True Value Eastern Supplies

I've shopped there for incidental small items for many years but just did my first (to me) large purchase.\r \r As HW stores go, this is definitely a small, pragmatic neighborhood shop. Don't expect a complete selection of, well, just about anything. Good but not complete tool selection. Good but not complete paint selection. Etc. Very tasteful selection for the space they've got though and extremely conveniently located.\r \r A few things I've noticed: the folks behind the counter rock. They're very professional. They set decent prices. All business and no BS.\r \r Now, pipes... well, that's one of their specialties. In the early morning they are swamped with small contractors. They have a decent yard in the back. They can cut and thread pipe for you. They put up with and treat kindly DIYers like me, even maintaining decent prices. \r \r They are just freaking sane, fair, and attentive, overall -- exactly what you want in a HW store. I wish they had twice the space they do more

Perhaps the most dinstinctive feature of this hardware store in Berkeley (near the Berkeley Bowl) is its impressively knowledgeable staff. Not only do they probably have a good idea of what you need to complete your job, they also seem to know exactly where every single bolt and screw is supposed to be. Meticulously organized and generally well-equipped. more