Ace Hardware

The review says A-​OK, but I would say just OK. The other day, I went in for some panes of glass. The floor and service desk staff were very helpful. The checkout clerk was rude. Mono-​syllabic questions. Scolded me for trying to take my rolly basket out, and had not advised me earlier that those set off the alarm out the door. I had not even gotten my stuff off the counter before she was shoving the next guy’s stuff on. Another time, I went back 1 hour later with a return with my original card that I did the purchase on, and was required to give a lot of personal info for a $ 10 easy return. But, the floor staff can be helpful, and they have some things you can’t get elsewhere.

This is my hardware store of choice. In fact, I go out of my way to go here. I like the wide selection, friendly service and great specials. Beyond friendly I find the service is helpful, kind, courteous and knowledgeable. Well worth the 25 mile trip to get here. And I like the Christmas seasonal items here that remind me of the days of my youth.

When it comes to helpful hardware stores, Ace takes 1^st place!
When you walk in, you usually get someone waiting and willing to help you which is a change from going to this bigger chains where the associates scatter when a customer is looking for help.
They are very knowledgable and customer 1^st oriented which is a rarity in any business now a days.
Even the cashiers are pleasant and seem to enjoy being there.
Service with a smile goes a long way. Thank you Ace Hardware.

My local Grayslake Ace is awesome! Prices are competitive with Menards and Home Depot. Great sales and great everyday prices. The people are friendly and helpfull. I am a big fan of theirs.

One of my favorite hardware stores– the people are truly helpful and its a pleasure to shop in this clean and well organized store.
I had the chance to use their window repair service to purchase a piece of cut window glass to repair a storm window that was broken over the summer. The glass that I purchased was neatly wrapped in butcher-​style paper to make it easy to transport, and it was exactly the right size when I got it home to install in its frame. To say that I was happy to get this project done, and done right before winter is an understatement.
This location also does small engine repairs with an estimate service before the repairs begin.
There’s a lot to like about this hardware that isn’t strictly about hardware.

I wish the True Value HW in Grayslake was still around. Ace is a corporate abomination, different than Home Depot and Lowes, but still screwed up. I think they sell more crap that has nothing to do with hardware than any other store in town. The corporate device of using unskilled labor to ask it they can help you, then they have to ask you to repeat yourself because they don’t understand, then they have to forward your request to their manager (via their walkie talkie) who is likely busy helping someone else… I could have already walked to get what I need. I will say I find the managers usually know what they are talking about if you can speak with one rather than the first line of offense at the door. I find the bargain bins of cheap Chinese tools in the aisles a fire hazard and ready to break after the first use.
They should call it «ACE Housewares» because that is what is mostly there. The continual influx of poor quality Chinese goods does not help them any, and this is every big box store’s problem, not just ACE (especially the hardware items).
I will agree they have better fastener selection than some other stores. But if I need dishes, or towels, Christmas trees or soda pop I will go to Target. The other good thing I can say about this ACE is the store in Round Lake is even more saturated with old ladies that have no clue about hardware trying to help, so Grayslake is better that way.
This store is pricey so I tend to not want to come here unless it is fastener or lawn care related.
This review is not a negative review of the ACE employees they are doing what they are told. It is the higher level corporate methods/​strategies that are flawed.

More and more I find myself coming to this Ace Hardware store and each time I go into the Home Depot I’m persuaded even more to come here. Why, you may ask.
I find here (and other Ace Stores) that the staff is willing to help you out as much as they can and not simply give you a half asses answer just so they can continue on with the conversation with another co-​worker.
Granted, Ace may not have the extended lumber, home exterior or such items carried by the big orange box place… but Ace does still have that neighborhood store type of feel. Not only does the staff go out of their way, but Ace does have a few items which Home Depot does not offer or is limited. For instance, at Ace the nuts and bolts and various fasteners is in my opinion better. I also like the fact that you can get sheets of plastic cut to size and even better, they can re-​do your screens at very reasonable prices.
I’ve also found their garden items, such as fertilizer, seeds, sprays and what not cheaper. The bird-​food, houses, feeders is also comparatively prices and I think a slightly better selection.
Granted, the old time hardware stores complete with wooden floors are all but gone and in my view, Ace is the modern day vestige of the neighborhood hardware store and just assume give them my business over the big orange depot place.