San Carlos Hardware Store

Great local hardware store. It’s amazing how much stuff they have in a much smaller space than the large competitors.
For me, it’s about the quality of service that makes all the difference. The accessible knowledge here puts the big box stores to shame. All of my tasks have been faster, smoother and less frustrating here than at the bigger stores.
Give these guys a chance and you won’t regret it.

A+, first class, truly remarkable service. Wow am I happy this place is a little over a mile from my house. I have been in many times and every time I go in I walk out with a smile.
I have never been a do it yourself kind of guy. But I bought a house last year and the homeowner pride thing is no joke. I am loving working on my house and garden but I need lots of help and advice. That’s where this place shines. Every interaction I have had over the last 18 months has been hands down amazing. The people there know there stuff, are patient, and help you find everything you need. They actually walk you over to the section and help you select the best product for the project. It seems like they have an employee per customer almost all the time. No waiting around looking for help only to hear it’s not there department. They can and want to help! Oh, and I think the longest I ever waited in line was about 2 minutes. And that is rare! Plus I park right in front no matter what day of the week it is.
Recently I wanted to install a light in my too dark garage. Russ showed me exactly what to buy and how to wire the whole set up. I followed his advise and it worked flawlessly. I never thought I would be the kind of guy that could install and wire a legit light fixture with the little metal box and all! I feel more capable with projects knowing San Carlos Hardware has my back.
Because of the amazing level of service, and the actual old school work ethic of everyone at this location I am a customer for life!

Excellent selection of the products needed to maintain the areas aging homes. San Carlos/​Lake Murray was built up in the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s with some exceptions. Amazon and the big box stores often don’t have what I need but I can usually find it at this store. It’s also easier to pop in and out of than the warehouse style retailers.
The prices are slightly higher. However, you can often buy items in smaller quantities (like screws, bolts, nails), you receive very good service plus short lines, and it’s close to my house. And they also have a great garden shop: some out front and the rest in back garden area.
They also have support groups for those refusing to be assimilated into the Orange Borg or the Blue Borg. I started attending the Evil Empire support group after realizing I had a problem with the world of Amholes and Amabots.

Matt is my favorite associate-​As a woman who does most of the «projects & work around the house» I usually don’t like the way male associates treat me (like I don’t know what I’m talking about). I may not know the «thingamajig» by name but I sure as heck know what I’m there to pick up and they are all so helpful. I also switch out our gas tanks for the bbq there. Prices are decent, not always the best but not horrible either… this store is very convenient and sort of reminds you of the way things used to be-​nice.

I’ve only been here twice, but both times were great experiences. Just in for houseplants, which are VERY reasonably priced. The indoor plants were in great condition, too. Didn’t have to go through them to look for «a good one». Staff has been super sweet and helpful, but never hovering.
In sum, definitely more pleasant than going to one of the BIG home improvement stores.

This is a great place to shop! As other reviewers have mentioned, the customer service is unsurpassed. The staff are very helpful and I appreciate that they can take me right to the item I’m looking for. Way better than wandering the aisles at the big box stores.

I’ve been back to this store many times and it’s always got the same high level of qualified help. They guide you personally to the location you need and if asked offer relevant suggestions

Customer service makes or breaks a business for me, I’ve been in here a couple times (I don’t live near here) and my experience has always been positive. I just came in to get soil for my succulents and a plastic tray for my cuttings. The second I came into the store I was greeted by two ladies at the front, they asked if I needed anything in particular and I told them what I needed the lady showed me where the soil was and the tray was right by it. The prices were so good i decided to get two. She then went to get me a cart and a man working there came with the cart and loaded the soil and brought it to the front counter for me. After paying, he took it out to my car and loaded it in for me.
Summary: amazing and friendly workers and great prices (at least when it comes to what I’ve ever purchased in there) highly recommend this store! :)

Can’t say enough about this place. Walked in and had someone help me personally within seconds, without even asking (Steve). At least two other employees stopped to ask if they could help while I was walking around checking things out. Everything was in stock, quick checkout.

That’s it, I’m done, finally learned my lesson, never going back here for anything. Getting a key made that actually works is ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ at this place. Had one made this morning and the woman said «it should work.» Well, it didn’t. Went back to get it replaced and the short 25 ish year old employee I’ve seen there many times with short brown hair put the same key in the machine again and «shaved some off.» No sorry for the inconvenience, no nothing, just another «it should work.»
Update: second attempt at getting the key right was unsuccessful. I guess I should have expected that. Took it back a got refunded. At least I got a «sorry about that» this time. Farewell San Carlos Hardware and good luck.

Unfortunately my experience was not as positive. On the first day of spring, I entered the store to buy some flowers for my patio. An employee immediately approached me, without regard for my personal space, he asked me what he could help me with. He led me to the patio where there were unwatered plants for 99 cents each. I picked up three and went to the cash register. The cashier insisted they were full price. The man who led me to the plants concurred that they were full price and added that someone must have placed them in the wrong place. I paid the full price and took the plants home and repotted them. I woke the next morning to see that they had wilted beyond salvation.
I guess one person’s idea of great customer service is different than another’s because I do not like to be approached right when I walk in the door. I prefer to walk freely around and explore without feeling like someone is following me. If I have a question, I will find an employee at Lowe’s, Dixieline, or Home Depot and ask. It’s worth the drive!

wonderful neighborhood store. They have a great selection of hardware and are always super nice and helpful. My dogs love San Carlos hardware and I don’t have to waste time driving to the big box store. They make shopping a pleasant activity!

A good neighborhood Hardware Store. They carry most of the things that you need such as most light tools, light bulbs, weed killer, sand paper, etc. They cut keys and they sell some plants and flowers. If you’re going to add a wing to your house, this is not the place, same if you’re a major tool pig, but it probably serves 90% of your needs.
What I really like about this store is that someone almost always approaches me to ask if they can help me. I don’t need to wander around aimlessly like at Home Depot and Lowe’s looking for someone to assist me, only to have them tell me that it’s not their department.
Gets four instead of five stars because it’s a bit on the expensive side and the selection for some things is limited.

Worst customer service I have ever received. This is in regards to the older woman with the long blond hair.
I just moved to this area and I am all about shopping local. We decided to stop here to get our keys made.
Should be an easy process, right? Nope!
I asked for 2 copies of my house key to be made. She only charges me for one, so I have to go back and purchase another. Not a huge deal.
While I am purchasing another copy, I hand her back my house key and she goes, Oh so you want this key to be made now?
«No, this is the same key.»
She proceeds to tell me that I handed her a different key and argues with me, telling me I was wrong. I ask if I need to pay for another copy and she aha that she has to check with the manager, even though I am 99.9% certain that I gave her my house key.
The whole process takes about 20 minutes. It would have taken me two minutes at Home Depot using the machine.
The manager finally comes up and checks the «mismatching» keys, only to realize that it WAS the correct key that was made (yes, my house key.)
The woman with the blond hair was very rude for me. I have dealt with such terrible customer service. She told me I was wrong and that it was my fault, when she clearly made the mistake. She did not even apologize.
I will never shop here again. I will stick with Home Depot and Lowe’s!

This is a neighborhood hardware store, not a big box, and it is staffed by knowledgeable, helpful people.
Surprisingly, while they are useful source of the missing piece of a project, they are also competitive on price, and stock larger items that you may not expect to find a few blocks from your house.
Also, my wife wants me to be sure to mention that they offer free popcorn.

This is my go-​to place whenever I need anything related to home repairs. The staff is awesome… friendly, helpful, always someone to provide guidance — which I usually need! I’ve also found lots of unique items here, like some lovely glass birdbaths.
I love supporting family-​owned, local businesses, and this place is a perfect example of why! You might pay a bit more, but the experience will keep you coming back. You will never want to step foot in Lowe’s or Home Depot again!

Go here for anything you need. The store looks small but they have a lot of stuff. I don’t even bother with Home Depot or Lowe’s anymore. The customer service is excellent. Usually, there is an employee standing by the door waiting to help someone as they enter. You wouldn’t get this at the other hardware stores. I can park 50 feet from the front door, get instant service and get out within 10 minutes. They sell plants as well and have a good selection of paints.
I’m willing to drive out of my way to shop here. You won’t be disappointed.

This is the nearest hardware store that I visit when I don’t feel like visiting Lowes. The reason I visit this place is because they carry lots of items at some what reasonable prices. When you walk into the door, they always welcome you and ask you if you need help, they show you exactly what you’re looking for. I keep coming back to this place because the staff makes it easy to get in and out quickly.

The level of service the employees provide here is fantastic. They are very knowledgeable and are willing to spend as much time as you need to answer your questions. They do all this while being friendly and attentive to your needs.
On top of the great service, the inventory is pretty good for a store of this size. I yet to find myself in need of an item they do not have. The items they stock should satisfy most of your hardware needs.
If you’ve ever been lost and frustrated in Lowes or Home Depot, try out San Carlos. It’ll restore your faith in local businesses.

SUCCESS!
If you’re hesitant to use this store over a big box hardware, don’t be. Their selection is actually WIDER. For example, my husband needed sanding belt sandpaper that was 2.5 inches wide. Home Depot only sold it in 3 or 4 inches wide. Lowe’s also did not carry it.
But this store had the right kind.