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Center Hardware & Supply Company
Categories: Shopping Home & Garden Hardware Stores Home Services Building Supplies Home Services Keys & Locksmiths Hardware Stores, Building Supplies, Keys & Locksmiths [Edit]
999 Mariposa St(at Pennsylvania Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
(415) 861-1800
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
97 reviews for Center Hardware & Supply Company
Review Highlights
"This place has pretty much everything you need."
(in 8 reviews)
"...very competitive with those big chain shops like Home Depot."
(in 17 reviews)
"Love that they pretty much have anything I need."
(in 3 reviews)
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97 reviews in English
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Review from Matsuo U.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2011
Itsa 5er.
Go in, describe an obscure thing you need - like this little metal thing that looks like this..... doing a hand gesture ... which does not work (Charades is not their strong suit) , since they are more into Pictionary...draw it....
Response: oh, isle 5 half way down, middle shelf.
Not a big chain hardware / lifestyle store, however good sized and with great folks to help. Prices can be bigger than the big chain, but not a difference that would cause me to not patronize this gem. -
Review from Dee Tail G.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
My local hardware joint. They have a bunch of stuff here, and if they don't have it, they'll order it for you. Very nice people.
Some prices might be a little higher than your chainity-chain-chains, but pick yer poison. -
Review from Neil H.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
This is a hardware store. Old school.
It is not a "home improvement" store, a shrine to crap you don't need, a vendor of outdoor furniture or appliances.
Hardware.
They are everything a hardware store should be, right here in the city. They have an incredible selection of fasteners of all types, including furniture bolts, specialty hardware, stainless, SAE and metric. Their selection of adhesives is comprehensive. They have industrial supplies and most things you need for various projects both domestic and commercial.
Are they cheaper than the huge, lowest common denominator stores? No. But they're fair, have what I need, and I'm not there for 3 hours to get what I want. Supporting them insures that I can find the specialty stuff I need. They're also locally owned, by a person in our community. That's worth something to me, all by itself. -
Review from Daniel C.
Danville, CA
1/22/2012
Helpful, innovative and nice selection.
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Review from D D.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
The staff here is all-knowing and very helpful. Really excellent service. I love coming here when they are open. The only downside is they are only open until 5pm so I can never get there in time. Otherwise, they would get 5 stars for sure.
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Review from Lisa L.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2011
I've been to this place no less than 25 times. Growing up with an architect/engineer father, we used to make 2 x 4 wooden airplanes before I was old enough to wield power tools - the tinkerer remains in me.
This place has been a mixed bag for me. More often than not, they're super helpful and it's clear that most of the guys working there live for this stuff. Asking stupid questions aren't met with blank looks, rather, helpful suggestions and direction to product.
Last time I was in there I was asking them to cut a piece of a door threshold I'd purchased - the manager guy looked concerned when I asked. Finally, said "well, that will be $3". It was either $3 or $6, no matter, I may have paid $20.
Another experience wasn't so great. This was when I was researching door thresholds - I asked one guy if they had some of the parts they were advertising in stock. His response was, "I don't think so - you have to order them - and we usually sell them to contractors." As in, you won't sell them to the blond girl standing in front of you? Or, you can't answer any questions about this because the people buying them usually know more than you and me?
Four stars - you can buy almost anything your heart desires here, even though it can often feel like a treasure hunt. -
Review from Sheri G.
San Carlos, CA
12/8/2011
Old time hardware store with everything you need! Wonderful staff who know what they are talking about. Very helpful and accomodating in every area. Wish they had a store on the peninsula...then I wouldn't have to shop at the big chain stores and feel like my business wasn't worth their time. If I could give Center more than 5 stars, I certainly would.
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Review from Bodhi D.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2011
Was hanging out with some contractor buddies on the Hill working on a project. We ran out of supplies and I said I could go to Mission or South Van Ness, but they sent me here. Thank goodness they did because parking and traffic here is a cinch compared to Mission or Civic Center.
The staff are equally nice with the pros and amateurs (like me). -
Review from Holly B.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2010
Now THIS is a what a hardware store should be like...old school, occasionally cranky staff, the smell of hardware.
Love that it's in my neighborhood. Love that they pretty much have anything I need.
Reminds me a lot of my neighborhood hardware store growing up. -
Review from Ash H.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2011
I love having Center Hardware 3 blocks away from me. Really convenient when we're in a pinch and need hardware or keys cut.
I really like the staff. They're never rude--and to be honest I'd rather they be a little offstandish than bothering me all the time/assuming I'm a total idiot because I'm a small Asian girl.
(disclaimer, I'm probably only 30% less of a total idiot than a stereotypical Asian girl. While I know my way around a woodshop, I'm kind of screaming on the inside the whole time)
ANYWAY. I couldn't give five stars because the key cutting is a little iffy. I've mostly had perfect keys cut, but once I had a literally unusable key. Sad panda. -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Santa Monica, CA
10/13/2010
Center hardware is a hidden local gem!
I have my grandmother's lamp that I LOVE. The only problem? It has an old very big light bulb. I went to Home Depot and they told me that the days of my lamp were over. I went to Lowe's and they didn't even know what I was referring to!
Then I found Center. The store's owner not only had a light bulb that fit my lamp, but a converter so I could use a regular bulb the next time it burnt out.
I love this store and miss it now that I'm in Los Angeles! -
Review from catherine g.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
This hardware store is great, it's one of the few hardware stores in the city that has a knowledgable staff. I'd rather go here anyday, than to the big box stores where no one seems available to help you and if you can find someone they know nothing. Save yourself the frustration and go to center hardware .
-
Review from Theo R.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2009
These guys are always helpful and know services throughout the city.
Any questions on out sourcing services, they have the answer.
Parking's a bit sketch, but all the employees like their job and like to help.
I feel more comfortable at customer service here than any other hardware store.
If they don't know, they won't lie.
I can't ask for anything more. -
Review from andy r.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2006
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. -
Review from Kingpin X.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2007
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! -
Review from Christine S.
Ramsey, NJ
5/20/2008
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. -
Review from G K.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2007
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 http://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 -
Review from Bhautik J.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2009
The folks who work here are pleasant and helpful, not to mention enormously patient. Whenever I come up with my next crackpot project, these are the folks I go to first when it comes to sourcing materials. They'll listen carefully when I describe to them how I want to attach a toilet plunger to a camera, and with a straight face they suggest what I should use and give alternative places to go to if they don't carry what I need.
Their enormous selection of materials and tools means that I can lose hours here, randomly browsing over bits and pieces and wondering how I can use them in my next project.
My only gripe is that opening hours are a little short - not open on Sundays, and shop closes up at 4pm on Saturdays - but that really isn't that big a deal. Given that they open so early on weekdays, it's also possible to pop in before work.
From what I've seen of other stores in the city, I'd cheerfully concur that this is probably the best hardware store in San Francisco. -
Review from Allyson S.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2008
Best hardware store in the city.
I remember walking here when with my dad when I was a little kid and playing with everything inside. I realized much later that they don't actually like you playing with everything, but they never yelled at me.
Now I come back here less often, but whenever I have a hardware need this is my first and last stop.
They are excellent at cutting keys, unlike some other places (cough cough irving street hardware) -
Review from John C.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2006
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. -
Review from Barry A.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2007
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! -
Review from Summer T.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2008
OMG...How stupid I have been... for years.
I have passed this place a thousand times, but thought it was a commercial business, how wrong I was.
I have died and gone to old fashioned, crowded, has EVERYTHING hardware store, and there are lots of FRIENDLY staff too.
I don't know if I can build a house from this place, but it sure beats, Discount, Post Tool, Cole and most other non Depot/Loewe's local stores for depth of fix it handyman stuff and quick service.
Long live Center. -
Review from Deb V.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2010
Not to discriminate against girls and tools, but I have no tool knowledge going into this place. Most of the customers are people who know their stuff so I felt very out of place. The folks here were super nice and helpful every time. I even got offered bottled water!
Some pros:
1) Great, helpful staff so you get the local shop friendly atmosphere feel.
2) EVERYTHING you need is here. Well, almost!
3) Decent prices and very competitive with those big chain shops like Home Depot.
Some cons:
1) Parking is seriously f****ed up. There's no organized sense of parking here and it's right next to the freeway entrance so I freak out that I'll get side swiped every time by accelerating vehicles.
2) Hours suck. -
Review from Tom H.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2010
GREAT FOR EVERYTHING BUT KEYS.
Just what you want in a hardware store (as opposed to a building materials store). They have aisles of fasteners. Bunches of mailbox locks. Pipe nipples up the wazoo.
Caveat: I have nothing but trouble with their keys. Yes, they'll redo non-working ones for free... but really, I want it to work the first time without having to run back and forth (and their hours don't help). Maybe it's a training issue, or machines worn, or out of calibration... whatever. They can't make a key to save their lives.
BTW: This corner of the Hill is becoming a little construction mecca, with Fregosi Paints right there. -
Review from Nancy W.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2006
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. -
Review from Elizabeth L.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2007
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! -
Review from Ed H.
Belmont, CA
9/21/2007
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! -
Review from james K.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2007
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. -
Review from Marlon O.
Benicia, CA
8/3/2008
Been here numurous times looking for odd ball crap I needed for work. I have never been able to not find what I am looking for. Staff can also be helpfull and friendly if/when you need em'.
I hope this place stays around for a long time! Parking can be a b!tch and so can reversing out of the small lot infront. -
Review from Gary N.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2009
I opened a business 6 years ago, and desperately needed a hardware store I could go to frequently where my stupidity need not be disguised, and where I might not feel stupid.
Thanks to all the fates, Center Hardware was the local store.
I love them dearly, these many years later, because of thier excellent customer service. This place GETS, what crappy hardware stores don't, that it's all about huge inventory and customer service.
If you live anywhere near here, and need any supplies, come to Center Hardware and let thier friendly experts help save your favorite projects. -
Review from Courtney C.
Oakland, CA
5/16/2011
Awesome staff! Super friendly and knowledgeable!!!!
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Review from Brandon Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2008
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. -
Review from Dawn J.
Dallas, TX
3/12/2007
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. -
Review from Tracy Y.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2008
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. -
Review from Norm G.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2007
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.) -
Review from Dana S.
8/28/2009
The best stocked hardware store I've found in the city. It reminds me of the places my dad used to drag me when I was little.
This was the only place I managed to track down the exact heavy-duty tarp I needed by 5pm today. -
Review from Peter v.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2007
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. -
Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2009
PRO: Really have tons of stuff for the size of the store; intelligently laid out, very helpful staff, and they sell quality goods.
ANTI: The full page of paper that accompanies every sale (wasteful!); the parking situation is a major klusterfuegen. All said, probably the best hardware store on the east side of SF. -
Review from Eva W.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2007
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! -
Review from Jesse H.
Fairbanks, AK
3/15/2011
Best hardware in the bay.
