Cole Hardware

Every few years I need to buy something that's obscure or whatever it takes to complete a task.

Where to go? Cole-Fox Hardware has everything you want along with everything you didn't know you needed until you need it.

Great store with pleasant and helpful people, too. I needed an odd type of vacuum cleaner bags a few years ago and Cole's people ordered a package for me to pick up in a few days. Today I wanted an item that's easy to find, but Cole's price was much lower than Radio Shack's for the same item.

Cole-Fox Hardware is the place to go when you want to do something but don't what kinds of things can help you do it. This store has 2 floors of stuff that should fill any need--it's worth a visit just to see the place.

Went in looking for bed frame hardware that got lost in a move and came across Rex who was amazing to speak with. He helped me find the hardware needed per the manufacturer specs and just had a great time speaking with him. He was very knowledgeable and quickly assisted me and knew his products. If you are on the lower floor look for him!!!!

It's not Home Depot or Ace Hardware and thank goodness it's not a Walmart.

It's much, much better and more than these. Especially the latter.

Don't get me wrong, I like both Home Depot and Ace, but I love this store. They may not carry everything; but more than likely, they just might...but sometimes they may not have enough of what you need or what you're looking for. But that's OK. It's always quality over quantity.

Even though they may not have the item(s) you're looking for, you can simply ask them to order them for you. And they'll happily do it with a smile without ripping you off or charging you a fortune. No hidden extra fees or delivery charges here. Just an overall good value hardware store in the heart of the SOMA district.

The store is very intimate, but it's not that small either. The layout is very easy to navigate from top to bottom. Everything is arranged specifically and purposely to the types of item(s) and tools that makes practical sense.

What it lacks in size more than makes up for its one-on-one customer service. It's got that feel of an old-time mom-and-pop neighborhood corner hardware store where everybody knows your name. Either that or it's because I'm usually wearing a name badge.

Hardware stores like these are a dying breed, but this one is thriving in downtown of all places. It's truly a store for the people of all ages and sizes that has a community feel to it.

A surprising and much needed beacon of light in a once bustling downtown.

I used to go to their 9th Street location, but since that closed, I come to the 4th Street location. It was great to Rex was still around. He has always been helpful with finding me what I need. What is also valuable, is his expert advice and tips on products and how to repair things. We had a washer leak. He told us what to look for in the hose and gave us the clamps needed for the repair. Thank you, Rex!

Needed a few weird sized screws to fix the heat shield under my car, and was completely lost trying to figure out what the right sizes/types were. Rex (sp?) Downstairs helped me figure out both, packaged them up too for me so I wouldn't lose them. Probably saved me 30' and an extra trip yo the hardware store! Very convenient location for keys etc too. Thank you!

Cole Hardware is an oasis in a zombie apocalypse cause by SF Government.

The store is chocked full of items you need...some you didn't even know you needed.

Needed some mold mildew remover for a property that had water issues during the current storms. Cole had six or seven to choose from.

Great staff.

Love you guys ...please stay in business.

After two years of being faithful customers, we were treated like criminals when walking in. The greeter at the door asked us if we had any questions or if we were looking for something in particular. I responded that we didn't need any help since we knew where everything was. He informed us there was a downstairs, which we already knew and spoke into his communication device that there's two people to keep an eye on. About ten feet away, a man in a black shirt labeled "Crew" stood with another man dressed in their usual red outfit, blocking the stairwell. The man in the "Crew" said, "Copy that. I've got an eye on them." We chose to ignore that since the area is seedy, and they probably have a lot of theft and were being thorough. We asked him where the doorknobs were. He took us to them, blocked the area where they were, grabbed a doorknob without showing us, and escorted us to the front to pay, handing the doorknob we hadn't even had a chance to look at or get a price on to the woman behind the counter. At that point, we decided to look up the item on Amazon and order it there since we had no idea what we would be presumably buying at the checkout counter or how much it would cost. We've tried to support this store over the last few years even though shopping online is easier, but we will not be returning after our last experience as it seems to have taken on an unwelcoming, militaristic environment.

This hardware store has a great selection and helpful service. We needed supplies for caulking, and we found everything we needed here. The prices seem quite reasonable. The aisles are wide enough that they don't feel cramped, which is helpful. I'd recommend this place!

I have been shopping at this Cole Hardware location in the city for a few years. Every time I have gone in looking for this or that, the store team has been knowledgeable and provide excellent advice and customer service. I went in yesterday and as usual, Rex in particular along with other team members provided amazing service, advice and made the store experience so pleasant.

The people there were attentive without feeling like one was monitoring you. Before leaving because I couldn't find what I was looking for I was stopped by a staff and he genuinely asked if I found everything I was looking for. My response was no and I went into detail what I was looking for. Afterward, he told me a relatable story and helped me find what I was looking for and it was much, much cheaper than buying it through Amazon. Rex, you are awesome and I greatly appreciate the relevant story and your assistance.

I'm in here fairly often and it's always a good experience. I routinely get my questions answered easily by the staff and find exactly what I need. Yesterday I stopped in looking for a hose bib cap and I was directed to it by maybe the most helpful employee I've ever run across at this store, which is saying something, a man by the name of Rex. After helping me with that, he proceeds to advise me on a handful of other issues my building often runs into, turning this routine stop at the hardware store into one of the most instructive interactions I've had in a long time. It was awesome. So yeah, stop in and say hi to Rex. He knows what he's talking about, as does everyone who works at the 4th Street Cole Hardware.