Five Points Paint & Hardware

Richard Carter

Edited 11 years ago

December 2014 Update (been away two years): ==================================== A true Birmingham icon, this place rocks. Thankfully, nothing has changed: We walked in and spent twenty minutes hunting, yet nobody said BOO, let alone "May we help you with something?" Geez, I guess all the help were too busy doing something really important to notice the customer; that's OK, the customer knew what he wanted, although he could not find it this day. Doubtless this specialty, hard-to-find item was securely ensconced behind one of many locked glass doors, just WHERE remaining a mystery. Maybe next time. Cheers. ============================================= 2012: A very thorough, conveniently-located, yet bizarre hardware store: easily a third the displayed inventory value is under glass, lock and key, the result of severe shoplifting + stereotype-driven paranoia. Heavy-duty bars on the windows and doors add to the cheery correctional motif. I'm told the owner packs heat under his jacket, just like the friendly folks at the local package store. I recommend browsing with your hands held up over your head. How they keep track of all those keys is a wonder in itself. And it does take some time getting at all that stuff if the place is the least bit busy. It is kind of like buying online, except eventually someone will saunter over to open that glass case for you so you can actually touch the item, heft it, and read the product information printed on the back of the packaging. I understand and agree with ALL the reviewers here, but particularly second the one supporting any local business, as this place is a treasure, however wronged you may have felt (and justifiably so) from unwarranted scrutiny, morgue ambiance, condescension, ad nauseum. Don't go looking for friendly, agreeable service, and you will not be disappointed. They don't sell hardware at the Birmingham Jail! Try finding low-volume, hard-to-find, wierd and legacy items (and knowledge!) at your out

Ben Wright

3 years ago

If you're not a pro, know precisely what you're looking for or if you're the thinskined sort, most of y'all are, this might not be you're spot. But they have a dedicated following for being an old school knowledgeable hardware store. Some prices are high, some are low, NOS tools can still be found . I love it. Just do your research before asking questions you could have googled and leave you're feelings in the parking lot. Hope they never sell. I find giant hotels that say Homewood more offensive than the resident curmudgeon of 5pts.

Grant M.

5 years ago

Was doing some contracting work at a jobsite across the street and had to buy hardware and tools here multiple times today. Very helpful and knowledgeable guys working here. Gave me the perfect type of wall anchors for the 100lb cabinets I was hanging. The Chinesium hardware that was included with the cabinets was vastly insufficient at holding something like that on a wall. Albeit a little brash, you shouldn’t expect amazing customer service here. Some of the other reviewers need to grow a thicker skin. I’d rather go somewhere where someone knows what they are talking about and get what I need in a few minutes, than have a guy at a big box store tell you “I don’t know.” A little pricy, but saved the timeline for our project and they will be getting my business in the future. Thanks guys.

Vince Alfano

4 years ago

What an asset to the Birmingham area...They have everything! I had searched the entire Southeast for old faucet seats to complete a reno in Lillian, AL. The gentleman that helped me not only had the correct seats, he made a special tool to make the install a little easier. Five Points Hardware is well worth the trip if you are looking for new or vintage hardware or just to see what a real hardware store looks like...its a true step back in time.

Alex Cross

a year ago

My car key broke in the lock. I took the pieces to Five Points Hardware and they cut me a new key for $6. The Toyota dealer wanted almost $200 for a blank key cut.

mike b

7 years ago

This place fascinates me to no end! I have been here about a dozen times and I have never had a pleasant experience. The owner has this intense Severus Snape vibe as he follows you around the shop while offering assistance that is somehow both entirely unhelpful and sharply condescending. The inventory is stunning, and their location is perfect to sell hardware at the mark up that they do... nonetheless that doesn't mean they want people to buy stuff. On the contrary they hate customers like the plague, and you are made to feel anxious so as to stop you from browsing the aisles. It's truly an experience, so if you need some hardware and you are okay with overpaying a bit you should go see for yourself.

James Hooker

7 years ago

Anyone who remembers the local hardware store and happens to be one of those people who can get lost walking among the aisles figuring out what to do with all of those cool pieces of hardware will appreciate Five Points Paint & Hardware. If you knew the owner you would know the big box boys will never defeat him. We should all support this guy and his store because they can figure it out for you and they probably have just what you need.

Trenton Davis

7 years ago

I felt like I was in hardware heaven from the moment I walked thru the door! The whole staff was friendly and smiling and I felt like I was actually welcome there! Everything was clean and homey and I felt like I could ask the employees anything. I had the pleasure of talking to the owner for about 20 minutes and he is a genuine amazing guy. I love this place and I highly recommend people to shop there! PS: I am not an actual customer and have never even been to this establishment. My opinions should not reflect the opinions of customer’s

Kelly Bruce

2 years ago

You can keep your Lowe’s and Home Depot, I will only be coming here from now on to get hardware. They have the biggest selection of older model items and the staff is so helpful. He knew exactly what I needed before I even said a word, just took a glance at the bag my old part was in. Got me all set up and walked me through what I needed to do when I got home step by step. I couldn’t be happier with my experience here today!!

owen Utsey

5 months ago

I didn’t choose the hardware life; the hardware life chose me. Walked in as a civilian. Walked out wielding a saw like Thor and convinced I could rebuild civilization from scratch if needed. Staff cheered silently, probably proud.