Hensel’s Ace Hardware

I still think Hensel’s is a great place to shop. I recently bought two of the same item, one from Hensel’s (they only had one in stock) and one from Sunnybrae Hardware, the other hardware store in Arcata. Turned out I had chosen badly and the items wouldn’t work for me. Hensel’s cheerfully refunded my money, but Sunnybrae refused. This difference is why I shop Hensel’s first.

I have found some very cool kitchen gadgets, enjoyed just walking around in perusing the aisles. sales people have always been friendly. Hansel’s also has a wonderful candy selection, and It’s a great place to buy gifts.

A good Ace hardware store, carries pretty much anything and everything you could want or need in regards to home improvement stuff. Full electrical, plumbing, hardware, paint, lumber and garden departments — as well as seasonal items and specialty items that are specific to our region.
The staff that I have encountered are all kind, friendly and professional, most of the department managers/​supervisors have been in the store for a while and are very knowledgeable about their specific departments. There are a couple managers as well that are great reference points and have solid advise when it comes to dealing with or working around situations that require «out of the box» thinking to overcome.
On a couple different visits I have always found the necessary materials when fabricating something out of the norm. They have a great paint supply department as are the plumbing, electrical and hardware departments — always able to find what was needed or come to a conclusion about how to overcome a specific situation when having to deal with something other than normal.
They also have a kitchen and home appliance store (the white building next door to the main building in the parking lot) — I have been able to find appliance cords, wiring harnesses, etc. in this store and the manager is knowledgeable about most needs for specific appliance wiring requirements. There is also a nice selection of name brand kitchen tools — both large and small in this building.
This is a solid Ace hardware store with a good staff of knowledgeable employees and you can find pretty much anything you need when it comes to home improvement and home repair supplies and materials.
4 Stars.
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I got a reply from the manager, finally after a year! She offered to let me have some free candy. Well, better late than never. It’s a great little store for all the stuff you didn’t need for your kitchen or home until you saw it for sale there.

Went to their HOUSEWARES store, worst service I have ever had, they made me leave my backpack at the register just to be able to look for the product that I wanted a set of pots and pans. They followed me through the store, leaving my backpack unattended. There are no words to describe the insult, I was wearing Prada glasses and they treated me like a criminal. Needless to say I didn’t buy anything, I tried to pick up my backpack but they wouldn’t give it back to me, they said they had to wait for the girl who set it aside but she was on break. Luckily I had my nametag on the backpack and was able to get it back. I left the store and will be logging a complaint with management tomorrow.

This place has everything, fully packed with the essentials! Clean, organized and easy to find what your looking for, especially because the staff are all asking if you need help. I recently got keys made and they were grinded down perfectly and worked the first time. Very customer friendly shop!

An office chair of ours had a cheap plastic bushing and nut that helped hold in a tiny screw to affix an armrest. When we leaned on it too hard, the plastic broke half-​way and wasn’t able to be glued back on.
A quick stop at Hensel’s led us to John. Within a few minutes he found a slightly longer screw that bored perfectly into the old plastic bushing and just threaded itself nicely in place, making the armrest re-​seat properly. How’s ten cents for a quick repair to salvage a hunk of plastic, metal and fabric from heading to the landfill?
That’s why your mom and pop Ace Hardware’s like Hensel’s can’t be beat for the little jobs. Thanks John and company!

If anyone working for Hensel’s in Arcata reads this, please stop encouraging your clerks to come up to everyone browsing in the aisles. It’s so annoying – I’ve actually gone to the Lumber Yard because they’ll ignore me as I look for what I need. At Hensel’s, I get accosted by at least three clerks every time I go in. And it’s not just me – I know others who get accosted as well. I think they’re genuinely trying to provide excellent customer service. But it’s just irritating. I really won’t hesitate to ask if I can’t find something.

I went here yesterday to pick up some random things, and it was a really nice store. After finding some funny rubber chicken dog toys on clearance, I remembered my mission and asked for directions from an employee. She was very polite and answered all of my questions. Added bonus: it is super quiet in there! I don’t know what it is about the place, but everyone speaks in hushed tones and has a very peaceful vibe. It’s definitely my new favorite hardware store!