Yelp review -- 0 star Title: Open on a holiday, but terrible customer service and a threatening confrontation I stopped into South Bay Industrial Hardware today (Nov 11, 2025) because they were open on the holiday and I needed a can of Fix-A-Flat. The owner, John, completed the sale but the can I bought had a leak at the top of the hose -- something I've used before and never had an issue with. I explained that the tube looked tightly packed and might have been damaged in packaging, and asked to exchange it. Instead of listening, John stared at the can suspiciously and acted as if I was being dishonest. He reluctantly let me exchange it but warned that if the replacement didn't work I wouldn't receive a refund. He grew rude and condescending during the interaction, which was upsetting. After I left the register I said, while still in the store, "Thanks for not trusting me." He laughed. I regret that I used a bad word once I was outside. What followed was alarming: he came running out of the store and tried to grab the exchanged can out of my hands. He threatened to call the police and -- while I was recording from about nine feet away -- said into the phone, "she's right next to my face." At one point he would not state what he thought my ethnicity was, which felt explicitly hostile and discriminatory. I have video of the incident and plan to preserve it and report what happened. I'm sharing this to warn others about the poor, confrontational customer service and the intimidating behavior I experienced. I will not recommend this business based on how I was treated today. read more

Southbay Industrial Hardware - John, the owner calling 911 and falsely claiming that I am next to his face. - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Segundo, California

Staff was friendly and helpful in finding what I needed. I saw a weird review before going here, so I was skeptical, but I like the mom and pop feeling and they took care of me! read more

Helpful employees at the store, ample inventory and good selection, parking lot and street parking available. Stopped by to get some putty, paint, small brush and spatula to fix a small messed up on a set wall read more

Southbay Industrial Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Segundo, California

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Unassuming small hardware storefront that is PACKED with stuff and has an unexpected whole downstairs level. I came to find a few screws that I was unsure about the size of, and the staff was super helpful. They had quite the variety of options, and were organized. The aisles are a bit tight, and the shelving can be rustic, but that added to the charm. I felt like I was walking around in Olivander's wand shop from Harry Potter haha. If I didn't have my work project that to return to, I would have enjoyed roaming the aisles and browsing more. They have parking in the back down a kinda steep driveway, but I easily found parking on the street. Definitely will be my go to hardware store in the area! read more

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This seems like a rarity-- a good ole fashioned hardware store that as all those special items you're looking for: the right screw, nut, nail, light bulb, thingamajig, etc. The service is friendly and they try to help with all your needs. I've often gone in there with a broken whatchamacallit and they have a brand new spanking one for me. If you can't tell already, I'm not that handy or knowledgable-- that's why I love this place. They can help solve my problems. read more

Love this place! Service was excellent and fast. Staff are friendly and helpful. We made an unexpected connection with the Hawaiian culture and learned about upcoming festivals in the area. read more

This place has pretty much everything you'll need for any job you got going. Helpful staff. A staple of the community for decades.

theres a handsome brown skin colored employee that is very handsome and should need a raise, because he helped me speaking spanish read more

Family run! They have everything one needs around the house. I go here before the big box places.

This hardware store in downtown El Segundo had EVERYTHING we needed- so much stock in a small store and owner was very nice and super helpful! read more

Southbay Industrial Hardware - Tons of supplies - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Segundo, California

So overpriced. You shouldn't have to overpay for the convenience of having this in your backyard.

Go somewhere else! I bought an item a week ago and asked the clerk for his return policy. He said to bring it back within 7 days. When I returned the item, the same clerk said there's a 10% charge because I originally paid with credit. Where was this information when I asked about the return policy last week? He was very unapologetic. Poor customer service. Certainly won't be coming back. read more

Updated review...took a year and ended up going back. Customer service was markedly improved. Prices still a bit high but absolutely worth the convenience of not having to drive miles for a handful of bolts and other hardware. Will definitely return. read more

If you REALLY need a key cut or propane and don't mind being treated like you're stupid if you're a woman, then go here. Not only did they not have anything for lock picking at this lock specialty store, the guy treated me like I had three heads for needing a lock pick tension wrench. He started showing me torque wrenches even after I explaining what I needed and why. I'm not sure he even knew what a lock pick tension wrench is; which is pretty wild. read more

Very judgmental & gender bias. My daughter applied here for a job we have been locals our whole life and have supported this business. she has experience in carpentry, electrical & mechanical at first they told her she didnt have enough knowledge to work there. when she presented herself and her skills they scoffed at her and and said "oh really now". No one deserved that kind of treatment or judgement she is a hard working female who knows every tool in the shed. definitely wont be supporting them any longer. very disappointing read more

Normally don't leave bad reviews but a single bag of concrete for almost $12 for a small 50 pound bag that's highway robbery if you do any work or if your actual license contractor avoid this place like the plague the counter help when I asked way is the so high he goes oh well that's what it is deal with it or go somewhere else so great attitude I'm sure of their award winning service. Hell my plumbing supply house is costly at 7.00 but that is expected. Not a local hardware store. read more

Southbay Industrial Hardware - 1 50lbs of standard concrete mix - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Segundo, California

Nope... I went in this store, ask the employee if they carried the item I was looking for, he compl ignored me, walked right past me, with no response. And I'm 6' 5, 270lbs, guess he didn't see me. Customer service does not exist in this store. I don't spend my money where it is not appreciated. Will never set foot back in this place. read more

This store has the best inventory of nuts, bolts, screws, washers and small fasteners you'll find in the South Bay and maybe well beyond! It might be a little overwhelming, but it's incredibly well organized - by metric, SAE, type, size, material and finish. If you need just one of something, not a pack of 5, this is the place. And, they don't charge an arm and a leg! read more

Waste of time. Called ahead asking for a very specific piece of bathroom hardware (Symmons Trim Kit) and the man said he had them and to come check out the selection. Once I arrived, he changed his tune and said that they didn't carry those pieces. Next time, don't waste my time and be honest up front. Everyone will appreciate that. read more

Do not recommend or use only if desperate. Sloppy work and poor customer service. They couldn't make a set of 6 keys correctly or be bothered to do the work right for $25 I paid, so I returned to the store, explained that one key didn't work at all and the other 5 took a lot of effort to turn and unlock the knob. I asked to have 6 working keys which I don't think is too much to ask of a hardware store that advertises they make keys. The non-working key was found to have been made upside down. They offered to polish the remaining keys and remake the upside down one. BEGRUDGINGLY - as in you are a pain for returning. Instead of just saying they would do their best to fix the problem in the hope of having a customer return to the store in the future, John's response after polishing the keys was they "were exactly the same as the original." His arrogant opinion, meaning the keys will work like the originals. The copied keys made at Industrial Hardware still require a lot of effort to turn and unlock the door - unlike the original keys - yet, in John's mind he'd done his part due to his short-sighted vision. BTW, "John" who has commented on many post here about "new management" when posters complained about attitude is the very employee or is it owner? with an attitude. Just read his replies to the posts here to get an idea of his mindset towards people who give him business. Two other employees that I originally spoke with upon entering the store tried to be helpful, but it's clear they follow John's direction. Our conversation continued to go downhill as he literally followed me out the door still yapping away. I'm sure that just like the other customer concerns posted here, John will explain away his poor behavior and service and blame the person who tried to do business at Industrial Hardware. It's too bad because this local store (which is the reason I went there in the first place) could do really well with a friendlier and more personable helper who appreciates customers, but there's absolutely no effort with this at Industrial Hardware. read more

This place absolutely sucks! Be prepared to pay more than you should... you're going to get screwed if you're just buying nuts... The people behind the registers or the people that are supposed to help you don't they don't help you they just tell you to go downstairs to the dungeon the dungeon is full of stuff... Well here's where the rubber hits the road for me I'd rather go to a different store a hardware store that cares there is a reason hardware stores like yours are going out of business it's all about service if you don't serve the customer like I was just not served you go somewhere else the last three visits to this hardware store we're horrible experiences you treat your customers poorly they don't come back! read more

nice neighborhood spot. very americana being off Main St with a couple locals hanging out. aisles were cramped, but, organized for the most part. parking relatively easy with street and a little lot nearby. unfortunately, i couldn't find what i was looking for. my stupid brand new vacuum apparently has a magical belt that isn't available in most hardware stores. this spot was the 5th place i tried. no luck. lots and lots of different styles for my brand, but, not THE style i needed. oh well, still a nice place to have in the neighborhood. read more

Southbay Industrial Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Segundo, California

Old school hardware store. All I needed was propane for my grill and this place had it at a competitive price. The guy even went out of his way to dig out a tank that was in better condition than the first one up front. That's good service! Other pros: 1. I can walk there 2. Saved time and gas from having to drive to big box hardware store 3. I called ahead and they picked up the phone unlike the unnamed big box hardware store! read more

This place scares me and I'm never going back. I'm an average looking girl. Definitely one of the few Asian people that frequent El Segundo too. I walked into the store for some photo mounting tape and was offered help since I was looking from aisle to aisle. That's cool. Thanks for help, etc, etc. Found it and tried to decide how much of each thing to get since I'm working on a pretty big project for work. Not 1 minute later does this dude come over and take my haul out of my hands. "I am here to help you!" he says, his wedding band in plain sight. Kinda got bad vibes so I tell him I'm fine but he continues bringing my things to the register. Employees watch me as I pay. "They all think you're very beautiful," says the old dude with the wedding ring. "Where are you from?" I tell him I work down the street but he pesters me about my nationality. Something about looking exotic. I baby barf in my mouth just a tad. I can't believe this dude has a significant other. But it's fine. I stay silent as I sign my receipt and prepare to leave. And then two others huddle at the door to watch as I angrily walk to my car right outside. Do they know I can see them? Do they care? Are they gonna follow me? Who's to say they won't? I quickly leave and they disperse like the audience during the end of a movie. This place made me feel scared and uncomfortable. I don't recommend it to anyone and will be making the drive out to The Home Depot from now on. read more

These guys are great, unlike a lot of other smaller local shops. As an electrical contractor, they are my go-to guys when I need large pipe threaded. A lot of places won't do it anymore. read more

They had a small piece of hardware that I thought would be hard to find. Thankfully I was out of there in a couple of minutes with quick help from the gentleman working there. read more

Hands down, the WORST customer service I've experienced in any hardware store. Ever. And trust me, Ive been in more than a few. The staff here was dismissive, rude and was so sure that I didnt know what I was talking about, that they couldnt/wouldnt listen long enough for me to explain. Isnt a know it all with a bad attitude the exact opposite of what you hope to find in your neighborhood "mom and pop" hardware store? Lets face it, even if I AM wrong or confused, your job is not to make me feel small or stupid, it is to service the customer. Experiences like mine are the exact reason why shops like this go out of business, and based on the service I received, you can be damn sure me and mine will never drop another dime at this store. And yes, I'll be sure to let my neighbors and friends know too, every chance I get. And if that's not bad enough, check this out: Closed on Sunday - Really? In this day and age? STRIKE ONE $5.00 min purchase on debit or credit, even though the part I need is only $1.99 (you are aware that refusal to evolve leads to extinction, right?), then being stalked through store while I search for something I dont need, as if Im going to steal. STRIKE TWO A manager/owner who watches his staff treat a customer rudely and doesnt flinch. STRIKE THREE I'll take Home Depot or Lowe's ANY day, even WITH the drive. This place sucks, and thats putting it mildly. read more

Formerly Ace Hardware, so don't get confused. I spend allot of time in hardware stores and Southbay Industrial is wicked old school harkening back to a time when you you knew your hardware man by his/her first name. I really like that sort of thing and for that alone they get 4-stars. SIH is not the place to go if you are building your dream home and need a one-stop building supply. What they do really well is service and obscure selection. If you need a bolt to replace one missing or have a window screen replaced. This is what they did for me. I had three worn out window screens that needed to be replaced. After looking on line for new replacements, I called SIH for a price on re-screening my old frames. They did the work for 1/4 the price of new screens and finished them the same day-on a saturday no less. I totally give them a big time thumbs up! read more

I have been there quite a few times. This is the worst store I have ever been to. The owner is nice but he has very bad employees working for him. If you have the time, drive to Home Depot or Lowes. Save yourself some grief. I don't want to spend 15 minutes describing what they did. Just trust me. read more

This is not Home Depot! A somewhat eclectic collection, while there aren't 13 varieties of water heaters there ARE live people you can bring your parts and questions to and get the help you need! I came in looking for a bracket and some screws, found my bracket and the 'downstairs guy' spent a few minutes helping me pick the right screws from the wall with 10,000 screws, nuts, bolts, and assorted fasteners. Way cool! They deserve your business; you won't regret it! read more

It gets the job done. It's not Home Depot of course and is setup to be functional not commercial. I needed three 60W bulbs, but didn't see any. Left with three 40W bulbs. Like I said, it will get the job done. People working there seem nice and helpful. read more

I like to try able support local business as much as possible, in return for a possible price premium I expect a tiny bit extra in the customer service department. With this store it's not the case. Disorderly, products that have sat in the shelf for the last 10years and an absolute unwillingness to want to sell them. Thanks Jeff Bezos for allowing me to avoid interactions like these. read more

Small, but surprising I've been in living rooms that are larger, but I usually find what I'm looking for. Nice not to always drive to Home Depot. read more

I have been going here for 11 years. It's the go to place for nuts, bolts, metric, screen replacement and anything else you can find that keeps from driving over to HD or Lowe's. I value my time and don't see the issues that others bring up about the staff. I, as well as others would be disappointed to see it go. For every one bad comment there's hundreds of good ones. One day the little shops will be gone and we can all buy from the sterile online machine. So embrace it and thank the guys that help you... don't look a gift horse in the mouth. read more

Don't waste your time going to this store. I have tried shopping the store 6 times assuming it was an "off day". On 5 occasions, with the owner and three employees in the store, the sales help will not show you where an item is. They just point and say, it's over there... Another favorite is sending you downstairs and there is no one down there to help. Also, they tell you stuff is downstairs and then the downstairs person (the owner) tells you that the items are upstairs. Further, on the rare occassions when the sales staff deems you worthy of three surly words, they are completely ignorant of sizes, diameters, thread sizes and any suggestions on your project. Not only is the help surly, but they are ignorant about the products in the store and home improvement and repair products in general. In particular, the old dude with the black beard and the punkin' head dude with the black frame glasses are particularly surly. The owner is mostly just disconected. In fairness, the owner is from another country and there appears to be quite a language barrier. Although as waste of my time, I would note that this store would benefit greatly from some new, younger, motivated help. A woman sales clerk would be a great addition to change a horrible store culture of NEGATIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I have pointed out the poor behavior to owner on two occasiions and he either didn't care or did't understand. Without some good help, this place will fail. I personally am done with this store as I always wind up being made angry off by the negative behavior of the staff. I recommend going to Home Depot. Although gigantic and a bit out of my way, they will help you in that store, they generally understand what they have and often offer some great tips for your project. Do yourself a favor a spend your money where they actually will help and care about their customers. Also, the stuff at Home Depot is about half the price for the commensurate item. As a point of reference, I do not generally write Yelp Reviews as I do not have time. This place was so exceptionally crappy that I wanted to warn others what they are in for..... read more

This is your grand pa's store! From the narrow, tall isles, cluttered cash register, and, creaky staircase it all adds up to a bit of an adventure as to whether you'll find what you've come here for or strike out. I can't complain as I live next door, how convenient is that?! Recently, I was moving my modem and router and needed a clever way to power it. Since this place has many old items I scored a tiny plug multiplier that worked perfectly. Another time I got help here from one of the workers I have a bit of a repore with, he helped me cut some threaded steal rod with a chop saw they have in their back lot, he miffed one cut and replaced the miscut stock with their own no problem. It's quirky and a bit our of date, have no expectation when making a visit, no need to add to possible frustration to your project if these guy don't come through. :o) read more

Nice going to a hardware store where it's small and it's almost immediately you can find someone to help you. So tired of the big box stores where it's impossible to get help. read more

Disclaimer, this is not my first stop of hardware stores, because I have 3 Home Depots closer to me than this place and I do like Lowes because the big stores typically have more options for big stuff. Whenever I need a screw or some type of small hardware that is not mainstream, I can usually find it here. I recently bought an 1/8" air valve. I wanted to be able to use my air compressor to pressurize my 2 gallon garden sprayer. I had all the tools I needed, just not all the parts. It took a couple minutes trying to explain what I was looking for, but they wound up having it. It was not very expensive compared to ordering it online and paying shipping etc... Home Depot didn't carry it, nor did Pep Boys. A few pieces I still have to order online for other projects but this is convenient. They are affiliated with "Do It Best", I'm not sure how, but that's the sign outside the store. read more

Great people. Been going there for years. Always friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are comparable to other hardware stores.

They have most of what you need, and are very helpful. Yesterday night, a pipe burst in our back yard, I went there to buy a temporary cap and ask for advice on a good plumber, the guy suggested I don't waste the money, found all the necessary parts for me to repair and improve the line and gave me some advice on how to do the work. I cost me $12 in parts, took me 30 minutes to do. read more