Brady Street True Value

Horrible service work. Hours are not good for this area. As I was opening the door at 6:00 to pick up my screen, they pulled the door shut and locked it. I mean I didn’t have to shop for anything, just pick up the screen. Came the next day and by the time I got outside, noticed the screen was coming out. Btw, I did not get 25% off even though it says everywhere, «store closing-​25% off» the door lasted about 1 day and the screen was not staying where it should. Took the door to Ace downtown, fixed it perfectly AND got 25% off because they are closing too. I can see why True value is closing, their customer service and craftsmanship is BAD! Very sad that Ace is closing-​will have to find another Ace to go to.

I have zero knowledge of hardware stores and I can’t fix/​build anything. I’ve come here 3 times in the past year for help on small home issues. Upon walking in, they immediately ask if I need help and then direct me to exactly what I need. So far I’ve been 3 for 3 on getting what I need in one trip. It’s awesome! The staff is really friendly and so helpful! Great for someone who needs a lot of guidance!

I’ve been here a few times now, and I absolutely love it. It seems like places like these are a rare dinosaur, disappearing at a rapid pace. Maybe that’s why they provide such awesome service. Instead of just telling you what aisle something is located in like the big box stores, the guys here will actually walk you down to the aisle and show you exactly what you are looking for. I’m not sure how much prices compare to a big box store, and obviously the selection isn’t as big but hell, I’m sure they could order something for you and have it there within a day or two. I’m going to make a habit to visit more often.

When I moved into the Brady street neighborhood, my dad thought the fact that there was a hardware store down the block was like «the greatest thing ever.» since I am female I was like «ah…I guess so.?»
But since then I have come to appreciate the hardware store for a lot of little odds and ends. Obviously hardware goods but also key making, furnace filters, cleaning supplies (seriously-​they have cheap paper towels!), 79 cent soda, smoke detector batteries, $ 3.99 sunglasses (i actually loved those sunglasses til i lost em!), camp chairs etc etc. I usually buy flowers and planting goods here since its convenient to where I live. As others have pointed out, this is a good example of a true local community based business. Well done!

I dig this place a lot. Yes, it’s a local store. It’s a bit on the small side, and you might get lost. That’s what I love about this place. When you walk in the owner asks how you’re doing and what you’re looking for. Who needs to wander through the isles when the dude knows where what you’re questing for is? He’s like a wizard in an underground cavern of duct tape and electrical bits and dowels and potting soil. Ask and he will make it appear before your eyes. When people talk about supporting local businesses, this is what they mean. A neighborhood place that provides a service that the neighborhood needs? It is possible that things might be a bit more pricey than going to Home Depot? Sure. But that couple of cents is totally worth the service, and I’d gladly pay it every time. This is my place.

Aka Brady Street Hardware. I love this little shop. Everytime I go in for something I need, the staff is always friendly and willing to help. They are able to answer any type of question I have and point me in the right direction. They are defintely a perk of living near Brady Street.

I just love the way hardware stores smell.
That smell reminds me of childhood; galavanting through aisles and aisles of allen wrenches and paint cans and «keys made here» while my father discussed, oh, I don’t know… say, the best brand of band saw or whatever with the nice man in the red vest. (That’s serious dude time right there, folks. Arms folded, standing side by side, talking band saws and shit.)
So: True Value on Brady. True Value = franchise, but each location is independently owned/​operated. I like this. And I like hardware stores, and I like Brady Street (for the most part), ere go, I like this joint. I like that I walk in and I’m all «I need one of those Hex allen wrenches so I can lower my bike seat» and they’re all «Here are lots of options and what size do you need and here are more options and let me show you all of them.»
Helpful staff, an awesome selection of everything you could possibly/​probably need from a hardware store save for big ticket items: they’ve got fertilizer and jute and light bulbs and sockets and caulk. Caulk… that’s a funny word.
Patronize a locally-​operated/​owned-​ish business and buy some shit from True Value on Brady. Or from Bliffert, because they’re great too.
Hardware store smell. Love. And Yay! I’m a fan of True Value on Brady.

This is a great local business to support. The staff there is knowledgeable, helpful, and engaging. For a small store, they have quite a lot to offer and are an integral part of the Brady Street Community. From everything from building projects to gardening, they are always my first stop!

I love this place! I love how convenient it is to my apartment. I love how when I walk in I am immediately greeted by the friendly guys who work there. I love how helpful the guys are. I love how they always have exactly what I need, no matter how arcane my request. Most of all I love how this place smells. Hooray Brady Street hardware! A true gem.