waste at least an additional hour if not more by going there. What I can say about Northbrook Ace is that they are very helpful and they have just about everything you really need. It's small town friendly service like you won't find in the big box stores. Also, you don't have to wait a long time at the checkout and there's generally plenty of parking right at the door. Yes, you will sometimes pay more, so if all you are interested in is price, go to a discount place. Personally, I really like having this store handy when I need something in a hurry. They will take the time to tell you what to do when your "quick 5 minute" plumbing repair job suddenly turns into a 2 hour nightmare. Despite the fact that some prices are higher, a lot of things are actually competitively priced. And they also give you reward points and $5 gift certificates from time to time. I appreciate this store and I hope they will be around for a long time. I have to mention one really nice thing that happened. I was trying to run a new TV cable through my wall, and I didn't have the right tool for that. One of the helpful hardware guys sent me over to his home to get the tool and instructed his wife to give it to me. How many people can you think of that would do that? I was really impressed. read more

I've held off on reviewing this store for years. I always liked the layout of the store, they've always had a good stock of items, their prices were always fair, but the customer service was always mediocre-to-poor and they were slow to bring out seasonal items. Recently - I'd say, within the last 9 ~ 10 months - the quality of service has improved DRASTICALLY. The last few visits to this Ace store have been very positive. The shelves are stocked even better, where it used to be unevenly stocked (full pegs/rows of one item, nearly empty for another). Seasonal items are close to the front, and were out nice and early. Every time I've been there in the past year, there's always at least two or three people on the floor to help out, and there's always someone at the register (where, in the past, you would have to call for someone). The keys I had cut here all worked; most of the other hardware stores in the area usually have one dud out of four keys made. While they can't match the selection of the big box hardware emporiums, which seem to target the contractors more than DIYers, I was impressed at how comprehensive their selection was for DIY projects. I haven't once walked in here and not found what I need (including several things I didn't know I needed) for electrical, plumbing, and drywall projects. They actually have a better selection of nylon spacers, fasteners, and rubber & neoprene washers than the nearby-ish Home Depot. When I walk into a hardware store, I tend to have a pretty good idea of what I need. I'm no expert, however, so I frequently like to bounce ideas off of the store employees or ask their opinion on products. In the past, I could rarely even find anyone on the floor at this Ace, and they rarely knew much about the products on the shelf. In the last year-or-so, however; I never have problems finding someone - if they don't find me first. They're always happy to field questions, and they seem to have the experience necessary to offer advice and tips that I hadn't thought of. It's a real 180° change in the quality of their customer service. Their prices are pretty competitive, in small quantities. You can save more buying in bulk at the nearby Home Depot, but I almost never need a large quantity of items. I usually buy onesies of stuff, and sometimes HD is more expensive for individual items like this. I'm happy for the improved customer service at this Ace Hardware location. It's a convenient location for me, and I generally prefer shopping at a smaller hardware store for home improvement projects (for commercial projects, I just order direct from suppliers). If they keep up this course correction, I'll definitely keep coming back whenever I have a DIY project or repair. read more

Northbrook Ace Hardware - Parking Lot View - Hardware Stores Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Pirchased a Weber grill that was fine, however I needed a new propane tank and went to Ace Hardware in Northbrook and accoiunt of forgetting the empty tank the Manager daid no go you have to pay the full price take it or leave it. In the interum I brought back the empty take which the Managet refused any store credit. He was very abrupt I paid over $ 50.00 for the tank instead of $21.00. NOT ONLY TEFUSED BUT RUDE. DO NOT SHOP AT THIS ACE. GAUGERS read more

i went in for car key cutting I brought everything with me master key and blank key to cut i've worked at hardware stores so i know they provide this service aside from checking the website for confirmation the person who they have cutting keys didn't want to cut mine not sure why i was refused service told me we don't cut keys lol read more

Don't go to this store when the weekend manager's name Mitch Is there. This person is the rudest and unprofessional person. I was buying a Stihl blower. You believe that he told me to back to the store with men because I don't know much about this stuff and I don't know what I want. I'm a customer and I need professional help not that kind of comment. read more

Uninformed and not helpful. Went for Christmas lights at Christmas time and the lights were in the back and not interested in bringing the out to sell. Recommended we go to lowes , so we did. Weird ? read more

[The scene: Me standing by the key counter..] Employee: (approaching me) Do you need help? Me: I just need to have my keys copied. Emp: Oh ok, sure. Me: [hands keys over to the employee] Emp: Soooo, what is this for? (points to the key) Me: (confused by the question) A....lock. Emp: (laughs lightly) No, no. I mean, what does this go into? Me: (again, bewildered) A... door. Emp: Oh, I mean...Is this an apartment building? Me: (still confused) What? I was so confused. Like, I didn't understand you had to specify where the lock was going, if it was a condo building, etc. I just wanted copies of my keys! Nonetheless, this encounter provided much entertainment in the middle of the workday. (Really, I called my mom 'cuz I was so amused.) Plus, service was fast (5 min) and keys were cheap ($2/each)! They have tons of all the home improvement stuff, too...and coffee makers, candles, lawn chairs. Who knew? Oohhh, Downtown Northbrook - how you've grown on me! read more

I needed to replace three sets of my keys with new key chains that I had purchased about six weeks ago. Mitch was such a great help removing and attaching my keys with my new key chains!. These new key chains were expensive yet really nice. I never realized until today that removing and replacing keys to new or other key chains does require a certain amount of skills ( not to mention patience !). Mitch was very courteous from the moment I mentioned I would appreciate if he would attach my household keys with already purchased new key chains. One key chain did present a small problem. Mitch replaced all the keys with my new key chains. I enjoy the outdoors and walking or shopping. Let's face it, without your keys including your car keys, home keys, etc. huge problems could and will occur if you lose them and need to be replaced. As I mentioned a task which seems minor as changing key chains needs a certain amount of skill. Mitch I would rate with Five Stars!. Just the fact Mitch despite spending time and effort on my key chains never charged me anything and I appreciated this. Overall, the Ace hardware located in Northbrook, Ill is a great place for shopping for household items and their employees are friendly and helpful. Mitch is the Assistant Manager and this Ace Hardware Store is a true reflection of Mitch and his management of Ace Hardware!. Shirley S read more

This Ace is the place! They have all that I need for home maintenance and I can find it in a fraction of the time that I would at a big box store because when I walk in I am greeted by a very helpful staff member. read more

I recently had to deal with three separate minor plumbing issues at home. Each time I went to Ace looking for obscure, small parts. In each case the staff spent considerable time helping me find the exact part I needed. I'm sure the cost of staff time exceeded the price of the small parts I purchased. On another occasion I hurriedly purchased the wrong type of caustic drain cleaner (my fault for not reading the label carefully). Received a full refund upon returning it and cheerful help in selecting the right product. In short each experience at Northbrook Ace has surpassed my expectations. read more

I've had the best experience with the manager Brad. We had an issue with our purchase and brad was very knowledgeable about the product we bought and he steered us in the right direction. We are so happy with our patio set and brad made it happen. The best Ace hardware I've ever been too read more

We will never do any business with this place. My husband was made fun of because of his accent when he asked for help. One of the senior employees showed nothing but a complete lack of cultural sensitivity-pretty bad for business in a diverse society. read more

The "local store" seized the opportunity to gouge its customers after the rain and basement flooding of August, 2007. With customers desperate for a way to power up their sump pumps to pump out their basements, Bo It Best was charging $ 650 for generators which had sold the week before at Home Depot and Lowe's for $ 400. And when the generators would not start a week later, no assistance or warrenty was offered. DO NOT PATRONIZE THESE CHEATS. read more

I recently moved to the area and stopped in to get an extra set of keys made and to just check out the general store layout for future reference. I went to my local Tru Value in Chicago quite often so figured I'd probably be here a lot as well. One older gentleman employee greeted me and asked if I needed help finding anything (thus the two stars). No other employee did (and there were many on duty). I stood by the key making area getting my key out to make copies. The young man behind the counter never looked up, the two others on front of the counter were having a personal conversation. Those two walked away, followed shortly by did the young man behind the counter all the while staring deep into his phone. No keys for me. His texts were way more important I suppose. My kids found a couple of stuffed baseballs they wanted so I went to the counter to buy those and upon checkout I said "Thank you". It's how I was raised. Normally I get some sort of acknowledgement back if not beaten to the punch by the cashier with a "Thank you, come again!" or something similar. In this case the young man behind the counter (different from the key guy) just stared at me like Napoleon Dynamite. So I said rather loudly "You're welcome sir. Have a nice day. You too." Then I left. I won't be back. read more

Love the people! Great customer service very helpful, especially that fine young blonde boy!!!!

Northbrook Ace is really the place. Found a beautiful garden bench ON SALE!! Wouldn't fit in the car but a kind, thoughtful store manager lent us use of his vehicle and the bench is a perfect addition to our yard. THEN decided to try home repair. Back to Ace and Stan the helpful hardware man. He helped me locate the parts and talked me through the process. Went back when I got stuck on one part and again Stan talked me through. I'll be trying more DIY with Ace and Stan guiding the way. read more

So I went in to fix a handle on my luggage and a piece on my belt. Jim found the screws necessary and then actually fixed my luggage! I had just come from a luggage store in Wheeling that said it would be $40 to fix my luggage! Actual cost at Ace....15 cents! If you want someone to point to the isle where the stuff is then this place isn't for you. They take you and find the solution for you. What a fantastic experience. Jim exceeded our expectations. Alex at the register was also very friendly. Total cost 42 cents...time they spent helping me was over 30 minutes. If you think I must know them...the Truth is this was my first time here. It won't be my last. time! read more

I am in retail, I never post poor reviews but the lack in professionalism makes me never want to use this local Ace Hardware again. A store manager sets the tone for a store and is supposed to lead by their actions. Clearly Mark is setting the tone in this store for lack of customer service. His lack of follow through is unacceptable, along with one of his employees. I am now told, that my issue will be resolved 4 weeks after it was initially started. We will see if anyone actually shows up and does what they say they are going to do but I am not going to hold my breath. I always want to shop local but when the store manager puts the blame onto his employees to a customer, I lose all respect. Your store, your accountable. The worst part is that it is over something that could have so easily been fixed. read more

These guys are a nightmare to deal with. You are much better off at HomeDepot or Lowes because their workers are not part-time high school kids. My problem was i asked them to make keys for my trailblazer and somehow, not only messed up the two copies, but the original as well, leaviming me stranded out of town. When i tried to return them they gave me a hard time because i lost the receipt, to add insult to injury. I have had house keys made there as well, and about half the time they work so i should have known better. read more

Poor customer service along with condescending staff. Although some of the employees are friendly and helpful, many of the more senior guys are very off-putting and curt. Phone interactions can be stressful as they in general are aggressively defensive and unhelpful. From now on will go to big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot where they are true to their word and stand behind their products. read more

When you go to the giant warehouse stores, you get lots of choices but little human service. When you go to Do It Best, there is service everywhere. As in the good old days, I've had an employee spend a half-hour helping me choose a $1 part. I go to these guys with all my household and repair problems, and once (believe it or not), they actually made a free house call when I got my key stuck in the front door lock and I was about to go on a trip. Unbelievable. And contrary to what you would expect, their prices aren't more (and sometimes less) than the warehouses. I recently bought a vacuum cleaner at Do It Best that would have cost more at Target. And the guy at the store spent time with me helping me decide which model I needed. read more

This long standing neighborhood store is going through a major remodel. It is an older store and it needs the improvements. But through it all, the staff there is just great. We love going there. They help and are friendly, even in the midst of their project. They care about us and what we need. read more