Ace Bolt & Screw: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll consistently encounter friendly and helpful staff. Several reviewers highlighted the willingness of employees, particularly Blake, to go above and beyond to assist with product selection and project advice, even offering detailed explanations and comparisons. One shopper received personalized help choosing the right clamps for a specific project. Another received extensive assistance identifying and purchasing a tow hitch.
• Specialized Expertise: This isn’t your average hardware store. While they carry a full line of name-brand hand and power tools (including Milwaukee), their real strength lies in fasteners. They boast an impressive selection of nuts, bolts, screws, and other similar items, even catering to specific needs like exhaust manifold nuts. Their ability to manually duplicate keys that automatic machines failed to create is another testament to their specialized capabilities.
• Local, Family-Owned Business: Several reviewers emphasized the importance of supporting this family-owned business, highlighting their commitment to local trade and community.
• Expanding Inventory: Having grown significantly from its initial focus on bolts and screws, the store now offers a much broader range of tools and supplies for both craftsmen and homeowners.
• Competitive Pricing (Generally): While one review noted a higher-than-expected price for a tool and a surcharge for debit card payments at one location, other reviewers have praised the store for offering competitive pricing on tools and supplies.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Pricing Discrepancies and Fees: Be aware that prices may not always match online retailers. In one instance, a tool listed at $360 over the phone ended up costing $400 after negotiations and a debit card fee. Cash payments may not be accepted at all locations.
• Limited Stock for Large Purchases: If you’re planning a large purchase (e.g., 100+ bolts), you may be advised to visit another store like Ace Hardware in Pearl. This approach prioritizes large-scale business and may not be ideal for smaller-scale buyers.
• Location-Specific Experiences: While most reviews are positive, one customer noted a significant difference in service quality between the Julienne Street and Gluckstadt locations, indicating that your experience may vary depending on the specific store.