Bell Home & Hardware — Local services in New York

I normally don’t post reviews, but O…M…F…G… I was at my wit’s end and flipping my lid before I decided to go Bell Hardware, it SHOULD have been the FIRST PLACE to go to get keys made. I was showing a prospective renter a rental unit I had recently listed. The day before, I made a set of keys at another local hardware store, they were only able to make 2 of the 3 keys I had, because they didn’t have that particular type of key in stock. So later that night I went to The Home Depot to get it made since it’s on the way home. Apparently their automated key copy machine was unable to read that key and advised me to go to see an associate at the key station. I went there and had the associate was also unable to get their machine to scan the key properly to cut. So they told me, they’re going to override the machine to get the key made. I was like, OK, great! So I got the key made with a slight difference at the tip of the new key that didn’t have the same grove as the old key. The associate said that it should be fine and thought I was all good. So the following day when I met up with the client, the first key got us into the lobby. The second key unlocked of the door locks to the unit. Then, I tried the third key… the knob wasn’t turning. So I jiggled and fin-angled inserting the key and turning but to no avail. It was the most important key to get into the unit, it locks the door knob. So to make a long story short, I couldn’t get into the unit and embarrassingly had to tell client that the set of keys I just had copied the night before isn’t working. So we had to reschedule for another day. I had to apologize profusely, because never in my life had I had an issue like this.

Later that day, I didn’t go back to the original hardware store because they didn’t have the key in stock to cut, so I googled for another hardware store in the area and found Bell Hardware. I called to asked if they made keys and the lady that answered the phone said that they do. Awesome! I went there and gave the key to the lady at the counter to have it made. She immediately saw the issue and said that the original key is a bit worn at the tip, but was able to get the groove cut, where Home Depot failed…. I do realize that most big box store associates aren’t there for the knowledge or expertise, but if you do find one that is knowledgeable, kudos! They’re just there for the convenience and have the capital to open where ever they want as opposed to a small business entrepreneur.

I am so glad I found Bell Hardware! They were able to help lower my blood pressure and anxiety.

I included a photo of the difference of the keys made, the silver key was made by Home Depot. The gold key was expertly made by Bell Hardware. They’re...

In a time when most relationships are digital & transactional, Nancy and Bell Home & Hardware area beacon of humanity and a reminder of what the neighborhood can represent. I've been to the store for a few times and seen the customers come in and Nancy knows so many of them by name and vice versa. I've come to Nancy for plumbing issues, plastering advice and most recently to replace all of my window screens (12+). Nancy is extremely knowledgeable, and the prices are more than reasonable, especially considering the expert advice. So far Nancy has saved me over $500 in professional fees so I'm definitely ahead. It's such a pleasure walking in here, seeing the neighborhood come together and improving their property, chatting with Nancy, and also nice to see the neighborhood support local. If there was a pot of coffee in there, I'd probably never leave. Let's keep the neighborhood thriving, Bayside. Go to Bell home and hardware and experience it for yourself. You...

Bell Home & Hardware has saved me countless times. Whether it’s an emergency purchase like a wet vac or a routine hardware run for a masonry drill bit, BHH has it all. Nancy and her staff really know their inventory and keep well stocked. Once I grabbed a thermocouple off the shelf to repair my boiler not realizing it was too short. They called that to my attention and got me a 36” piece. Saved me a lot of frustration and got our heat back on quickly. BHH pays attention and gives each customer friendly, courteous and most importantly knowledgeable service. I know I can count on BHH and am so grateful that they are in my community. I would strongly recommend you take your next short list of hardware or cleaning items to BHH. Not only will they fill it at a great price but you can see for yourself how much more they have to offer. Keys copied? Recycling...