1540 Hardware

I want to like this place, but I cannot. It just has deficits in every category. Some of the annoyances are frivolous and would be experienced at any hardware store in the city. Most stores do not pre mix paint. Sorry Marissa R, you’re living in a fantasy world, where hardware stores just know the paint you want before you have even shown up. I understand the space is small, but this store could be much better stocked. More plumbing, more electrical, more tools, and more hardware. Most other hardware stores manage to stock more with less space. To the owner’s credit though, his store is one of the neatest and tidiest I have ever seen.
The hours have been scaled back, but I also understand it’s impractical for this place to be open until 10:00 every night. Regardless, consistent hours would be better (e.g. not closing fifteen minutes early because business is slow). The staff is super friendly, but in my experience it’s been a whole lot of «very sorry, but we don’t have that» while smiling apologetically.
However, I am happy this place exists. I just think it could serve the neighborhood better. So, if we’re going to criticize this place, let’s make it constructive feedback rather than lampooning the owner for «having to pick up his kids.»

I had some keys made here the other day. The guy at the front was very polite, quick to make the keys and no prob with me bringing my dog in. Their was even a water dish for pups which was really nice (super hot day, pup and I were exhausted). Very air conditioned (it’s the little things:) I was in and out in no time and the keys all fit (recent bad experience at a big box store where 2 of the keys were made incorrectly). We’ve also been here in the past for random household items and never had a problem. And they are open until 7 which really helps.

I’ve been here a couple of times when in town visiting my sister. For such a small store they carry all the essentials and then some? The shelves tower high and the aisles are narrow which lends itself to a funhouse feel. There is plenty to look at and the staff is the perfect combination of friendly and helpful without being overbearing. Perfect little corner hardware store!

I have been here a few times good prices and has everything i need.

We love this place. Like many other people, we like to support local businesses of East Passyunk. The owner here is very friendly and knowledgeable. I had a rather odd project last summer that required using chemicals to remove something plastered to some wood. He helped me find the right product and told me how to use it safely.
We’ve also gone here for paint before. Someone else posted that they didn’t carry premade paint here and have to mix it up, which is true and in my experience standard, even for Lowe’s. They will, however, make it while you wait and it doesn’t take any longer than it would somewhere else. I’m not sure what happened with the other poster but it sounds like an atypical experience; we have had nothing but pleasant experiences here. Yes, the inventory is limited, but it’s a small business. They’re not going to carry every possible item ever because they don’t have the room or enough of a demand. If you want quality service and products, definitely come here!

I had a great experience at 1540 hardware today! I was so happy that they were open until 7, so I could stop on my way home from work. The prices were extremely reasonable and one of their salesmen went above and beyond to assist me.
Being someone who doesn’t understand hardware too well, they made everything so easy! The whole experience honestly made my day. I will definitely be coming back!

In my attempt to support a local EPass business, I’ve become nothing but frustrated.
I need some simple off-​white paint to cover a couple patches in my kitchen, so I decided to go to 1540. Apparently, they don’t actually keep any paint colors in stock, and everything has to be mixed by hand. I placed an order for a semi-​gloss in a chosen random white color and gave the clerk my phone number, saying that I’d be back early next week to pick it up. I thought everything would be smooth from there.
I returned a couple days later (they’re closed on Sundays) to get my paint. The one man working at the shop at the time can’t speak English very well, and informed me that there was no paint for pick-​up. (They don’t pre-​make paint for anyone because they don’t trust customers to come back and retrieve their orders). The manager had gone home for the night «to pick up his kid», but I was assured that he’d be there if I returned the same time the next night. The clerk I talked to didn’t know how to look up any record of my order, so he simply gave me a business card for the store, so I could call the manager.
I returned the following night, at the same time, as instructed, to find that the only person there was again the clerk. I asked him to speak to the manager (as I was promised he’d be there) — but he has already gone home «to pick up his kid».
Basically — there’s no way to win with this place. The manager obviously doesn’t trust his staff enough to let them know where the records are, nor will he make orders ahead of time. Unless you’re lucky enough to land at the store when the manager is there, you might not ever acquire the goods you’re looking to purchase.
This place has lost my business on this particular purchase, and probably for purchases to come. I know of another local hardware store down near Passyunk and Washington where I’ll be shopping from now on.

If you need some basic stuff for your home, and you want to only pay a decent price, not the best, but a decent price — go here. They have decently priced things of good quality, and a great selection. If you really want a good deal, and you need heavy duty house things, I wouldn’t necessarily go here.
They have a good selection of basic house stuff, they make keys, and they are pretty friendly.

I’ve been here half a dozen times and have been consistently impressed. The clerks are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’ve almost always had what I needed.

«What you need? I have here.»
Yes, the watering can I bought here is leaky and yes, they only have magnets seemingly intended to hold up van Goghs on your refrigerator, but «what you need? I have here» is true, and this is a great local hardware store… It’s the perfect solution for a quick fix or in those emergency «I need a watering can NOW» moments. Not for long-​term home improvement.

Lucky to have this place right in the neighborhood. Very good selection of items at fair prices, considering it’s a mom n pop. Same guy in the store whenever I go, and each time he is very helpful and friendly.

For a neighborhood hardware store, this place goes above and beyond. I appreciate their hours, I’m able to go on my way home from work. I’ve gotten several items here in the short time I’ve lived in the neighborhood, including paint, electrical supplies, they even re-​wired a lamp for me — for 5 bucks! I was in shock. I’m no hardware store expert, but I was quite surprised with their selection compared to other small hardware stores in Center City. Plus, the guys are nice, and they leave you alone to browse. If you need help, though, they are very knowledgeable. Very happy to have this place so close to home.

I have found the staff at 1540 more than friendly, though admittedly somewhat lacking in expertise. And can we talk about the character for a minute? You’re not gonna find South Philly old guard hanging around any big box stores waiting for the pick 5 numbers every day.
1540 on the other hand keeps reasonable hours — open until 7pm on weeknights, so you can even go there after work.
The inventory is low? Really? Come on people, this is South Philly we’re talking about. At over 20 feet wide, this store is a monster. I would hardly call 1 color option for toilet seats low inventory!
If you want hand-​holding, you’ll have to go up the block to Wilensky’s (Good luck finding a time when they’re open, and don’t forget to go the ATM first.) If you want a magenta colored toilet seat and you have to have it today, go to Columbus Ave.
For me, I will always try to find what I need at 1540, even if I have to pay a few cents more or compromise on something superficial like color. 1540 probably doesn’t deserve 5 stars on the face of it. But given the options in the neighborhood (none), 1540 is clearly the absolute best.

The best things about this store: it’s local (gotta support local businesses, even if it costs you a hair more) and customer service. They have the basics and are always willing to answer a question or two. I will definitely return!

Generally overpriced here… but I expect that from a typical, small hardware store. I’ve bought chain lube, plastic to cover my windows, an air pump, sponges and a myriad of other small items. They’re well stocked and have a little bit of everything. The employees are pretty helpful, depending on who you run into. Sometime they’ll walk circles around the store helping you find an obscure item; other times they’ll just point you in the right direction and let you try and figure it out. Either way it works for me.

It’s a small store. I get it. Inventory is limited. What did you expect? I LOVE this place. Its immaculate. I’ve gotten good, friendly help from the guys in the store. The items they do have are well suited to the small-​job or your «oops-​I-​forgot-​this-​one-​little-​thing-​at-​Home Depot» needs. Think of this independently owned, neighborhood hardware store as a «convenience» or corner store for DIY-​ing. 1540 is to Lowes as 7-​Eleven is to Super Fresh.
I’ve been there a dozen times for small items. I too have spent hours wandering the aisles at the super stores when infinite options are necessary, or if I’m starting a bigger job and need to consult an expert. But when I know exactly what i need (i.e. a quart of Valspar paint… good stuff, wall mounts… got ‘em, teflon tape, contractor grade garbage bags, etc) I go to 1540.
I live four blocks from them and 12 blocks from Lowes. In the middle of a task I can ride my bike over, bring it into the store, grab what I need and be back home in minutes. No longer drive/​ride, no endless rows of mile-​high wares, no long lines, inconsiderate cashiers picking up part time hours and having loud inappropriate conversations from one register to the next… you know what I’m talking about.
I’ve spent countless hours and many thousands of dollars renovating my row home so now, of course, I am Superman. (or, at least, a real danger to myself and my neighbors). Ok, honestly, I’m not clueless because of how much I’ve learned through the rehab process. I know what I need and where to get it. 1540 fills a niche market that is almost non-​existent since the big stores have rendered the independents invisible if not extinct.

I’ve been here twice now for relatively easy parts for home fix it jobs around my house. I really really want to support local biz on E. Passyunk Ave, so I will give them one star per each visit which sent me hitting the bricks towards Lowe’s.
I live in a home rehabbed by a shiester developer. He took a lot of shortcuts to save a few pennies, and after living in the house for a few years, I’m feeling the effects. My first visit to 1540 was to see if I could get a toilet seat which matched my toilet. They had the right size, but the wrong color. They told me that they didn’t know when they’d order more, and I’d most likely have to wait a month or so before they had what I wanted. I decided to borrow a Philly Carshare to drive to Lowes and save myself a walk through the neighborhood carrying a toilet seat.
During my second attempt recently, again they had the right thing, but the wrong color. They had quite a collection of all kinds of door locks, but I wanted a stainless steel doorknob if I was going to fork over the dough. My trip to Lowes proved that 1540s prices are comparable to the big box store, but their inventory was lacking.
I’m not going to give up on local business, but sadly my hardware loyalty currently lies with a big box store in south philly.