Schnabel’s True Value Hardware

I always try to support local businesses over other options. I wish this place had better expertise.
Twice I went to Schnabel’s and twice I was disappointed. I had minor problems — a clog and a broken toilet seat.
Schnabel employees gave me bad advice to these simple problems. I knew that there were cheaper, more permanent ways to solve my problems.
I will not come here again for any home repairs.

Schanbels rules. Inexpensive product, quick key cutting for on the go, and good service.

Spent a week in SA helping our college-​aged son get moved into an apartment. I made several trips to Schnabel’s for an assortment of items. Great service, friendly employees, and each time I left with what I needed — and I DIDN’T have to deal with the warehouse stores!

WOW! We need more of these small businesses around town! I love this place! I walked in after an all night shift, in need of a mouse trap, the gentleman at the front counter gave me a huge smile and walked me to them and then proceeded to give me some great advice for catching the little critters! Worked like a charm! Garage mission accomplished in 3 minutes after I got home! I used to love going to True Value when I was a kid, and now I found Narnia right down the street from my house! Please help support the little man and keep this place open!

The fact that I have lived blocks from this place, but never knew about it until my mom came to town and discovered it is just beyond me.
We walked in needing some very specific parts for shelves we were putting together. The parts that came with it ended up broken after a failed attempt of setting up (why I typically don’t ever try to build anything). Even though they didn’t have that part *exactly*, they took what they had and MADE it for us. Literally, took the parts in the back and cut them, shaved them, etc to make them extremely similar to the original piece. If that’s not some old-​school beyond the call of duty customer service, I don’t know what is.
Of course, we left with toilet paper, cleaning supplies, a box cutter, and a Coke because this place is just fun to shop at. Being that it’s right in my hood, I now know where I’ll be going when I need a household item in a pinch and don’t want to go to a big box for one or two small items.

As Jeffrey H noted, stores like this are going by the wayside. Since moving into the neighborhood (and living in a very old house in constant need of a fix-​me-​up) I have visited this place many, many times.
There’s something magical in the nostalgic feel of shopping in a neighborhood hardware store. Anytime I have a project, I just go in and tell the guys behind the counter and they seem to always now how to fix what I have broken. But beyond having the knowledge, they always have the parts and the time to help me figure out how to use them. Much appreciated.
They also make keys, carry paints, and do a whole slew of other great things that make them my go-​to home improvement store. Anytime I can support I great local business I’m happy to and this one is no exception!

I was NOT impressed by this place. Actually, I really WANTED to like Schnabel’s since I am a big advocate for supporting small and local business.
I entered Schnabel’s looking for a painting supply to be greeted by, well, a none greet. The girl at the front counter barely lifted her head in acknowledgment of my presence even though it was obvious I needed assistance. And the older gentleman (I’m guessing, perhaps, the owner (?)) seemed irked and put out when I asked about an item they did not carry.
Disappointed and, yes, even a little heartbroken, I left Schnable’s and luckily found Kawl Paint on S. Frio. Kwal was highly friendly and helpful – review to come.
For anyone reading this I have to say I will not revisit Schnabel’s but maybe you will and have a better experience, proving my initial review wrong; but I suspect you won’t.

Thanks to Home Depot & Lowes neighborhood hardware stores are going away. Stores like this are getting to be very hard to find. These are the types of places that repair lamps, provide personal, knowledgable help, and actually know how to fix things! If you are need of help or something unusual, or difficult come in and ask them. They either have the part or they can point you in the right direction on where to go fix it!