Olson’s Ace Hardware

I seriously do not think that the staff here could get more friendly or helpful. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by a super goofy staff member. He just made everything seem so fun. I was only going there to get keys made. Just something as simple as getting a key made was an awesome experience. There was an older man who was super helpful making the keys.
We then went over to the paint department, and Tim was so so helpful. He listened to me and my finance bicker and argue over paint colors. He helped us agree on colors which was super awesome. He showed up which paints to buy, and even how to paint. He took his time and there was no rush. He was even giving me information on things that had nothing to do with paint because he knew we had just gotten a house. I really appreciated that.
When we checked out the lady was so nice and talkative. I think her name was Kim. Just everyone was great which was really wonderful. I don’t think I’m ever going to go back to Menards or Home Depot unless I have to.

Great store, great Staff! First of all, contrary to what some others have mentioned, this Ace is NOT in a primarily Spanish-​speaking community. English IS the main language spoken in the entire area and Spanish is spoken considerably by some of the people in a few neighborhoods in the area. There are some language barriers, but the last I heard, we are in the USA and people do their best to understand foreign languages.
When someone is difficult to understand the Staff at ACE does the best it can to accommodate the persons needs and I have never been treated in a rude manner and I don’t speak perfect English either. I believe some people may just wait for an opportunity to pick an argument as a result of the «politically correct» attitude forced on many people that are just trying to live their lives, do business and help others with their needs. In other words, we’re all in one big Canoe… don’t make waves. lol
This particular Ace hardware has been there for many, many years and if you don’t see what you want or need in the store, they will order it for you and have it in a day or two. I’ve been doing business there for 30+ years and they have never failed to help me with some project I needed to do.
If you’re easily offended by slight language barriers or other political issues that you expect everyone to adhere to, my advice is to leave your bitterness at home before you go shopping next time. We’re all human, and humans are far from perfect, they make mistakes, especially people that don’t have the life experience to tap into yet. Find a little love in your heart for your fellow human beings and try being friendly instead of looking for something to attack someone about. There are Staff members that speak Spanish and others that speak Polish too. Ask for a Manager if you are having dificulty being understood. They will go out of their way to help you.

A god Ace Hardware that is easy to tranverse and move around. The prices are decent and service much better than some other hardware stores and Ace places

This Ace is the best I’ve been to hands down. The place is always clean and the staff is always willing to help. One of the managers (frank) is great. He goes out of his way to make my shopping experience great! ;)

Pesky tennats are driving me up a wall!!! Thereason for my drinking at nights… hehehehe ok thats just pleasure… so a landlords gotta have his spots and this is my preffered Hardware store when im in this hood. They usually have the things you need. Its not huge like the big box hardware stores.
But It is the key machine that is key here… HA! (you like that didnt ya!)
The key copies I get here are ALWAYS exact! never a problem!
The people who work their always go out of their way to help you… Hummm maybe next time I should go in there all ripped (drunk)and see what happens… ha! Cause you know how we tan brothas do our home improvements… drinkin!
Shake & Bake seal of approval!
Hipster infestation level: 1 Please… when was the last time you saw one of them tight jean wearing puppets do a MANly tasks like Home improvement!

I love ACE HARDWARE. All of them. They’re my first choice before the big home improvement stores for the little stuff: Small plumbing or electrical issues, outdoor pest control, keys, RUG DOCTOR RENTAL.
Which brings me to my 3 star review. My mother & I went to rent a rug doctor and strictly dealt with the cashier. I let her know, in perfect English, we want to rent a rug doctor. With an attitude she says «ok, do you know how to use it?» I’m sure she supposed to ask that, which I’m fine with but why the snotty attitude?
I say «Yes, we do this every year.»
My mom speak English with a Cuban accent. BUT every understands her. AND this Ace is in a primarily Spanish-​speaking community, so you would think she would be used to hearing an accent. Well, noooooooooooooooooooo. SHE HAD NO TOLERANCE and it pissed me off! WHY is she a cashier, up front? speaking to customers? I don’t know if she’s working there because she’s retired or if her SS check isn’t cuttin’ it but if you’re not happy there– don’t take it out on us.
So we stay as quiet, so we can just get the rugdoctor and leave. We do and on the way out we see hoses hanging next to the rugdoctor display. AND I remember sing them before so I asked my mom if we get those automatically. She didn’t remember so I told her to ask the cashier if we need them?
So my mom asks, she says with an attitude «What?» my mom asks again and again and finally again while holding up the hoses.
So, she turns to the guy next to her and say «what did she say?»
ARE YOU FUCKIN’ SERIOUS? Even if my mother’s accent was that heavy, she held up the freakin’ hoses!
The guy was minding his own business and said he didn’t know, to ask my mom again. SO she asks again and finally gets it and says «only if you have stairs or furniture»
we just left, completely forgetting that the stairs were carpeted.
I don’t want to buy anything from that ACE unless it’s an emergency. I’d rather drive to Addison, Bensenville or Elmhurst.

So we had some home projects to do. We went to Menards and got some stuff, but realized we forgot some things. Not wanting to drive all the way to Menards when there was a hardware store a few blocks away, we stopped in at Olsen’s Ace Hardware.
This store has been around since I was a kid (and that was a long time ago). They’ve remodeled and shrunk the store, but the small town hardware store feel is still there. I’m really surprised at how this little hardware store made me feel so welcome.
We got there and there were so many helpful employees to answer our many questions. Believe me, my husband asked a bunch, but they didn’t even bat an eye. We got what we needed and the prices were close to that of Menards. They don’t have as big of a selection obviously, but we found what we needed. We had to return things twice and had no problems.
If you’re going to do a big project, then you’ll probably want to go elsewhere. For any small repairs, this is the place. They have a nice garden selection and they offer services such as making keys or repairing screens.
So now we have a working ice maker on our refrigerator and our new sink isn’t leaking anymore. Thanks to a friendly little store and my husbands many hours of hard work.