I have been coming to Pete's for hardware and home needs for over 20 years, living around the area off and on during that time. Customer service is second to none and they always try and help me find what I need! They've helped me with clogged sinks, leaking toilets, garden needs....the list goes on. I went in today and they were having a free root beer float party to celebrate national root beer float day. Grabbed one in a super cute mini Ace bucket while I finished my shopping. Come on down for all your hardware and home needs. They also have some darn good pies for sale! read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Happy root beer float day! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Such a great experience! Everyone was kind and super helpful. Darren helped us find the tools we needed, and the lady in the garden section was so sweet. The other employees we met were wonderful too (I just didn't catch their names). Like another reviewer wrote: "they deserve all the good things in the world." Our girls and dog had fun too--we had no idea Ace sold toys. We somehow left with Noise Putty and a salted butter squishie. read more

If I could give 10 out of 5 stars, I would! The people there are so friendly! I literally just left the store 5 minutes ago but was so marked by their kindness that I had to leave a review immediately. I'm sad I forgot the three men's names that spoke to us, but I am very grateful for how kind and helpful they were. They deserve all the good things in the world. read more

This is my favorite Ace Hardware store since it is within minutes away from my home when I need a quick repair. The best thing about this Ace Store is the helpfulness and friendliness from the employees. I recommend people download the app as it has monthly coupons if you frequent this Ace often. My favorite parts of the store are the tools and garden section. In comparison to big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, Ace has some items that not frequent sold like plants and tools. I've been eyeing some flowers like argyranthemums. Sometimes there are exotic varieties in the summer. Plant enthusiasts should check this and other Aces out. read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Argyranthemum- angelic burgundy - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I decided to go to Pete's Ace Hardware after finding no help at my local Lowes. I needed a cabinet door hinge replacement. The staff at Lowes said he was only doing stocking and I should pick out possible replacements and if it does not work, return for refund. His and my incompetence was at the same level. An entirely different experience at Pete's. Within seconds after entering the store, a staff member asked if he could help me. I showed him item I needed and he found the exact model needed and asked another associate to confirm it. Never get this type of service at a Big Box store. read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

What can I say more about "Ace Hardware"? First of all, I have been frequenting Ace Hardware since the mid 1950s, commending with the Ace Hardware in Martinez, Ca., through Walnut Creek, CA., through Pittsburg, Ca., Danville, Ca., and this Ace Hardware in Castro Valley in 2025. In my experience, if one needs help for plumbing, Ace Hardware is the place. If one needs a part for their home, Ace Hardware is the place. If one needs help and advice for Painting, Ace is the place. In this case, my wife and I were doing a major renovation on our home and we knew what paint we desired to use. Ace was the place that had what we required. We had several special colors that we had decided upon. We explained what we required to the "Paint staff" and they went over and above what one would expect. Yeah.... In my mind, "ACE IS THE PLACE", since I was about ten years old. I'm Seventy-Seven now. Try them, you will like them. read more

Clogged my vanity mirror, this seems to be the only Hardware store in CV. I like that it is on the central blvd. Anyway, clogged my vanity mirror cleaning out bottles of oil and the nice man working at Peet's suggested I pour some stuff in a red bottle down the drain (I've included a photo). The stuff worked! That nice man knew what he was talking about. I will be back for something to kill the blackberry weeds in my garden read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I never purchase anything from Ace (even with multiple visits in different cities/towns) because they always seem to be more expensive than other hardware stores. However, being in a Facebook group, I was enticed to go after reading the advice from a bunch of individuals (+300 folks) to purchase copper from Ace to prevent algae growth in water. I know I should've just grabbed the first copper I saw off the shelf but a worker was so kind to page another worker who took SO MUCH time to help me find the right item and even went to the extent of googling!! Then he finds me a practical option and he's like you sure you want to spend that much? Consequently, I ended up with a similar item but half the price. The first worker then helps me at the cashier and helps me sign up for their membership. I sincerely did not realize there are such kind and patient souls in this world. It sure has been rough and I am genuinely appreciative of such an impressive and unexpected encounter. THANK YOU!! read more

I forgot to lock my car and asked for a favor to use my remote from the garden area i had just seen a man just come from that entrance. (5/18 @ 3:35 pm) Large African American man pointed at the sign in a rude manor "IT SAYS EMPLOYEE'S ONLY." I was just asking for a favor I just needed a couple more feet for my fob to connect to my car from the garden area. The regular garden employee is always super sweet. I come here often and NEVER have I been talked so rudely. Needless to say I walked out and went to another store for my gardening needs. read more

This place is great and has a lot of great finds. The parking is ample. They have frozen pies. The staff is so friendly and nice. I came in for some BBQ rubs and was impressed with the variety. The price was perfect on their rubs & sauces. Def will stop by again! read more

If there's a place that I would rate for customer service satisfaction, it is this place!Staff are so friendly and helpful.I will assure you, you will never leave the store without anyone asking you ,if you need help! Love this store!! read more

First review for Ace and I've been coming for over 4 years. The staff is friendly and helpful - Rick usually helps me when I come in and there hasn't been one time I haven't received incredible service from him. Thank you, Rick, for all the times you've helped me find what I need and helped make keys also. read more

I have shopped at Pete's several times. I have always had great, friendly service. I am also glad they support Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. read more

Walked in looking for nuts and bolts. Never thought there were so many type and sizes. Carissa immediately assisted my husband and I this past weekend. Definitely split our time in half and made it quicker for us to get what we need. All of the staff here at Pete's hardware has been helpful and always give great customer service! Thanks again to Carissa and to the whole staff. Greatly appreciate the smiles and always willing to help! read more

I want to give a shout out to all the Pete's Hardware employees. They truly are part of the fabric of Castro Valley. I always am greeted like an old friend when I go there. Today I was helped by someone I hadn't encountered before and he was quick to help me select what I needed. He gave me just enough info to be thorough but he was quick and efficient. No mansplaining whatsoever. Thank you, it makes the experience better. And whoever has been doing the garden plant layouts the last few years is fantastic. Great eye for design! Keep it up, you'll have my business for life. read more

Do you ever feel like it's a huge ordeal going to the big chain hardware stores? Struggling to find a person to help you? Here's your solution! My dad (93) asked me to ask my husband to buy him 6 specific screws for him to add knobs to his new desk. The idea that he didn't think I could perform this task amused me, and ruffled my feathers. (My mom had her own toolbox and fixed things all the time!) Anyway, I found myself at Pete's (after realizing I would have to buy 100 screws if I used Amazon). It's surprisingly large inside, and there were friendly workers at every turn. I was looking a little lost, and one worker asked me if he could help. I told him that I was looking for a specific machine screw. "Oh, they'll probably be with all the other screws!" I laughed, and he guided me to the screw bin, helped me select the correct screws, and went on his way. Great selection, nice people, not a conglomerate. Check it out. read more

They illegally charged me more for an item than was posted on the shelf. This place used to be good. Not sure what has happened to their customer service and basic knowledge of California law. read more

Thank you Jake. I received excellent service. The minute i walked into the store, I received help. Jake made my day! I needed a chain for my hand saw. Jake not only installed a new chain, recommended required oil, but took the time to educate me how to care for my saw going forward. A customer for life.. read more

My son requested that I donate a canopy to his track team. I called on a Thursday inquired if they will give additional discount on top of the sale price explaining it is for a school. Corinne was very helpful and kind over the phone. Owner granted additional discount that will help cover the tax (I truly wasn't expecting this). They were going yo hold the item until Saturday but I didn't get to go to the store until Monday. They still honored the price they gave me days ago despite of not picking the item timely. The store experience is another story! I walked in and everyone helped. We drove to the hill (backyard) to pick up the item and every employee along the way was smiling or waving. The vibe is truly pleasant and this local business TRULY DESERVES the community's support! I've never experienced such walking to an HD or a Lowe's. It was my first time to ever walk in to this well loved establishment and will definitely not be my last. Note: I was able to purchase additional item (plant soil) from the hill counter. read more

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Excellent customer service! I purchased some items for work a month ago and needed to upload my receipt for accounting. I realized I lost the physical copy. I called them, Theresa promptly transferred me over to bookkeeping, and Jessica from bookkeeping was able to look up my transaction and email my receipt. So friendly, so helpful. 5/5 will return when I need supplies! read more

Great employees. Neat, well organized and amazingly well stocked store fit its size.

I've visited Pete's Ace Hardware on and off for many years and recently, visited this morning to purchase some Benjamin Moore paint...the lady helping me was super helpful, friendly and quick at getting the gallon of paint mixed. Another staff member was equally friendly, welcoming and helped me locate some eye screws and wiring to create a trellis on my fence. The gentleman showed me the various sizes and different gauges of wiring and made recommendations...amazingly helpful! I'd have to say each time I was in an aisle looking for something there was someone to offer assistance. Great local hardware store that carries a lot of items with plenty of people to answer questions along with wonderful customer service! Definitely a store I prefer over the big chains read more

Pete's Ace Hardware - Benjamin Moore paint - Hardware Stores Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I wanted to love this place so much because it is local and small. I just had a very inconvenient and off putting experience here. Not only was I not offered an apology but I felt like I was spoken down to. I came in earlier this morning asking for a sample of paint at specifically "75% saturation" but realized when I got home they had given me paint "75% lighter" which technically is 25% saturation. Those two are the exact inverse. It did not occur to me that they did not understand the term "saturation". I decided to come back to get what I asked for. Another gentleman was able to help me but the previous employee who helped me came up to say "just so we're clear, I asked you twice if you wanted it lighter and you said yes." I calmly responded by agreeing that yes I am asking for it to be lighter ...but i never asked for it to be 75% lighter. He just rudely walked away from me at that point. Mind you, I am a kind and composed woman so I never expect this type of interaction from customer service. Besides the point of contention around the color difference, their general demeanor was dismissive (Ex walking away mid conversation, not answering questions when asked). Im not sure what it was, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume maybe this service person was having a bad day. As a working mom to a young baby who is very busy and exhausted, this was the last experience I wanted to have on a Monday. Moving forward, they told me to simply ask for the colors in terms of "lighter or darker" and not use the term "saturation" or "strength" because it would confuse them okieeeee.... While I was eventually able to get my sample corrected with the second service person who helped me, it felt like they were trying to tell me I was wrong for the way I asked for my paint rather than accept that they had made an error. How about a courteous apology for my time wasted coming back to retrieve something I asked and paid for? read more

Pete's is a top knotch hardware store. I live everything about. No matter what I come here for from buying a plastic pool for my kids, to getting a new battery for key fobs, (they even change it for you) , and pretty much anything else it's a positive experience. There is always someone available to help you with anything you need here. There is good selection of garden items in the back nursery area as well. Great selection of items for your barbecue needs such as rubs and sauces. I will come to Pete's anytime over a spot like Home Depot. Highly recommended. read more

I have had to use Pete's a few times this week as I am adding a drip feed system for this year's tomatoes. I have been here occasionally for the odd item but this time my needs were considerable. The experience was a pleasure. Tim and Josh in the gardening department were so helpful, they understood it takes time to learn things one hasn't done before. They were invaluable. The cashiers were so helpful as well. The service overall makes shopping there a pleasure rather than a frustrating experience common to the big stores. I couldn't give it less than a five. read more

this should be a 5 star review. however, since i haven't actually bought anything yet, this would be disingenuous. the service i got was 5 stars. just happens Pete's didn't have the item i was seeking. i was informed amazon may have it. i dropped off some fluorescent lamps to be recycled (at no charge). called earlier. phone answered quickly, Pete's said they would take it. Home Depot doesn't answer their phones. while here, i inquired about a "moisture meter" to detect mold which they didn't carry. there's a small parking lot, associates here very helpful with smiling service. small parking lot too! read more

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I have to say I find the mature & experienced staff/employees the best. It is refreshing.

I have shopped this store for years. Normally the people working there have been very helpful and professional. This morning not so much. I needed something in the plumbing section. I saw employee helping a customer, so I looked to see if I could find the part myself but could not. So I waited near the customer and employee who's was giving great help to the customer. I waiting and looking at the employee hoping he would realize I had a question. He never looked my way. When it appeared to me they were done the employee started to walk away. I said good morning can you tell me where this part it. He actually huffed, like I have something else to do. And looked at the customer for I'm not sure what for, but did ask him, are we done here. It appeared to me they were. But he walked me to the area where the part was and pointed to it. I thanked him and got what I needed. No asking if I had any questions, nada. I'm not someone who complains about much. In this case I feel compelled, because I choose to shop here and not the big box stores because of the service specially. But that could change. read more

This is the first time I purchased from this Ace Hardware store I bought a frozen Apple Pie and a small light bulb. The clerk didn't offer a bag so I asked for one. I was told they didn't have any. They only had large bags. So. A store with this many items in various sizes didn't have a bag that I could put the frozen pie in? Hard to believe. After walking out a man comes out of the store with his items in a bag. A smaller bag. I felt that she lied & I won't be patronizing this store in the future. read more

All the people I've encountered at Pete's are knowledgeable friendly and helpful. They stock hard to find items. There is always someone to help you with whatever you need. I prefer to shop at Pete's over Home Depot which is customer no service.I'm so happy to have such a great home improvement store in Castro valley. They can also recommend good people for small jobs as well. read more

Good, old fashioned, service with a smile. When we asked and we're taken where the vinyl tubing was, the diameter we wanted was empty. The clerk asked us to wait a minute while he went upstairs to see if he had more. He did. He cut the length that we wanted, wrote up a price slip and we were on our way. There's nothing to say that the big box stores offer better selection or service. They don't. Pete's has a sign out front thanking customers for 95 years. There's a reason for that. Great service, good selection, reasonable prices. read more

I go to Pete when I need really good customer service. I had three projects that let's say were a little weird. When I started to look around, I was approached by Dennis. He asked how he could help me. The first thing he said was easy. I'm looking for the plumbing thing that covers the pipe coming out of your toilet when it's already in place it split in half he took me right to it. I needed a bracket for a certain thing. He stood there for a minute and said I think I have three to show you. All three of them would've worked, but would need some work. And the last thing was a doorbell extender. He took me right to the doorbell section. He looked at everything to find out if they had what I needed turns out like most stores so they don't carry them. I don't want to 10. I think Dennis was about a 14. Took his time tried to help me with a smile. That's why I go to Petes hardware it's for people like Dennis read more

Like most Ace hardwares this one has excellent service and their customer service people are very knowledgeable. It's a smaller Ace hardware so their selection is a bit limited compared to larger stores. But I've only had to go to a larger Ace hardware to get what I've needed about 3 times in the past 20 years I've been purchasing there. read more

46 years in the area, been shopping at Pete's for as long as I can remember. Never again! Bought a POS wagner paint sprayer, tried to return the next day and they said the item is non returnable. I talked to 3 ace employees when i bought it and none of them said anything about it being non returnable nor did they advise me it was junk. The messed up part is the same item is returnable at both home depot and Amazon. Horrible policy and my policy is to never shop here again. They didn't even ask me if I used the sprayer. read more

Great customer service every time! Good folks work there and they are very knowledgeable of their products. Always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to answering a question regarding a product/project or any recommendations they make. Unlike other hardware stores Ace is down to earth and always has the goods. read more

Pete's is my go to hardware store!It's where I go... Cuz they got the stuff, and know their stuff too, if you need advice... The exception is maybe except plants and nursery... Would love to see more of that. :) Really appreciate that they do lumber cuts for minimal fee. This is huge if you don't have the big power tools! read more

Pete's Ace Hardware has excellent customer service and knows their products. Every time I need something for my home I go their first. Pete's has highly trained experts that will help you find the right product! Get you on your way home and back to repair. At time I've seem them get crazy busy. Just hang out and wait you turn. The knowledge transfer and assistance they provide will be worth it. Way better than going somewhere else, where the employees seem to always be moving away from you :) read more

Hands down the nicest people! From the cashier to the guy on the floor. Everyone is super helpful , will give you options or offer ideas to help you with what you are needing. Ample parking. Good flow of business coming in and out. Good to know they open at 7:30 am. Very organized store. It may not be the biggest, but they have a great selection of everyday hardware you will need. read more

This is the neighborhood hardware store you may remember from your youth - they have just about everything and the people with the right knowledge to help you get the right choice for your job. read more

Great service for the counter/cashier help. Tracy helped me with all my questions for rewards, and my account. She was very friendly and great in being vey helpful and professional. Thanks Tracy read more