If you live in the Almaden area:

1st choice: Ace Hardware
2nd choice: OSH
3rd choice: Home Depot

unless you know exactly what you want or need. For the size of the store, they have most everything. . . and most of all, the service is outstanding.

I love that I can pop into Ace and get what I want. It has a great variety of items. The staff is very helpful. The location is very convenient which makes it all the better.

PROS: great location, well stocked
CONS:

Not only closer, but usually I can find what I am after quickly. And if I can't, the guy at the register can usually yell for someone to help me find what I need. I don't mind spending a bit more. I would have to spend $5 on gas to get up to the Warehouse store anyway.

PROS: quick
CONS: a bit more dough

I feel guilty, but I often forget that this Ace Hardware is so close to our home. I often drive miles to Home Depot only to realize that Ace probably has what I need. They have a lot of sales and usually have the items in stock that are advertised. The prices seem about the same as larger stores. I've had keys made here and they are always accurate. Lightbulbs, painting supplies, Christmas lights...they always seem to have what I need. It's a small store, so it's not like they have all the stuff like the big stores. But if you keep in mind it's more like a traditional hardware store then you're likely to be happy with their selection.

PROS: Local & Items In Stock
CONS:

Ace Hardware has a funky, eclectic range of goods. You never know what you'll find there! The reason for my 4-star rating is not because of the wonderful shopping experience, but the neighborhood feel. When I was having a key made, my son was very curious about the machine. The clerk actually let him put on some goggles to help make the key! It was a very sweet gesture.

Also convenient is the fact they do internet orders. I ordered a fire escape ladder on-line ( for a decent price) and had it shipped, free of charge, to this Ace location where I picked it up. It was pretty convenient.

PROS: convenient, nice staff
CONS: small and a bit crowded