Carter Bros Ace Hardware

This store has a great fastener selection, but you’ll need to find specific items on your own. The young staff there are mostly useless as they have no idea what your talking about when you ask where the «thread repair inserts» are; or any other item that is not just a simple bolt or screw.
Also, and perhaps more important, I would advise NOT buying any of the Stihl power tools they sell. I purchased a rather expensive leaf vacuum/​shredder there and when I got it home I was disappointed to find the shoulder strap was not included. I drove all the way back to the store and the cashier told me to «take it up with Stihl», as they had no idea where the strap was.
I had just spent $ 300 at this place and they wouldn’t make an effort to make sure I got all the accessories. In the future, I will purchase Stihl power products from one of the other dealers in town.
Whereas before I made an effort to shop here frequently to help out a local business, I now only rarely visit this store; only when I need a specific type of fastener that can’t be found at Lowe’s or Home Depot. And I expect the poor customer service I usually receive.

There’s nothing better than a local hardware store and this one does not disappoint.
Ace Hardware’s long-​time slogan The helpful hardware place has been replaced by The helpful place. Another change came in 1989, when its longtime jingle – «Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man” – was modified, replacing «man» with the more accurate «Store». Carter Bros Ace Hardware lives up to the slogan. Good thing «man» was replaced with «store» as the women who work at this ACE are friendly and extremely knowledgeable!
Whether I’m working on a craft or attempting to repair something in my home; this is my first stop. I’m not very handy and I gave up a lot of my power tools (ok they were mostly my dad’s power tools) so all my DYI projects require a little bit of MacGyvering. The staff at ACE never laughs or judges they just point me in the right direction. At times they offer other solutions. A few times, they didn’t carry what I needed so they recommended other stores in town that might carry it.
The good:
They are a local shop in Midtown Reno!
Knowledge & friendly staff
Pickles…yes you can purchase craft made pickles!
Two store fronts/​two floors of DYI happiness!
The not so good:
I might need to breakdown and buy some power tools; but at least I know where to go.
They might be a little spendy compared to a big box store but it is worth a little extra to have someone knowledgeable help you get the right product to get the job done.
Not sure what my next project will be but I’m sure I will need to stop in to ACE!

Ace stores are usually only found in small rural towns, since larger hardware store chains usually don’t move into those markets and undersell them. In Reno, there is one Ace close to downtown and if you blink you will pass the building without knowing that it is there. This location packs a lot of selection into this tiny location, thanks to the large basement. It is great for the local homeowners in the surrounding area, since it means they don’t have to travel far to enter the gaping maw of a Home Depot, or Lowes. For small projects and that sundry list of items that you’ve been collecting on your hardware shopping list, give this place a try. Their prices are decent as well. The customer service is prompt and friendly. And don’t forget to pick up a jar of Mitchell pickles!

This place is deceiving upon first walking in. The store looks pretty small and cramped but once you realize there is a basement area you realize this place has a ton to offer. Prices are a bit higher than your big box stores but the service was helpful and friendly. This place lives up to its name for Hardware as they had a huge selection of nuts, bolts, etc. Unfortunately, they didn’t have 3 brushed nickel handrail brackets in stock, so I was forced to make another stop. They had plenty of the other finishes in stock, likely because that is the most popular finish, As I walked through I noticed they also mix paint, so this really is a full service home/​hardware store.

This place is awesome. The large and diverse inventory allows you to complete almost any project. The staff are friendly, helpful, and are not afraid to say; «I don’t know». The wood floors are creaky like they should be. It smells like an old hardware store should. The nuts and bolts aisle is easy to navigate and has just about everything you could want. On top of this, it’s locally owned.

Fair prices, a decent selection, and truly exceptional customer service. They don’t have every single thing a big box store has — for obvious reasons, but you never have to worry about walking around a huge store for 5 – 10 minutes trying to find someone to help you. I’m a big fan of neighborhood hardware stores simply because of this.

I’m always doing a project and this is my go to hardware store. Everyone is helpful and courteous. I cannot physically deal with the big box stores. This store is compact and it always has everything I need. It’s quick and convenient.

Usually they have friendly helpful people working there. But this visit was just horrible. Sean was already helping someone downstairs so I asked to be helped next once he was done with his customer.
First, he didn’t even say «how are you doing» so that should have been the hint to all of my experience already. I was looking for a specific piece that goes into my baby crib so it’s a big deal to me. He had no idea what he was looking for. He pulled «all» the drawers that I’ve already looked saying it’s right here. But there wasn’t any. Then he said «we don’t have it, that’s too long». Okay, so I asked where I should try going next. «should I try Home Depot or Lowe’s?» Then he says «nah. I doubt it. Go to furniture store» Wow! Are you serious? Like I don’t know what I’m talking about? No furniture stores sell single screw! Then I asked for another screws that’s the same size but shorter. He didn’t even take a look or even «tried to pretend to» look. He says «we don’t have any». What a help, jerk! So after he left I looked for that myself and found it. So I finally went upstairs, he was the cashier now, great… He goes, «how much are they?» Wow, excuse me??? «I don’t know, I don’t work here, YOU do» so then he said «I think it’s 65 cents each. So do you want me to charge that or do you want me to go downstairs and check the price?» Yeah go check! Don’t be lazy and guess the price to sell customers your products! What kind of question is that?! You weren’t good enough to find me items you carry, now you aren’t even aware of prices, then you guesstimate and ask if that’s OK to charge??? Wow. Great way to be that lazy. Matter fact, it wasn’t even 65c each, but 55c. (Not that 10c matters to me but at this moment I was not happy with his service). And he sees me carrying a baby in my arm struggling opening the wallet and everything, he asked if I wanted all those screws to be in a bag. YEAH, THAT would be awesome, smart ass! Use your common sense and try to be helpful for once. Then he put them in a bag and say «have a good day» without a receipt! How could this be worse than already was. He knew I would try the pieces just to see they work or not since they don’t have that specific pieces. He knew I may need to come back to return them. He should be totally fired! He does NOT deserve to be working there. Matter fact, he should be working at the warehouse where he does the same thing over and over and doesn’t need to speak to anyone. Laziest rudest person on planet. JUST for him, I will never ever return there. And tell all of my friends and customers of mine not to go.
Oh! On top of it, I called the place to speak to the manager, he wasn’t even available. They said manager is in and out of the store all day long. So I asked if first thing in a morning would be a good time to call. But again he said «no, he is really in and out so we don’t know». So what does he manage? Not the store or the workers for sure. Maybe that’s the reason why someone like Sean works there. Way to go Ace! This experience made me hate you guys today

Ace Hardware is always my first go-​to hardware store. Locally-​owned, knowledgable staff and great service the minute you walk in the door!

I regret having to give Carter Bros. a 1 star rating, but they deserve it… and less.
Being new to Reno, I wanted to patronize a local family owned hardware store, and I drove out of my way to patronize this one. BIG mistake.
The cashier/​clerk failed to correctly complete my transaction, failing to include my «frequent buyer» ID, and he said he would have the error corrected promptly. No big deal, right? When after 48 hours I had not heard from said clerk, I called and was told by the clerk himself, that the system was unavailable to him and he was too busy the next day to address his error. This is where the fun begins. I made another call a few days later, and spoke with another clerk who ultimately disconnected our call. When I called back, less than 2 minutes after the previous call, I was told the person I was talking to was «on his break», and he could not talk with me, because to interrupt his break was unlawful!!! I then asked to speak to the owner, and left a message asking him to please call me. The owner never called, and it was again my follow up that brought me into contact with one of the Carter Bros. I explained the situation to him, and expected he would take care of it. WRONG AGAIN! A week later, after being badgered by the clerks that answered the phone when I followed up (I expect by now I have developed a reputation.) I was told this was NOT THEIR PROBLEM! I asked again to speak with Mr. Carter. Mr. Carter did not reurn my calls and numerous requests to speak with him UNTIL I contacted Ace Corporate and explained my situation and disdain with how I was being treated. When I finally spoke with Mr. Carter (who called me AFTER my call to corporate) he was rather standoffish and somewhat less than apologetic for the treatement I received. He was also rather arrogant in his demeanor, stating that corporate was nothing more than a supplier, and they had no bearing or sway over how he ran his store.
The consistant thing in my experience with this store was the extremely poor communication and regard for customer service… from the owner on down.
I seriously doubt I will take the time to patronize this store again. Family owned or not. Shame.

I had always wanted to pop in this store. It just looks amazing from the outside, like they would have everything. I finally had an excuse as I needed to get a key made and find some picture hanging bracket-​y things.
If I had, had the time I would have spent hours in here! It is so much bigger on the inside AND it has a basement.
Immediately I was asked if I needed assistance and the gentleman knew exactly what I was talking about by my description of «picture hanging bracket-​y things», sent me over to them while making my key and wham bam I was in and out of there in under 5 minutes. This girl is impressed. OH! For being located right smack in MidTown the prices were far more reasonable than I expected. This place is a total WIN!

Excellent little hardware store. I’m fixing up an old house in downtown Reno and made daily visits for various odds and ends. They had everything I needed, there is a downstairs and the store holds more inventory than one would think from looking outside. The staff is really friendly and helpful.

It really is a 5 star hardware store!!!
Just that simple …
Everytime you come in it will remind you of how easy it is to get numbed by the big box hardware store’s limited service…

Always friendly — Always the place for home stuff!
See Inside before you head down

My friend comes here a lot, hes a tinkerer. Ive been here several times, and the staff is always a big help. Well, today they went over the line, and i had to review them.
In check-​out, i commented that the balsa wood airplanes, reminded me of being a kid. My friend and I chuckled about it, and what not, and the little old lady gave me one! Seriously, i was tickled and thanked her profusely! Seriously, made my day!

I’m tired of dealing with the hellish environment that is the big box home improvement stores. (When I need to clock a five mile hike, i’d rather be outside in the mountains.) Ace is perfect. I needed a fine saw blade and some adhesive for a home project. I was able to find both, with the sales staffs help, and be in and out in under five minutes. The prices are fair and the convenience is top notch. Support you local business and save your sanity.

Recently a colleague who lives near Ace Hardware threw me a lil’ shade when I mentioned that I had purchased a home improvement-​related item at Wal-​Mart. I had been to Ace Hardware once before and had had a good experience, so I thought, I should go there more often. Local business, you know?
The folks who work at Ace Hardware are very helpful. The store has great charm. They make replacement keys quickly. I found the shower-​related items that I needed easily, and someone helped me find the correct screw that I needed to fix my broken towel rack even though I had only a verbal description of what the wall fixture looked like. I have a poured concrete floor, and I have never been sure how to clean it properly. The folks at Ace Hardware helped me figure out what products I needed.
Not to be overlooked is how easy it is to park because they have a dedicated parking lot with eight spots. If one is coming from downtown, Ace Hardware is just after the Vassar intersection, across Caliente St. from Chapel Tavern.

Some people know exactly what they want when they go into a hardware store but this place lends itself to a whole shopping experience. They have all kinds of interesting and useful stuff. This should be the first stop when you are shopping for a gift for the person that has everything. It also has the parts for my air powered (I call it my rocket powered) toilet! I have always been a DIY kind of guy so Carter Brothers is my kind of place. Not only do they have the right items but also the right advice for my projects. On the rare occasion they do not have an item they know exactly where to send me. Their downstairs is a wonderland of fasteners, tidbits, and whatchamacallits. Love this place!

Best «hometown» hardware store around. Very friendly, knowledgeable staff, and for such a small shop they have a shockingly-​good inventory of hard-​to-​find tools & parts. On more than one occasion I’ve found what I needed at Carter Brothers when Home Depot, etc., failed me.
Their prices on some items are a little higher than big box stores, but not by much. If you’re shopping in the Midtown area, this store should be on your list of places to visit.

I love me a local, home-​town business. And this certainly qualifies.
I went in looking for a part for my weed eater that the big orange place didn’t have. Low and behold, Carter’s didn’t have it either :(
However, while I was waiting for help (only two people working during my visit) I noticed they have about everything else you may ever want. Ever.
Good prices, nice folks, easy mid-​town location and the Tiki torches were only $ 5 a piece! Backyard BBQ time!