Don’t think I have ever reviewed a store before, but want to warn people about the establishment. The younger staff was helpful and polite, but the owner could not be more rude. Asked some questions just to be shut down, ignored, and treated insanely poorly. The owner was incredibly mean to the young guy at the check out in particular. Will genuinely never go back to that establishment, cannot stand bosses being so blatantly mean to their staff and customers.

I have been shopping there during the last 17 years!It’s a great neighborhood hardware store. Owner and staff are always friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. You’ll find there anything you need for your daily use. The great hidden place is the basement – a real treasure.

It is the second time I come out of this store telling myself I will never go back. This time I will stick to my decision. While the store itself has a great variety of useful stuff and while all young employees I encountered are very helpful and friendly, the owners (I guess) are among the most obnoxious and condescending people I have ever met. I am not surprised to read that I am not the only one having had this experience.

Excellent customer service. Have pretty much everything. I go past 2 hardware stores just to go here.

Showed up with a few mins until closing just to grab some drywall putty real quick, knocked on the door and guy in the window just shook his head without making eye contact. I then spoke through the window that I’d be quick and still shook his head without looking at me. Just a bummer when I ran there to try and make it with time to spare.

My experience echoes many others with finding the manager to be very rude and unhelpul. I will not be returning because of the very bad customer service and treatment I received at this store.I bought the wrong light bulb and tried to return it, but they had a no returns policy due to the pandemic, fine. I brought it back months later (still unopened and unused) when I assumed the policy would be updated and he told me it was too late to return it but could give me store credit. I returned a week later once I knew what I needed, and at this point he told me he wouldnt give me any credit at all.

Extremely kind and courteous. I walked in and the person at the register immediately asked what I was looking for and directed me to the item I needed.

Have gone year many times over the last year and have always had a good experience. The staff was mains, helpful, and even helped cut some piping for me at no charge instead of making me buy cutters just to use once. Fair prices and great location.

I called asking if they have jigsaw blades. The man on the phone was rude and condescending and kept speaking over me, saying I wasn’t able to do a simple thing and that’s fine by him. AVOID THIS PLACE.

Owner always asks if they can help looking for something.

I always walk to another store a few minutes farther because this place is not worth it

Told not to shop there after requested not being referred to as Miss

They have instituted a no returns / no exchanges policy. That is frankly obnoxious. We are 9 months into Covid-19 and it is clear from major studies and CDC information that the disease is not spread. So this is just a money grab. I had no trouble exchanging another holiday gift, but this store refused exchanging for the correct sized work gloves.

I found the staff at this store to be extremely courteous and helpful. The clerk stopped what he was doing and accompanied me to the hardware section I needed. He then called a woman over to verify that he was recommending the best item for my lighting job. 👍🏽

Aborn Ace is a great neighborhood hardware store. Friendly, courteous and knowledgeable associates need something home related check them out here.

I see that I am not alone in having bad experience going to this store. Very unpleasant atmosphere.

Not pleasant experience today. I asked the owner (I guess he is the owner) a question. He was rude and looked down on me! Never go there again.

Extremely rude. I called to get a price check on something, as any smart customer would do before, going into the store. As well as save me from going into the store, and it not really be what I want. But unfortunately, the owner, became bitter and unbelievably unprofessional. Made me feel bad for calling, as if it’s not his job, to assist any customer with any concerns or questions they may have. While he was speaking with me, he used a lot vulgar words. This is an establishment that will not receive any business from me AT ALL. Highly upset and disappointed.

Not open during listed hours - no prior notice or indicator of reopening posted.

Nice honest to goodness hardware store. Lots of interesting items for housewares, tools, paint and hardware. Good people providing good service. Support your local small business!!!

I stopped in to grab a few kitchen items. A young man greeted me and asked me if I needed any help but I declined since I wanted to browse. I found what I needed but felt that some items were priced way too high. $4.99 for a plain plastic ice cube tray? Ridiculous. I don’t think I’ll be back so I can’t speak to how the customer service was as I didn’t really interact with any employees.

There is a lot of great supplies within the store but I am very disappointed in the customer service. A couple weeks ago I bought a stain and was told I could return it if it did not match the color I needed. It did not and I went back to return it. The staff member pointed to a sign on the inside of the entrance saying no returns. This completely contradicts what I was told when I made my purchase and the sign is posted at such a bad location. It is not anywhere in the exit and on the entry way it is on the inside part of the door making it very difficult to see. I would not recommend going to this store for their lack of customer service and the varying messages of staff.

Great local hardware store, amazingly large selection for a non-box store.

Great staff and reasonable prices!

Ive been here many times since moving to Allston. They have almost always had everything Im looking for and are always friendly and helpful. Its fairly cramped, but has everything a city hardware store needs.

People, if you dont want to be yelled at by the owner and to pay too much, just dont go there. There are other very nice places nearby, for instance Economy True Value at Beacon.We had another extremely shocking experience there, with the very rude owner yelling at people and selling overpriced items. Today we bought a standard brass home key, and were charged more than twice the average price, for a very standard non fancy work. When we realized how much we had been charged, my wife returned (a minute after paying) to ask if there hadnt been a mistake in that price. To her surprise and shock, the owner started yelling at her, using very rude language and addressing to another customer present in the store about this question. I never make a mistake he said... That seems a bit presumptuous when reading the other comments in here, which we should have done before going there for an overpriced work and extremely insulting and confrontational owner. Highly not recommended.

This place slaps when you need that one thing no one else has. They’re helpful too thanks

I would give zero stars if I could.Extremely rude custom service, got yelled at in front of other customersLet me start by saying that I went there to buy supplies and paint to fix the rusted railing on my porch.While I was looking for supplies for my project, the owner stopped by several times to ask me what I was looking for and helped me find a wire brush, sand paper, paint tray etc.He also suggested buying a gallon of paint instead of a quart but he left the decision to me.I selected a quart of white paint and went to pay at the register. While there I decide to buy a gallon just in case I ran out of paint. The owner asked another boy working there to bring me a gallon can.So far, so good. In fact, I liked how the helpful owner was in helping me find my supplies.I paid the bill, went home, and took out all the supplies to start the project. At home I realized that the boy had brought me a gallon of black paint, instead of white.I went back to the store with the receipt to explain the situation and see if they would exchange the paint and help me out given that they gave me the wrong colour to begin with.At the store a really rude person (turns out to be the son of the owner) tried to shoo me out of the store, claiming it was closed. (There was still a customer in the store, the time was close to 6pm and according to Google the store hours were 8:00am - 7:30pm.)He couldve *politely* said Im sorry, but the store is closed. We can help you tomorrow.. (After all, theyre in the business of customer service.)(Would it kill him to keep HIS family-run store open a few more minutes for a customer? I dont think so. But, I could be wrong I suppose.)Instead, he said rather tersely, Miss.. were closed. Read the sign.I was taken aback by the rudeness. But I kept my cool and told him I just wanted to explain the situation.Me: I would just like to explain the situationRude man: No. Read the sign. Were closed.Me: I have the wrong paint. Could I explain?Rude man: We dont take returns.Me: Ok, could you just exchange the paint? Im not looking to return.Rude man: No. Read the sign. No exchanges.Me: But you gave me the wrong product.Rude man: Doesnt matter. Covid. Read the sign.I asked to speak to the owner but apparently he wasnt there. Going by other reviews I doubt I will get a better response from the owner.The items in the store are overpriced. But I go there to shop local and help a small business. Never again.I shouldve double checked the paint colour before I left the store. Thats my mistake. But I didnt expect the store to give me the wrong colour. Thats on them.If only they had been polite and decent, I wouldve understood that they wouldnt accept returns/exchanges in the Covid era and happily bought another gallon of white paint and left.But the appalling rudeness has cost them a customer.I would rather go the extra distance to Economy True Value on Beacon Street or Connelly Hardware in Washington Square or Cleveland Circle Hardware.

I LOVE this hardware store! It’s super convenient to the larger neighborhood and I’ve always found it to be well-stocked with hardware, tools, and basic home needs. The staff are usually very helpful with finding specific items and friendly.

Just called to see if they have box fans in stock. Answer: Yes. Cost? Answer: I don’t know, 30, 40, 50, 60. Me: Big difference between 30 and 60. Answer: We’re busy. RUDE.

One of the owners, the middle-aged man, was extremely rude. He verbally abused the woman before me when she asked if she could get a refund on a key that didnt work, he told her that he wouldnt waste time explaining anything to her because hes worked in the business for 50 years, she left crying. I bought something, was short one dollar and just asked for the dollar so that I could leave, the owner proceeded to have a conniption fit. He asked for my receipt and asked for the cash I got, and when he realized I was not lying started to drag the boy working at the counter for a measly mistake. He was just so obnoxious to everyone around and he has lost a customer.

Wow the owner was incredibly condescending, and based on these other reviews, that now makes a lot more sense. I walk in looking for a replacement part only to be told by the owner that my part wasn’t broken...but it was. I’d advise just going to any one of the numerous other hardware stores in the area.

From out of town, helping my sister put in a new kitchen faucet on a Sunday. A nice gentleman spent 15 minutes helping me to find the right fitting (always something isnt there....) to no avail. But he tried. I respect and honor that.

Convenient location. Decent selection.Staff is mildly knowledgeable. I went there looking for plumbing supplies and they had no clue what I needed. They left me in the basement area with the plumbing supplies by myself. They then rushed me out as they didnt want me down there unattended too long.

Excellent service, even right before closing time.

Heres an experience I just had with the owner: I bought a kids sled ($23). Ive probably bought 5 in the last five years. They always end up at our other house. We laughed about it when I bought it. This one broke after going down the hill 5 times yesterday, some hairline crack or defect in manufacturing probably but I thought Id bring it back so I could get another one for my son. I told the own and his exact quote was Didnt happen. I asked what do you mean it didnt happen? He said I dont care what you say it didnt happen. So the guy flat out was willing to call me a liar for $23 knowing Ive spent hundreds there over the past years. Unbelievable. What would the guy do if I was returning something worth $100. Never had someone just flat out tell me I was lying about a problem with a product.

One of the nicest and most helpful hardware stores, not sure what these reviewers are talking about

Very very rude people , no class , no help . they should not be in business

Don’t go there. Seriously don’t go if you don’t want to get ripped off and lied to. The thief running he place sold me a bit and told my it’ll fit to my nut and bolt. (I brought the to the shop). It didn’t, it was too short and I couldn’t tight the nut. So I return to the shop to exchange it with a longer one. The thief goes, yes of course you can get the longer one but you’ll have to buy it. (No Exchange) I wish I could give him minus star! The cost of this thing is few bucks but I’m still going to dispute the credit card transaction. He can run after me now ..

Helpful and welcoming employees! Will definitely come back if I need anything!

I purchased an air conditioner for $129 that only functioned as a fan. I called this True Value and the owner implied that I was installing it backwards and that he had never had a problem with this brand in 15 years. I exchanged the air conditioner for another unit and took it out of the box. Much to my disappointment, this air conditioners cord was completely chewed and looked burnt. I called the owner again and he got very upset and told me that he no longer wanted me as a customer (no problem, Sir!).My boyfriend and I brought the second air conditioner back to the store and the owner insisted that we come to the basement. When we got to the basement, he already had the first unit on a table. He made us open the boxes and show him what was wrong with the units. We told him that the quality was unacceptable and he countered with, I agree that its unacceptable but the question is, how did it become unacceptable? (implying that we had caused the damage to the units). Things spiraled down from here and he told me that when he first met me, he didnt think he would have any problems with me. Eventually after a lot of arguing, he agreed to return my money.

Repairs screens, good quality products. Bilingual. Now just needs organic seeds in the spring

Knowledgeable and helpful staff and owners.

Super rude. Take your business elsewhere.

Great store with friendly service. I always find what I want. If not, they are happy to get it. Its nice to have some good old fashioned stores like this around. Thank you Aborn!

Went there last Sunday to make a copy of the key after the first duplicate did not work. The sad little man, who I guess is the owner/manager literally accused me of lying about getting the key there. When I told him it wasnt an issue and I would pay for a new one, he got so angry out of nowhere and refused to make me a new one. When I asked him why he told me to get out of the store and that if I didnt he would call the cops. This was all while I was with a two year old that I babysit for. This mans behavior was rude, shocking, and inexcusable. No one should support this business, because this is obviously not a case of someone having a bad day, just an awful person.

Worst customer service ever. The lady was awesome and nice but the guy was a dick. I went in for dryer vent he tried selling me some non sense I have never seen in my 15 years as an appliance installer

Too bad you can’t assign 0 rating!!!I’ve been shopping at Aborn for over 15 years, the owner/manager (Greek or Latin) I’m sure he knows me by now yet he still follows me around through the isles to make sure I’m not steeling, he is pretty arrogant though he knows very little about hardware and time over time he proves utter technical ignorance.Today I walked into Aborn and for the first time I asked him to redo a key copy that was cut wrong by one of his employees. Naturally I brought the original key and the defected copy and showed him the defect, first he denied any mistake then once he acknowledged it was a bad copy, he refused to replace without a receipt.I didn’t have a receipt, I told him in front of 5 customers that I’ve been shopping there for many years, why would he treat me with such mistrust, I asked him if it is worth $2 (two dollars) to lose a loyal customer and all the bad publicity and reputation that will follow, I guess that is exactly what he thought.10 minutes down the street in Alston you will get real nice service.

Ive been going here for ten years. Helpful staff, good stock, decent prices. Im heading there in ten minutes for help installing some coat racks; its nice to know that not only will they have the parts I need, theyll take the time to give me advice about how to use them.

I tried to walk in there to quickly buy some J-hooks for a closet rod and the jamoke running the store told me theyre closed, then proceeded to belittle me by telling me were open all day, you should plan your day better. His name was Jose.

If I could give zero stars, or even negative stars, I would -- but it still wouldnt do justice to the horrible service my partner and I received at this store.Im not a person who typically complains about service but our experience was truly awful and I hope that nobody else has to go through it.Yesterday one of the employees, allegedly named Francisco, sold my partner a lock for moving. In the store, he approached her and asked what she needed. After hearing her out, he gladly pointed to one -- the most expensive one. This is what you need, he told her.So she got it, and took it home, and of course, it didnt fit.But still, no big deal. Just return it, right?Wrong.Brought it there today. And instead of returning the $30+ lock, Francisco (or Jose) caused a huge scene, as he condescended my partner in front of a group checking out, telling her it couldnt be returned because the package (which -- remember -- he expressly promised would work for our purposes) had been open.When my partner returned and told me what happened, I went back in the store. I spoke with him, asking if the manager was available, but he raised his voice again, and refusing to help me, walked away.Im all for supporting local businesses but when there are a million better options -- hello, Amazon -- theres no reason to help an awful business thrive. Which is really unfortunate becausefrom my understanding it was a great business until it switched hands a couple years back.In the end, its only $30 or so, but to broke grad students, spending nearly all their income on rent, thats a significant sum.And then theres the principle of the thing.Appalled.Edit: after reading the reviews, it looks like the employee, who said his name was Francisco, was actually Jose, the owner.

Bought a bathtub hose connection two days ago. Before paying, asked the man what if it doesnt fit/work? He answered that it will. So I asked again, but what if it doesnt? For our purposes, it will. I had a feeling I shouldnt have paid based on that response.I absolutely could not push it on. I get it is supposed to be tight so water doesnt spray backwards- I couldnt even get it half way, but it did just that. I live alone, and I severely underestimated my strength, so I brought it back to buy a diverter instead.They WILL NOT take back open packages. If I slapped even a little glue on the sides, they seriously wouldnt have been able to tell... It was that untouched.Do not waste your money here. Im out $25. And I sure as Hell wasnt about to purchase an overpriced diverter from them. Even if you are SURE you need what they have, Amazon prob can get it to you for half the price. And other hardware stores in the area will be happy to help you exchange something that wasnt working for you. (ie: True Value on Beacon St at St Marys T stop, a quick ride away)

I see why this store has terrible reviews. Awful customer service over the phone.

This stores motto is nothing is wrong with the item, something is wrong with the customer (Seriously. Where does this come from?).May be fine if you see exactly what you want and are 100% sure of the quality of what youre buying; just dont try returning anything.If you expect anything resembling customer service, try another hardware store, or even the other True Value nearby down beacon street.

I thought I would shop local to help a small local business. Big mistake you are better off going to a Home Depot or Lowes for your hardware needs. Aborn has a policy that you cannot return open or used tools which is BS. I bought a C-clamp from Aborn which was the wrong size and I wanted to buy a bigger size, but Aborn would not take the original C-clamp back because they claimed it was used, even though I brought it back the next day and just measured it and did not use it! It was not worth it to argue with Aborn about it - I just took my business to Home Depot which has a very liberal exchange policy and I was able to buy two C-clamps for the price of one at Aborn. Save yourself the drama and just go to Home Depot. Thought I would publish this experience as a beware to other potential shoppers of Aborn.

Stay away. Every encounter with the seemingly arrogant owner has left me hurt, frustrated and angry. He comes across as pompous in his advice and insulting with his words and tone. His information has often been erroneous, and his return policy is weak. Ive experienced a complete lack of custom service!

The owner was not only obnoxious, but rude and condescending. When I asked about a specific product to see if it would fit in my home he said “look it up”, needless to say I walked out without buying anything.

Staff are friendly and helpful. Granted that this is not a Home Depot or Lowes, I generally find what I need when I need it urgently. Surely prices wont be as cheap, but I appreciate that convenience and I dont mind paying that little extra.

Rude customer service. The guy who answered the phone refused to do a product check and let me know how big the products they carry are. Too much attitude, too little customer service.

I agree with all of the 1-star reviews. The owner/manager/boss is pathological mentally sick! I am now most certainly convinced of that when reading the other experiences with him. He literally verbally abused me, screamed at me, yelled, wrenched the items from my hands, screamed that I should leave and go elsewhere. It was not possible to exchange one single word as he was constantly, abusively creaming. He went so far that he discriminated me as a woman, that I was stupid, that I couldnt count and so much more. IT WAS SO BAD THAT I CALLED THE POLICE!Please show your support as our community and NEVER DO YOUR BUSINESS THERE and if you experience ANYTHING NEGATIVE, you MUST, at the minimum, write them in the reviews as the Police has now a particular eye on him! PLEASE HELP THAT THIS MAN/JERK DOESNT GO AWAY WITH IT!!!!

They will over charge you! For glasses, make sure you have the correct price, otherwise you would be bullied like a fool. Will never buy things here!

They have friendly staff and absolutely everything you need. Great neighborhood store.

Very good service, excellent selection, and reasonable prices

Young man on the register was nice enough but the male Greek owner is terribly rude and condescending, not to mention he doesnt know much about hardware or customer service. Other locations within walking distance. I prefer the extra walk when I want to spend money on home improvements.

Excellent service, they know their stuff!

Terrible customer service. Ive been going here since moving to the neighborhood 1.5 years ago to support our local stores but its not worth it with this place anymore. Both rude and behind the times in not giving refunds/replacements for defective products.Recently, I bought a seal/flapper for my toilet - after getting home I realized that the packaging had already been opened and was stapled shut. Figured that the product was probably still fine to use, I opened it then saw that the seal had a tear. Went back the next day to exchange it and was told that they dont take returns of anything bathroom related. After explaining and showing that it had clearly been returned before which explains how it could be damaged, he said that it was impossible that I bought it already opened implying that I had lied and put staples in the packaging to deceive them. After 2 minutes the owner began ignoring me to help another customer, then his son did the same by walking away from me after talking to him for 3 minutes. Finally, after 10 minutes of me not taking the hint to leave, the owner agreed to give me a replacement but again told me that I didnt buy it that way.Another lost customer over an $8 part.

Ive been a regular customer for many years and found them consistently friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Theyre a great asset to the neighborhood.

They are quite well stocked considering it is a small local store. I find the staff friendly and helpful.

Was very happy with my experience and enjoy the staff that helped me; sadly the key copies I had made didn’t work and the customer service I received about this issue was very poor “don’t get keys here”.

I use to like shopping at this store but meeting the owner/manager of the store, i will never give them my business again. All i ask for is a little customer service and what i get is a arrogant, obnoxious attitude. The owner basically told me to take my business elsewhere which is what i did. Just because he use to sell encyclopedias in his home country and moves to US and opens a business in Brookline MA, hes too good to show proper customer service.

What a nut job owner lol. Refused me service (buying $4 of herbs) because I wanted to pay with my phone! Literally pulled the card reader away from me like I was trying to rob him. Accused me of trying to steal seeds haha, such a paranoid geezer. Poor thing.

The owner is an ass. Thinks everyone is trying to steal from him or cheat him in some way, which is reflected in the way he talks to customers.

Very rude customer service each time Ive gone there. Wide selection of products - nearly everything youd need & convenient, considering the closest Home Depot is in Watertown, but they brush you off when you ask for advice on a DIY project. Highly recommend Connolleys Hardware on Washington St. @ the square! Theyre fantastic - so helpful & always pleasant and gracious with a smile!

Great neighborhood hardware store with variety of kitchen goods

Its great, and the workers are always available to help.

A decent hardware store that is convenient if you are in the area.

Almost everyone of the negative reviews below has a flaw-- as an example, the guy complaining that the stepladder was from Costco obviously doesnt know that there is a company of that name that makes hardware, not related to the superstore. The folks who keep running off to HomeDepot are folks who clearly dont care about neighborhoods and the importance of supporting local businesses. And other folks dont seem for recognize how entitled they act or that customer satisfaction is a two-way interaction. And finally, big box stores can have more liberal exchange policies because they have much wider profit margin spread out over hundreds of stores. Oh, well.Bottom line: this is an excellent neighborhood store, with a wide assortment of hardware and household goods. It can get busy, staff can get harried-- you might even have to be patient for a few minutes, but the owner and staff are all good people, and chances are the store will have what you need. And if we dont support our neighborhood stores, our main streets will be all banks, box stores, and smartphone outlets.(Ive been going to this store for years.)

Great place w everything you need! Friendly staff

Very helpful staff. Goog place for house supplies

Good service, broad selection of items. Only caveat is that they only stock limited quantities of things.

The man who seemed to be the owner or manager berated me at length. The other employees (and the shop dog, Lexi) are lovely.

Aborn has been my go-to Hardware store since buying my 2-family in South Brookline. They have almost always had whatever I needed and top- quality.

Awesome neighborhood hardware store. Friendly management!

The owner of the store is inpatient and angry all the time. The store has no stock of most hardwares, and the price label there is at least four times higher than Home Depot or other stores. Please check it yourself when you come and before you buy things.

They lied about what there product does and then when i tried to return it they refused and were extremely rude the whole time

Very helpful and friendly. Not a huge selection like a home depot, but I have always found what I needed here

The people at Aborn are always super helpful

Great range of products

Great service!!

Rude, obnoxious, and unhelpful staff (mainly the owner)

Place is horrible. Toolbags

Inquired about propane tank purchase/refill/rental and the employee on the phone laughed at me for not knowing technical details, so rude!

Had a key cut here last week. Took it home and found it doesnt work. The guy behind the checkout (the owner, I believe) was rude too. Wont be going back.

Horrible customer service from the owner/manager.

Staff is super unhelpful. Ill walk the extra 10 minutes to another store

Terrible, rude service. Enough is enough, not going back again, ever.

Helpful and friendly staff

Very rude and condescending staff.

Particularly rude and condescending management.

Irene was very helpful