Third Avenue Hardware

Back in ²⁰¹⁰⁄₁₁ I spent a few months managing an apartment building near here. I was in 3^rd Ave Hardware at least 3 or 4 days a week, and sometimes 5 or 6. A couple of times I had to make multiple trips in one day. The staff was always professional and helpful, and almost always had what I needed, which is saying a lot since I managed an old 50-​unit building that needed a lot of things for a lot of problems.
Sometimes I would grab the wrong thing, and it was never a problem bringing it back and exchanging it for the right thing. Sometimes my boss would get a bit behind in paying for it all, and they would gently remind me, and the ol’ slumlord would send them a check from Florida. They were cool but firm about it. It seemed to be a situation they’d been through many times before.
They have homey touches here — a small tv on the counter that’s always showing something. A fridge with Faygo in the can.
My favorite thing about 3^rd Ave Hardware is the bicycle selection. In the warmer months there’s a whole row chained together on the sidewalk out front. Old ten speeds, 70s 3 speeds, cruisers, mountain bikes, etc. But, wait, there’s more inside! Another row between the front door and the register and still more up and down the cramped aisles! (3^rd Ave Hardware could really use a more spacious locale.) The prices won’t break the bank either. I just bought my second bike from there — a green mountain bike from CCM, that Canadian company that makes hockey equipment. It’s a pretty sweet bike for $ 100. My last one was, too. It was an old 70s 3 speed with a big comfy seat and a glistening orange paint job that just looked like candy. Too bad it got ripped off. Oh well, that’s life in the D. I won’t pack it in, and I’m glad 3^rd Ave won’t either.
I’m only knocking them down one star because of their paint selection. It’s lousy and overpriced. Go somewhere else for paint.

I have been doing business with Third Avenue since 1972 when I moved to Detroit. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. They help you solve your problems as inexpensively as possible. It has the feel of a friendly small town store with great selection of products. If you need hardware in Detroit, this is the place to go.

The staff is knowledgable and goes the extra mile to help. They have a huge selection of hardware items, and if they don’t have what you need, they gladly tell you where you might find it. Great job with screen repairs. Park close to the door and you can get what you want quickly. Prices are competitive.
I have nothing but good things to say about the store and the staff.

Locks, windows, any kind of repair problem and George can fix it. Great selection and they sell bikes too!!!

these guys drive across the bridge from windsor canada everyday to serve the people of this neighborhood. I’ve been shopping here since 1980 and go here before I go anywhere else. the original owner retired to fla and sold it to his nephew with the promise that he remain and serve the community — and he’s kept his promise completely. they are vested in the community and we love them. if you need any hardware items, paint or even a key cut fast go to Third Ave as us locals say.

One of my favorite detroit hardware stores! It’s amazing that as small as this place is, that they have as much stuff as they do. It’s like magic. Or like when the dozens of clowns climb out of the tiny car at the circus. I can show up here any day with some obscure request and no matter what is is, they can find it (for instance, I’ve gone in asking for a lead pipe, wrench, rope… oh wait! no, that’s Clue. Okay, more like: a missing part to put together an ikea bedframe, drip irrigation filters for my garden, an odd-​sized wooden dowel, 3.25 inch nails… you get the picture).