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Categories: Hardware Stores, Keys & Locksmiths, Lighting Fixtures & Equipment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow HollowMon-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"Castro Locksmith was fast, efficient, affordable, friendly. I locked myself out of my house one afternoon last week for the first time…" read more »
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Wow I can't believe I actually went into a hardware store.
I don't normally deal with this type of stuff cuz I hate dealing with grumpy old men who have patience.
I was pleasantly. It was a blast from the past. It is an old fashion hardware store with friendly and informed staff.
I like it! Great location.
I have mixed feelings about this store--echoing other Yelpers..
-Love that it is a locally owned business
-Love their staff--each knowledgeable and helpful...I've had experience with the main hardware store as well as the Benajmin Moore Paint section
-Over priced
-Very limited hours--I can never get here in time after work
-Way under staffed-One day I walked into the paint store and waited at least 15 minutes before I can talk to someone..then waited another 15 to be helped...once I can talk to a staff..I was able to have all my questions answers..but very time consuming
This paint store makes home depot look like a scrap yard. I was thoroughly impressed when I walked in utterly and completely distraught over some black markings littered about my mint green walls. I was going crazy over these black markings (note to self never sublease out your room to a frat boy while away for the summer) and John was able to put me at ease. The guys here know what they are talking about. He suggested I get a sample, they would match it and then even directed me on which brushes to buy to wipe out the little black buggers. The entire process was quick, inexpensive and completely comforting.I can't say enough good things about the knowledgeable, kind, and helpful sales people who work here. Even if you think you're good enough to rough it at home-depot, Fredricksen's begs the question- "why would you even want to?". There's no sale that can beat out good common sense.
I hate to ding someone in a down economy, but ....I've been frequenting Fredrickson's for 30 years. I always know that it is more expensive, but it is close to my office so I 'm willing to pay a bit more for the convenience. However the new owners (whomever they may be) either should lower prices are increase their staff. I went in recently at 5:30 on a Thursday hoping to buy two rather pricey items. Instead of the usual three persons in housewares and three in Hardware there was One person in hardware helping someone. No one in Housewares, after I asked the front desk person to page housewares and I waited 5 minutes I left. Premium prices necessitate premium service IMHO
I first came to Fredricksens because it is just a short ride on the 22 from my home. I originally came looking for window accessories but left with a blender, some dish towels, and a few other things I didn't even know I needed. They have everything! Easy to get lost in there as they really do have a little bit of everything. I took off one star because it is a little expensive but when Muni is your preferred mode of transportation it is easier to pay a little more than hassle with moving and reparking the car. Also - their customer service is outstanding - they are always willing to answer questions.
I really enjoy a great hardware store and Fredericksen Hardware is a great hardware store.
One of my favorite pass-times is to go into a hardware store with a question, like, I have these French louvered doors that are dusty. I want to make them glossy again. I don't want to sand and strip, but I don't mind putting in some elbow grease. What should I do?
A whole world of wood finishing and polishing techniques opened in front of me. Who knew I would know what polyurethane, shellac, and lacquer are, the differences between them, and why one would be preferred over the other.
Or, say, I get this impulse to hang a bunch of dogwood branches from my ceiling, but I need some kind of wire. It has to be thin, yet sturdy enough to hold the branches. Also, what can I use to preserve the blooms? Shellac spray? Really?
To top if off, besides the super helpful and friendly staff who are beyond educational, they have everything.
Need a can opener? Different grit sandpaper? How about a glass vase? An outdoor grill? Table cloth? Clothesline? What, Wusthof knives as well? Le Creuset cookware?
What don't they have? What don't they know? What can't they help me with?
Who needs friends when you have Fredericksen's to help you? (I apologize in advance to all my friends, you are all irreplacable, I swear.)
I grew up in this neighborhood so I've been going to Fredericksen's forever. The prices are sky high, so I only go here for the convenience, if I'm in a hurry, or if I'm looking for cheap items such as screws, nails, glue, etc.
There is very little turnover in the staff, they treat their employees well and so they tend to stay forever, and they're really nice to dogs - I used to walk in with my dog Libby, she'd immediately head behind the counter and look as cute as possible while they fed her biscuits, I'd shop and head to the front to pay, and there she'd be, still behind the counter, getting spoiled.
The staff is quite knowledgeable and they will really give you your money's worth in terms of advice, if you're doing a small project and you're not quite sure how to approach it. They may actually come up with a creative way to get it done, and then sell you what you need.
Street parking sucks, though there is a public garage three blocks away on Lombard between Fillmore and Webster.
This place really does have a neighborhood feel, it's like a throwback to 40 years ago.
I am always surprised that Fredericksen Hardware has everything I need. Its so tiny in there, but without fail, they always have everything I need from antique plumbing fittings to carbon monoxide detectors etc etc etc.
Sometimes I just like to browse, and at times the staff can seem overwhelming, but really, who am I to complain that someone asks me if I need help? Better than Home Depot where you have to hike for a mile just to ask someone to get someone else to help you.
We used to shop here regularly even though we live about a mile away...this place has changed over the past few years. They have moved the paint department to a separate store two doors down..ok, but they increased the housewares department. who buys a lot of this crap anyway?
Calling this place a hardware store is now a real stretch...
also parking here is nearly impossible...
Definitely not what a hardware store should be....you'd be better off heading over to Cole or Brownies on Polk Street or Hardware Unlimited on Sacramento Street.
This is the kind of neighbourhood hardware store that I really like. It's stuffed to the gills with a good hardware selection and as a bonus has a really good housewares section and new Patio/BBQ area. And it's been around well before I first moved to SF 20 years ago.
However, it doesn't appear to have the "hands on" service model or the really full selection (especially for older Albany homes) that I have come to appreciate at Pasttime in El Cerrito, hence only 4 Stars. And it is a "bit" pricier than I'm used to. But I suppose that if you can afford to live in the Marina......
I love that Fredericksen is only a short walk from my place. I have relied on this little hardware store for many things, and they do not disappoint.
I like that they have a huge section of the store devoted to kitchen gadgets and glassware as well. Sure the prices are a bit on the high side, but it beats getting in the car, losing my parking spot and driving out to home depot where I can never find stuff. Shop locally!
When I work in the Marina, I like to come here for supplies when needed. Friendly staff who knows where it's at, plenty of material, and relatively reasonable prices are all that I ask from a hardware store.
These guys deliver.
Is this a Cole hardware chain? It sure has a small town store feel.
When I decided to repaint our humble apartment, this place was a life saver. They don't have a whole lot of staff but the few that man the joint are super-helpful. They made my project so painless and when I was done, I'd learned a bunch more about semi-gloss, eggshell, hues and values (yeah,really!). They don't blow you off and don't even try to sell you a bunch of useless stuff.
I love the place and recommend them highly for a totally un-intimidating experience no matter how big or small your home improvement project is.
Even if I no longer live in the hood, this remains my neighborhood hardware store. Oh sure, things can be cheaper at Home Depot and what not. But when you are in a pinch, well, you are in a pinch.
So yesterday, I figured they would have what I needed. And sure enough, the staff was friendly, and pointed me to what I was looking for promptly.
The best part? the cost of that ...part was...75 cents! What now, I fixed my shower head issue (yes, we all have issues, mine happened to be a shower head issue yesterday...) for 75 cents. That's inclusive of tax.
I am no price elasticity expert, but I was willing to pay more, way more.
So I am on the stroll down Union in the old hood and I slip make a left on Fillmore. While a few of the places have changed, Fredericksen's Hardware is still there. I drop in to see what's new (I used to go there 2-3x a week), and got a bucket of cold water thrown on me. I didn't recognize the place. The people were different, the inventory was different, and even the 'feel' was different. There was all of this Le Creuset everywhere. The prices were up to 20% more than other stores. This place has been there forever (literally), and has real roots in the neighborhood. That old charm was lost.
Tip: Stick to the hardware, and leave the housewares (room on the right) for the people in the vertical striped shirts.
I was sent here by my boss to pick something up; once I got there I realized it's not just a regular hardware store; they have a separate section for kitchen stuff--I've never seen so many kitchen gadgets!
Stuff like lemon zesters and avacado slicers...onion goggles, adorable dish towels! I wanted everything in the store. I'm definitely a Martha Stewart devotee and this place was my idea of Heaven. An apron with cherries on it--just what I've been needing!
My reverie broke though, when I found the Mason jars I've been coveting, you know, to put candles in out on my deck, so the wind doesn't blow out the flame! They had four or five different sizes, and the medium size Mason jar was 15.99!!! It's a glass jar, people, not a crystal vase, sheesh!
I got what I came for and hightailed it out of there, not to return until my ship comes in.
Great little hardware store. The staff was super friendly!
I found what I need, in and out within 10 mins.
I LOVE IT!
I'll be going back soon!
Not that I spend a lot of time in hardware stores or anything, but this place rocks! They have so much packed into this store. What a great resource for people in the area. I was all set to make the trip over to Home Depot, when we decided to just stop and take a peak. Very happily surprised with value and service.
Great addition to the neighborhood!!
I don't kid myself that I'm good at fix-it jobs. In fact, I'm way less than good...I pretty much suck. However, sometimes, even a girl like me needs to visit a hardware store in search of paint rollers, tarps and spackle.
God I love spackle.
I was in the neighborhood, so decided to stop in and ask the sales kids what supplies I might need in order to paint my new casa.
I told the guy working the register that I've never painted and he looked at me like I was crazy and then refused to leave the counter to come help me.
Instead, he pointed and gestured to products that might be useful without lifting a finger or moving a muscle...
"Nope not that shelf, just one more over....no, no, go up from there....the black package, can't you see it? ugh, ok, over two containers....no, no the other way...."
And it continued that way until a dude walked in and promptly got delivered A+ service while I plundered my way through the shelves in search of my gear.
Apparently guys get lucky here...not us ladies.
It goes without saying I will never be coming back to this store again. Customer Service is a joke and the prices are sky high.
This place reaffirms why I am soooo not a fan of the Marina.
So, maybe this is not the last corner hardware store. Given the density of beautiful SF, it is feasible that these sorts of places that sell shoelaces and mothballs next to vacuum cleaners and hair rollers still exist.
Fredrickson's is the 'last corner hardware store.' Though I'm not sure if they are franchised, they seem to have that old 'Tell me whatcha want buddy and i'll fix ya up' hardware store attitude.
In addition to having the crusty old cluttered feel, they have hard-to-find original fixtures such as the old chrome hangers that go on top of crown molding to suspend pictures from in those 1940's plaster and Victorian-style homes.
Ahh, may Home Depot never enter this wonderful city. Long live the corner hardware store (though this one is not on a corner).
Best hardware store in the city.
A couple of years back I was in Fredrickson's buying a space heater, and I noticed that a couple of police officers were interviewing some employees. I was curious, so I asked what happened.
The guy ringing me up informed me that a couple of guys had come in, ripped some heaters off the shelf, ran out of the store, and jumped into an Audi. The cashier then informed me that he took off after them, and threw himself on the car to stop them. He was dragged for a while, and they sped off.
DAMN! Now THAT is a commitment to your job! And he went right back to work after that...
Seriously, I LOVE Fredrickson Hardware. They love their work.
preface: this review is based on one shopping experience, and just one item sold.
Due to some issue with a household *thing*, had to stop by for the fixer-upper. The sales associate was super helpful, even told me that although that particular item was more expensive than the other brand, it works waaaay better. I already had a cheaper one from another hardware store (and no, it didn't even work!), so I went by his recommendation.
Got home. Fixed the problem in 3 minutes!
THANK YOU!!!
Yet another of the village-y hardware stores that keeps the home-owning, garden-tending, dog-walking, and otherwise bon-vivanting SF'ers from having to, like, get in the ZipCar and head to the Daly City Home Depot for their home-appreciation project (the horror!) I myself, perhaps inspired by the brisk sea air and all-around yuppieness of the Marina, came here looking for glass jars to store my bulk cereals from Rainbow in. In the end, I didn't find exactly what I wanted, but I was impressed by how much they've crammed into the place. Overpriced? Sure, but your blessed Marina lifestyle is worth it, right?
Local hardware place with most of the things you'll need for your basic apartment and home maintenance needs. Carries most of the odd things that neighborhood apartments build in the 1920's and 1930's will need - got one of those oddball vintage fuses? Fredericken's got 'em. Need keys cut, wooden dowels, martini glasses, pots, pans, shelves, you name it. The stuff is very helpful and friendly.
Support your neighborhood hardware store! If you need bulk lumber, go to Home Depot, but if you need the simple things, it's worth a few pennies extra to support the place that's within walking distance and doesn't require 20 minutes on the road. :)
This is a neighborhood hardware store within walking distance of my apartment so I decided to stop in to get some keys duplicated here.
Service: I asked at the front counter about my keys when I first arrived, and the person at the counter pointed toward the back. I followed signs through the various 'rooms' and almost walked past the key section. There wasn't anyone in the vicinity and as I looked for someone, another customer happened to come into the area needing someone to help with keys also. After a few minutes we finally found an employee, and this person told us to press the button by the keys for service. This was not in obvious site or anything, but we did as told and waited for another 3-4 minutes. After waiting, I pressed the button again and it made the same sounds as we waited another few minutes. Finally an employee came to our area and was able to duplicate our keys. After I was finished, I went to the front counter to pay. The employee at the front was fast and efficient, but I didn't think it would take so long just to get keys duplicated.
Quality/Value: The price was a little high for the one service I needed here. As I walked through, I checked a few other items that are on my shopping list. I decided to wait until the next time I made a trip out of the city to Target to buy those items as they were overpriced.
Overall, this place is mediocre and a bit expensive. However, it is convenient and within walking distance, and saves driving a car out of the city when in a hurry for just a couple of items.
Simply the best hardware store in the City! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help. I've been hear probably over 30 times in 6 years, and they've always provided me a solution to my home needs.
These guys truly are the best.
My favorite hardware store. They have everything! It cost more than Home Depot but you save on the gas and the 15 minute drive. Tough to find parking.
By far the largest selection of plate holders I could find in a hardware store (and I've been looking). They were also more expensive than I expected, but finding everything in one trip tops that for me.
The staff is sometimes very helpful and friendly, sometimes a little less so, but I love that there's a real hardware store in the neighborhood with things, (such as a particular brass picture rail hook) that I can't find anyplace like Ace or Home Depot. Parking is a bit of a challenge, as is typical for the neighborhood, but they have a free delivery service.
Not a bad little hardware store. Decent selection and helpful staff. Prices are a bit on the high side, but then I think it's against the law to have good prices on anything in the marina. Only complaint is I recently had them make two copies of three keys, but found when I got home that I only had 5 keys instead of the 6 that they charged me for.
Overpriced and tough luck if you buy faulty products.
Was disappointed with my recent experience at Fredrickson's. I bought SO much at this store (mostly out of convenience - it is so damn expensive!) I purchased a B&D iron a year ago and it died on me last week.
I brought the iron back to exchange for a new one. They flat out refused unless I had a receipt. OK, so that makes sense. I understand the return policy and everything, but no, I didn't keep a receipt for an iron (an expensive one too I might add) I bought a year ago, but they basically said tough luck - call Black & Decker and go figure it out yourself. Unlesss I want to go home and search all my credit card statements for anything I'd bought from Fredrickson's (WHICH WAS A LOT!) then I am SOL. I just think the smaller mom and pop shops should really look out for the loyal patrons and go the extra mile.
I'll drive to Bed Bath and Beyond to buy my next iron or any other appliance for that matter. A much more customer friendly policy, better customer service, and I can use that handy dandy 20% off coupon and not get ripped off at Fredrickson's.
This is a fine hardware store that never has to worry about being put out of business by a big-box hardware store as one could never, ever fit in this neighborhood. There are always plenty of staff walking the aisles here and all of them seem to know where every little item is, whether it be the right wrench (but not a wench, you get those down the street) for me, or the right magnifying glass and wicker basket for the "fashion sensible detective story" gift basket being put together by the fabulous-haired Margaret T. Great Store.
The best (read: only) hardware store in the neighborhood. When you move in there is a compulsory visit to get your keys copied, buy a plunger, and pass Pizza Orgasmica for the first time before midnight.
I just moved to San Francisco from Wisconsin and have been into Fredericksen's probably about 6 times already. I am so impressed with this place - any problem or issue I have with my apartment, they've got answers for. And they're friendly and helpful but not pushy. Pretty much anything you could need for your apartment or house resides within this store's inexaustible walls.
Great little hardware store. They have a great selection of reasonably priced kitchen gadgets. Want a chinois but don't feel like paying Williams Sonoma prices, check out Fredricksons.
Only downfall to this hardware store is that there horribly over priced. Save your money and head out to home depot or another hardware store.
Fredericksen is the hardware store you went to as a kid--the one with the narrow aisles and cramped shelving. It doesn't have the selection or variety of a "home despot", but if you're like me and halfway through a project you've lost a few bolts and don't have the right wrench, it will save your life.
They have damn near anything you could need for minor house work/repair. The counter people are super friendly. It is very convenient for all you marina dwellers out there.
Great little hardware store with everything from gardening items, to super glue, to silverware. Only downside is the price. But if you go here, you are willing to pay for the convenience (as I always seem to be willing to do when I'm in the middle of a project).
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