Center Hardware & Supply Company
Categories: Building Supplies, Keys & Locksmiths, Hardware Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill999 Mariposa St
(at Pennsylvania Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 861-1800
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
46 Reviews for Center Hardware & Supply Company
One of Center Hardware & Supply Company's Favorite Reviews
This is the best hardware store in San Francisco. They have everything you need and tons of people to help you with it.
They don't look down on regular people coming off the street even though their main clientele are tradespeople that know their shit.
You can spend hours and hours here and find everything you want and more.
So many cool things that are packed into this store.
Their prices are higher than Home Depot but their their service is so much BETTER! At that 'other' store, you can be walking around all day without being able to find someone to help you.
Everyone here is super friendly, and they are always very helpful to me whenever I go in there. I never have to go very far trying to find something because they are right there to lead you to whatever section you need to go.
People thought this was:
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Huge hardware store with really helpful people. I walked in, and I don't know if it was because I have boobs or if people there are really that helpful, but they helped me find everything I needed. And fast.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
For KEYS: This place is a nightmare. I desperately needed to copy my apartment keys so naturally, I went to the nearest locksmith at Center Hardware. It was 4:30 but they were open until 5 and gave me so much attitude about how late it was. They were actually MEAN to me about making the copies! I was very apologetic but put up with the attitude, paid for my keys, and walked home recounting the terrible experience with my roommate. After all that, THE KEYS DIDN'T WORK! Boo.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
This place has everything you need, without going to Home Depot out of town. I wish they were open later. Friendly staff, and easy to get help. Unlike Big Orange. Full service nuts and bolts. LOTS of nuts and bolts. More than any hardware store I've ever been in. I love this place.
I love that this big hardware store is actually in SF, and has parking available. It's convenient to where I work, and it was easy to get in and out of during my lunch break. [I just went in for lightbulbs and power supply extender] I had never been to this hardware store, and I happen to LOVE browsing at Home Depot or Lowes, so I'll definitely be back. It's not the "clean", Well lit type of hardware store that I'm used to, but for run-of-the-mill house projects, and some serious power tool needs, this is definitely the place to shop. [A little disappointed at the limited store hours though.]
Center Hardware... wander around.
I love hardware stores, in general. C.H. is better than the big stores because
a) everybody is friendly
b) not enormous (they have what a hardware store should have)
c) open on saturday! for a few hours
d) street parking is usually available (the parking lot forces you to back out into traffic that's entering highway 280. I recommend street parking)
e) they have useful stuff at reasonable prices
f) wacky clearance bin!
I work on cars, and computer and generally like to fabricate things. Ever get frustrated trying to find that metric nut or tiny little screw that you need to fix that one last thing? Ever need to get inspired to build something, and need the creative juice?
I love Center Hardware, I always find what I need and they have some helpful people there too!. I like to wander the aisles to just look around to see what cool stuff they have to build things. True craftsmen and tradesmen go there as well, if that is any indication of what depth of stuff they have. If you need something simple like a extension cord, go to your neighborhood hardware store.
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Cool (2)
Excellent selection of all things, including glues, fasteners, saw blades, and high-quality tools. The staff are pretty knowledge. They've always been knowledgeable and friendly when I've needed advice: plus, they don't make shit up when they don't know the answer to a question, but instead have found someone who does know the answer. This place kicks Home Depot's ass, and completely squashes the surly fucks at Discount Builder's Supply.
Can you believe it? Someone stole my downspout. Stole ten feet of rain pipe right off the side of my house! I am assuming it was not some member of the paperazzi looking for clues into my mysterious yet fascinating lifestyle (because it isn't) or some crazed stalking fan desperate to get their hands on my precious pipe. It was probably some meth-addict looking to cash in on some scrap copper to finance their next high.
Anyways, unable to bear the thought of the crowded and chaotic suburban insanity of the big orange giant, I checked Yelp for an urban alternative and was pleasantly surprised to find Central, which I did not even know was in The City.
Easy parking, a clean well-organized store, no crowds, and an impressive selection was what I found at Central.
OK - they didn't have any two-inch copper rain pipe, but hey were very helpful and polite in telling me so. And I did not have to drive out to the burbs to find that out. You know I will be back!
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wow... i know my way around a hardware store but damn... people here are practically aching to help you! And just when you think you know all there is to know... they'll have a lil something extra to help you out! I wouldn't mine just standing around while other people come in and ask questions to get my learn on!
don't see it in the store? no problem they'll order that ish
Best service from a hardware store I've seen... probably better than most restaurants too!
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This is probably one of my favorite hardware stores to come with hubby, which is something pretty fun as mentioned in previous hardware store review (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). This is a serious hardware store. It has all sorts of serious hardware that is completely alien and big and for serious people. But it has fun little things, too, and I just like the layout and wandering up and down aisles while he looks for whatever we need and then helping to find stuff. Thanks to this place, we got everything we needed and now can rewire a circuit breaker and install 220 AMP wires all the way through 25 feet of walls and ceilings get a dryer working. That was major serious hardware work that I am proud to take 100% credit for have directed and inspired so well :) We love Center Hardware.
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Center Hardware has been around for over a hundred years.
That should be reason in itself to check this place out...
Went here for my first experience this morning because....
This place is close to my work.
5-star reviews abound.
I needed drawer liners and bungee cords.
Hardware stores are my candyshops.
Going back because...
This place is now for me close to ANYWHERE in The City.
SERVICE earns them their 5th star,
They had EXACTLY what I needed and GREAT prices to match.
This is now my favorite candyshop!
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Its not pretty.
Its not well advertised.
Its not part staffed by sycophants.
It is simply the best hardware store within San Francisco city limits.
Period. that is all.
Tip: No BS, it really is the best.
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As a girl that actually HAS seen the inside of a fair share of hardware stores I must say this one is awesome. I just moved to the neighborhood and was thrilled to find not only a hardware store incredibly close for all those random needs but I wasn't expecting a fully stocked store. This place has pretty much everything you need.
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They're just awesome! If you're not getting great service and reasonable prices, you must be in some othre hardware store.
I do wish they were open later, but at least they're open on sundays now.
This place is amazing! They have everything you need for DIY home projects, plus the staff are always helpful and don't make you feel like an idiot for asking really basic questions. And, in addition having every tool, nut, bolt, pipe, etc, imaginable, they also have an excellent selection of cleaning tools and products.
After receiving a $100 cleaning quote for getting our 2nd and 3rd story windows washed, I came into Center and purchased an extendable extra long window-cleaning pole, hose attachment and squeegee for $30. After trying it out, I realized I needed a non-metal pole and they took the return and exchange with no hassle whatsoever. I am now mastering the zen art of window cleaning, giving my arms definition and saving money at the same time!
True Gem, best hardware / building supply store I've been to ever!
Geared toward tradesperson who needs real world tools and parts
Not overly expensive like grainger (which only sells to contractors last time i checked)
Things you need are in stock in multiple quanties, (unlike 3am zombie sessions at homedepot)
Well organized,
Too much stuff and can be a bit overwhelming tho, stay focused
If it can wait a few days, check out mcmaster.com (but even they are more pricey)
Bought 2 fiberglass handled shovels ~25ea (similar price to the best prices as online lowes, sears, homedepot, lowes), but obvioulsy you dont have to pay shipping
Walk (or ride in my case) in and walk out w/ stuff
It looks like they may do delivery too as there is a garage - warehouse as part of the place
Also great selection of gloves (like a 25'x5') display
I actually needed some more bike gloves and found ones similar to mechanix for $13, in my size, XL, often sold out 'nother thing off my todo list :)
I am glad this place is a short bicycle ride from our place
Plently of parking, reason enuf to check out that area (reminds one of dumbo in brooklyn)
Bonus points for not having too many unsavory characters lurking about in the surrounding areas
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Center Hardware has gotten me out of more than one pickle. Not only is it well stocked, but the staff is very helpful with recommendations for the want-to-fix-it-myself type. I haven't had to call a real repair person yet (except for major appliances).
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I am a girl who is completely clued in on shopping but clueless about hardware. My office sent me to the hardware store (because I was the only one not busy) to pick up a few things, including some screws of a certain length, wire to hang paintings, wall brackets, and other things that don't make sense to me. Shopping for hardware? Hardly my idea of a good time...but this place made it somewhat painless. The guys were helpful and even walked me around the store to help find exactly what I needed. They have very limited parking out front, but there's parking, nonetheless. Excellent service and great prices too.
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So, you have this bolt. The bolt is attached to something you love. And you were working on this think that you love on your deck or somewhere that has cracks in the floor. And you had oil on your hand because this thing that you love needs lubricant.
And you lost the nut for the critical bolt for the thing you love.
Enter center hardware. After perusing their freaking gigantic selection of *actual hardware* you locate the nut for your critical bolt. Your beloved item is back in action!
There are "hardware stores" that sell tchachkes, and there are hardware stores that actually sell hardware. This is one of the latter.
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I'm a real Do-It-Yourself home improvement kind of girl. I baulk at calling the repairman... and I love the adventure of learning to fix things myself. I've become quite handy and self sufficient over the years, and really enjoy the satisfaction on the self-repair.
So it's no surprise that I love this damn place! You name it, they've got it... with the exception of satin-finish stains. But they had the wood putty I needed, gardening supplies, saws, sanders, stains... I could go on and on.
It's rare thing for me to see another woman there, but that is to be expected in a service store that caterers to a male populated industry. but all the guys are super helpful in a respectful way. They are always stoked to see a girl get bit by the fixin' bug too.
A never ending supply of hardware... for a never ending supply of projects. I'm working on creating my own canvas stretchers, and staining my new dresser. Drill on folks!
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I live just a few blocks from Center and I can't rave enough about how awesome they are. I have to attend a baby shower next weekend for a
very special friend of mine. She is registered at one of those places where you can list all this crap that you need and want. That's not putting thought into a gift. I spent a couple of days thinking about what to give. My brain comes up with the idea of a little red wagon. Works
for a boy or a girl ( they don't know what the sex of the alien is yet ). I
called and looked on line and couldn't find a red wagon in the area.
Baby shower is next weekend, what am I going to do. Order on line and pay 40.00 for shipping....I would spend that extra 40.00 to put items into the little red wagon. Husband was going to Center to pick up items and I thought I'd tag along and just see if there was a chance in hell that Center might have a wagon. Walked all around and didn't see any. I then asked the most helpful woman behind the counter and she said they don't carry them but they could order a
Radio Flyer and I could get it by Thursday. The price was almost the same as the on line prices and I don't have to pay any shipping charges. They will call when it comes in and I can go pick it up. I sure
hope this little red wagon is well received cause it has caused me some stress!
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... did we mention how friendly they all are here, too?
Center Hardware is the hardware store of SF hardware stores. Good service and everything you could ever need (everything). Just keep in mind that on a cold winter day its colder inside that outside so don't forget your coat.
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I live within 5 minutes of this Hardware Store, and it's my go to b/c of proximity. With that said, they pretty much have everything your could want, and more w/ regards to hardware. It's big, and hard to find things, but not like home depot or anything. There is a knowledgeable staff that has been there for years...and they are friendly & helpful...if you can get the attention of one of them. The prices are fair, and there is usually parking pretty close... I don't frequent hardware stores... But I like them. I usually can find things there that make my life easier...
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Very well-stocked store for hardware, but for some stuff you will need to go to Discount Builder's supply, like HVAC equipment.
Staff is courteous and they have an amazing selection of tools.
I feel so lucky to have Center Hardware just a few blocks away from my abode! I can't begin to tell you how many times I've walked through their doors on the brink of tears from some sort of home improvement project gone terribly wrong (and I do mean TERRIBLY), no sort of solution in mind, and walk out with the problem resolved and a smile on my face! It's like my dad and Bob Villa had a bunch of babies and sent them to work at Center Hardware.
I love this place! Minus one star for the early closing time. All my DIY disasters seem to happen sometime between the hours of 5pm and 7am.
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I do like this place, but lately the vibe has been all wrong- kind of like a tattoo shop, where you're supposed to impress them with your definiteness. Maybe they shouldn't be open to non-professionals anymore, or only let certain of their employees deal with the general public.
Thus do 5 stars become 4.
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There are a few types of stores that flip my erotic lid: used music and hardware stores are at the top of the list.
Chains, not so much. Home Depot, Lowe's -- just a little. OSH can make my lips feel like they are buzzing but...
Especially independent hardware stores.
Very especially comprehensive independent hardware stores where the employees will bend over backwards to help you as you're wandering around in an extreme state of arousal with no ability to actually find what you're looking for because you're lightheaded and standing in front of a display of picture hanger hardware (not on the list) with your list clutched in your sweaty hands as you breathe through your mouth and all your naughty bits are...
...well, you get the picture.
Center Hardware, I love you in that good, really, really good way.
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Simply put, Center Hardware is THE HOLY GRAIL of hardware stores in SF. They were professional grade before it was an ad slogan.
Their expertise is unmatched, and they have a full-service nuts/bolts/specialty fasteners counter. Tell them what you need to do, and they'll hook you up big time.
The materials, tools and supplies are top-shelf, with nary a trace of cheap, disposable, made in China, chrome-plated crap that slips/rounds off bolts sending you to the ER for stitches.
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I would've given them five stars for being the best local alternative to Home Depot, but the experience was sullied a bit towards the end. We showed up a little before 4:00 on a Saturday, not realizing that they closed at 4:00, and wandered around trying to find what we needed for a cat furniture construction project. In the midst of a discussion about what type of nails we needed (I had no fucking clue there were so many different kinds), an employee crankily informed us that they were closed and we needed to leave. We simply hadn't heard the announcements (if there were any), we weren't just trying to keep the employees from going home. We did find the components for our project, however, and we had helpful service before this point, so I'm sure I'll be back the next time I'm in need of hardware.
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This place will forever get my business. I have to rave about a hardware store that can make a non-handy girl not feel supremely stupid and be actually well organized. Plus, when I mentioned to the very helpful employee assisting me that I had just bought my first condo and needed a screwdriver, and he gave me one of their holiday tool boxes with just about everything I needed to get started. FOR FREE. Great customer service!
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Usually, I would agree with most of the reviews here and have purchased here on many occasions without incident. They have a decent selection, but they sure aren't Home Depot or Lowes. But they are pretty much the only game in the city limits.
But on my most recent visit, I ran into the Not-So-Helpful Hardware Moron From Hell.
I was looking for a Woods Industires indoor 3 wire grounded FLAT extension cord, 13 feet or longer. I had a 9 footer in my car that I bought at Safeway but it was too short..
The mis-informed old man working there told me the reason they only sold 2 wire flat extensions is that 3 wires were not legal. I asked "not legal in SF, or not legal anywhere."
He said they were not legal anywhere, not UL approved and if I wanted 3 wire it needed to be a big thick round one.
I again told him I had a too short flat one in the car, to which he said "I don't care what you have, they're illegal and if you are using it under a carpet, I hope your house burns down!"
I asked him where I might be able to find a flat one and he kept harping on his mistaken notion that they were illegal. I left, went to my car, got the 9 foot flat white extension cord with the UL label on it and shoved it under his face and basically told him he was an idiot.
It degenerated into a shouting match after that with his son, who felt it necessary to jump into the fray.
So, even under normal circumstances, I'd never give them 5 stars on this occasion it was a 1 star experience. (5 stars go to companies that greet me when I walk in, ask if or how they can help me, and thank me for my business. An ACE that does that is the one on Alma Street in Palo Alto.)
Are you kidding me? You have to get over it, people. This is a HARDWARE store, inaccessible, barely open on the weekend, one location in the middle of the furthermost eastern portion of the city where nobody but I seem to live. It's not Bloomindgale's. What is the deal with you people?? I live literally across the street from this place. Let me go over this again. First, it closes at 5 or something. Not open Sunday. Closes at 4 on Saturday. Okay, if you are like me, that's when you need the stuff you need to do your weekend projects. This just sucks. Okay, that's 1 star gone. The second star is missing because it is in a very inaccessible place in the city, if you are in another neighborhood. You can find pretty much anything else in here at COLE Hardware, which I would give 4 stars to because it carries all kinds of weird-ass Chachkies and weird chicken placeholders and sunglasses. And it's not even that big: it's 1/10th the size of Home Depot, and has no other locations. Even Cole Hardware has like 3 locations. And though the people who work at Center are super-nice and the extremely cute tiny blonde girl with the glasses knows more about drill bits than any girl ever and i want to marry her) that is still not a star for me (and because she likes girls has nothing to do with it either!). This is what pisses me off about San Francisco: it's hip to be irreverent for irreverencies sake. If they sold cocktails or something, then add back a star. But otherwise, sorry, but it's just not a five star place. I mean, even Home Depot has a hot dogs out front! Christ.
If they don't have it, they can order it and if they can't order it, you don't need it.
This hardware store is the best in the city with plenty of hard to find items, great customer service, and competitive prices. It's like being a kid in a candy store.
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So the hours of this hardware store cater to the local construction crew. They're now open Saturday which rocks, but they close pretty early every day. However, their employees are super helpful and they have a huge stock of stuff that includes a bit of that random hardware store kitsch that I love. This is perfect for the SOMA crowd that knows getting into Cole Hardware near Market is a total headache.
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oh this place is great, great i tell you.
i love hardware stores with a passion. they give me some great ideas, and all sorts of fun i can have with just about anything.
i cannot get over the selection in every department. usually you go and find everything in one department, and then they kind of skimp on others, but not center hardware.
if you cannot find it here, you probably need to ask since there is so much here.
and while you are at it, pick up a lutz utility knife with the name and phone number printed right on it. probably the best utility knife made.
have fun shopping
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Live on Potrero Hill; been renovating a house over the past few months. These guys have helped immeasurably. The few things they didn't have showed up on a special order within a week. Awesome independent and the manager said it was family run. Good stuff.
the freaking best hardware store in the city.
period.
end of story.
i dare you to disagree!
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