Orchard Supply Hardware

Elite '08

141

343

Steven N.

Pacifica, CA

I like the fact that this OSH isn't crowded on weekdays when I go in. The other side of that coin is that they don't have someone at the commercial services checkout counter fulltime and sometimes I have to wait in line to buy the things I need.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

23

122

Steve J.

Fremont, CA

I needed special screws for a project I had and visited "Appliance Parts Distributor" in San Leandro and Fremont, an ACE Hardware in Hayward, Harbor Freight Tools in Newark and a Home Depot in Oakland before coming here.  

[reference my other related review: http://www.yelp.com/bi... ]

    Even though this is a chain hardware store, I really like the small town feel and attention I got from this store at this location.  The store's interior seemed very clean and organized.  The clientle and the people that worked here appeared to be retired folks.  
    At first I didn't know what to make of the place but gave it a shot since it's within a 10 min drive from where I live.  I went over to the appliance department to inquire about special screws for my project.  This friendly "old man" approached me and asked whether I needed help.  He quickly warmed up to me and eventually "schooled" and educated me on W&D appliances and screws more than I ever wanted to know.  
    He had no other customers but he also really cared about the project I was working on.  He was giving away good knowledge for free!  The size for the screws I needed was given to me from APD [see link above] and eventually I believe was NOT the right size (even though it came from a computer DB for the official part size and number).  
    I wanted to confirm the size of the screw I needed from the same part on a display he had on his showroom.  Again this old man had nothing else going on so he offered to help me take out the part from his display to measure!  It wasn't the most conveniently placed screw located under the pedestal drawer of the washer.  I asked whether he had a racket wrench (since it WAS a hardware store!) and he went away for 10 minutes looking for one!  We both eventually found the part needed from the washer and to confirm my suspicions, it was a DIFFERENT size screw than what APD provided me with!  
    We went down the appropriate aisle and picked out a couple pouches of screws I needed for no more than $2.00 (vs $72+; see my other review above)!!!  That made my day.  
    I was wrong!!!  Appearances are deceiving and don't just an old man by his cover!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

19

142

Orie M.

Union City, CA

People get tricked into going to Lowe's or Home Depot because of the larger warehouses and fancy TV ads. Unless you are building a new garage or something, Orchard Supply is better for your needs. I saw this pole that you use to screw and unscrew light bulbs in high areas, and it was $19.99 at Lowe's and $14.99 at Orchard Supply. For the same exact item! Also, you almost never have to wait in line to pay at Orchard Supply. ALSO, the staff is usually more helpful. I love the plastic smell there.. YUM!!!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

317

269

Amy R.

Berkeley, CA

OSH has a nice selection of garden accessories (pots, soil, etc.)  It's where I go when the Longs seasonal section no longer contains such things.  The salespeople are friendly and helpful and some of them actually know about plants (which is more than I can say for Target).

You should be careful when purchasing plants there because I found a few potted herbs that were mislabeled (peppermint labeled as chocolate mint...hey, there is a difference!)

The main reason that I don't shop here all of the time is that their prices are higher than everywhere else.

Update: I got a great price on dwarf citrus here.  They had about 4 different kinds too.  My little orange tree smells like heaven on my balcony!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

30

125

Willis W.

Fremont, CA

Although this is still a chain hardware store, it still has  neighborhood feel to it, run by people who not only care to be there, but know a thing or two about what they sell and what these things are used for.  Plus, unlike the big box warehouse stores, it is quite easy to find someone to help you.  I find it a much less stressful experience going here for small things to make repairs or simple projects VS the big warehouse joints, it's just quicker.

And for certain cuts of wood, OSH has far beter quality.  It might cost a little more, but I'd rather have that option then have to pick through a pile of junk lumber.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

9

121

Jessica S.

Fremont, CA

This is a standard hardware store.

Their garden selection is pretty weak.  They have the plant return policy, but some of the plants already look like they're on their way to the morgue.

They quite often have cute little kids stuff: benches and play tents.  My son loves those things.  He also likes the garden decorations they have; butterflies and birds on sticks.

I think if you have the choice you might as well go to Lowe's.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

10

96

Charlye W.

Fremont, CA

Shopping here is much faster than at larger chains like Home Depot or Lowes.  This location always has the right amount of cashiers, and if you need to pick up a bulky item, you pay for the item, then drive your car through the supply building where a bunch of beefy young guys load up your truck or car.

(Okay, I'll admit that I was tempted to tack on an extra star for the beefy guys, but I didn't.)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review