Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Hardware Store in Venice, FL
Established in 1967, Babe's Ace Hardware has served Venice, Florida as a family-owned business for three generations. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and specialized product offerings sets us apart from big-box retailers. We pride ourselves on stocking hard-to-find items like industrial fasteners and providing expert advice for home improvement projects. Our team's extensive knowledge spans plumbing solutions, paint color matching, and hardware expertise, ensuring customers receive accurate guidance for their specific needs.With a legacy of community involvement and personalized service, we continue to uphold the values established by founder Babe Dalton while adapting to modern demands. Our 5,500-square-foot facility offers convenient services including key cutting, window screen repair, and propane tank exchange, making us a one-stop solution for both residential and commercial clients.
Services
Paint Color Matching
Pipe Cutting
Key Making
Window Re-screening
Propane Exchange
Grill Sales
Screen Remake
Paint Mixing
Hardware Supply
Plumbing Advice
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of hardware expertise since 1967
- Our staff provides expert advice for home improvement projects
- We stock hard-to-find plumbing and hardware items not available in big-box stores
- We guarantee working keys or we'll cut them again at no cost
- Our paint department features state-of-the-art digital color matching technology
What people say
Best hardware store
Friendly employees
Everything is available
Knowledgeable workers
Great customer service
Services
Paint Color Matching
Our digital color matching system precisely analyzes paint samples to create exact color matches. Customers can bring paint chips or color swatches for immediate processing. This service ensures perfect color consistency for touch-ups or large painting projects while offering expert advice on paint selection.
Pipe Cutting
We provide professional pipe cutting and threading services to custom specifications. Our equipment handles various pipe materials and sizes with precision. This service saves customers time and effort while ensuring proper fit for plumbing and construction applications.
Key Making
Our key cutting service handles automotive, residential, and commercial key needs. We maintain a comprehensive inventory of key blanks for different lock systems. We guarantee functional keys and will re-cut non-working keys at no additional charge.
Window Re-screening
Professional window screen repair and re-framing services extend screen longevity. Our craftsmen handle standard and custom screen sizes with durable materials. This service maintains proper ventilation while preventing pest intrusion in residential and commercial properties.
Propane Exchange
We offer convenient propane tank exchange services for residential and recreational use. Our program covers barbecue tanks, RV propane containers, and outdoor heating equipment. Customers receive certified full tanks while exchanging empty ones at competitive pricing.
People
Mike Dalton
Owner
Third-generation hardware professional with over 40 years in the business. Graduated Venice High School in 1977 and expanded the store's offerings while maintaining family values. Recognized for exceptional customer service and community involvement.
Nancy Dalton
Co-Owner
Venice native with over 20 years in retail operations. Manages daily store operations and customer relations. Known for her friendly demeanor and commitment to personalized service that makes customers feel like family.
Derrick Dalton
Store Manager
Third-generation hardware specialist with expertise in plumbing and paint departments. Manages store operations with focus on technical accuracy in color matching. Brings professional experience from construction and retail sectors.
Kim Dalton
Office Manager
Handles financial operations with extensive knowledge of store inventory systems. Provides administrative leadership while maintaining hands-on experience across all departments. Known for her customer service approachability.
Eddie Dinka
Assistant Manager
Venice resident with comprehensive product knowledge across all departments. Former University of Florida student with construction industry experience. Manages store operations with emphasis on customer education and problem-solving.
Questions
What services does Babe's Ace Hardware offer?
We provide paint color matching, key cutting, window re-screening, pipe cutting, propane exchange, and expert hardware advice. Our staff offers specialized services for both residential and commercial needs.
How long has Babe's Ace Hardware been in business?
We've served Venice since 1967, operating as a family-owned business for three generations with continuous ownership by the Dalton family since founding.
Can you special order items not in stock?
Yes, through our Ace Hardware partnership we can order any hardware item not available in our store. Special orders receive prompt delivery to our Venice location.
What makes Babe's different from big-box stores?
We offer personalized service, hard-to-find specialty items, and expert advice from experienced staff. Our family-owned operation prioritizes community relationships over mass retail strategies.
Do you have paint matching technology?
Yes, our digital color matching system accurately replicates any paint sample using advanced computerized equipment for precise color consistency in all paint orders.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5 PM, Saturday 8 AM-3 PM, and closed Sundays. Emergency hardware needs can be addressed through our special order system during business hours.
Reviews (6)
Jessica Wright
Jan 10, 2022
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As a local I take pride in supporting other locally owned stores. Every.single.time that i go into Babe's Ace Hardware (which is at least once or more a month for the past 15 years!) I have been greeted with the same employees and their same happy and knowledgeable presence every time! Not only does this store have everything I need, they are such a joy to visit with. The Dalton family and all of their staff are a wonderful staple in our little slice of paradise! Keep doing what your doing. And please don't change a thing!
Noah Hupp
Nov 11, 2021
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Worked at the job site next door, walked around the store looking at tools and the employees just followed me around like I was going to steel anything and everything. Made me feel very very uncomfortable. Way to stereotype people. Pathetic
Ronald Musselman
Oct 31, 2021
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The clerks are very disrespectful of the customers - none wear masks. I asked a senior clerk why he wasnt wearing a mask. He said, Because I dont need it. As if he was the only one that mattered. When I said theyre for the customers protection, he was completely clueless. He thought that because hed been vaccinated and had had COVID-19 himself, he didnt need one. WRONG!!!! Everyone, vaccinated or not, can carry and emit SARS-Cov 2, the virus that causes Covid-19. The clerks in another Ace store in town (MRT) all wear masks. Its time for Babes to begin caring for its
Pete Childs
Jul 24, 2021
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Great staff, helpful and courteous. We were there to get many things after closing on our condo in Venice and they treated us like we've been locals for years! Even got our first shark teeth rake there. Highly recommend Babe's.
David Petri
Jul 17, 2021
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One hell of an establishment. Can't believe the plethora of items the have there. Can find just about anything you need. The true definition of a hardware store. Ace could learn a thing or two! Staff is eager to assist you. Not like most places where they'll just breeze right past you without even a hello. Great job guys!
Nap Nap Nap
Jun 03, 2021
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My husband placed an order for pick up last week. He asked me to drive from S. Venice to Venice Island to make the pick up. When I returned home with his order, one part was missing! I called the store and Mike apologized. Then he offered to drop the part off at our house. Wow! Not only did Babe's Ace Hardware on Miami Ave. fill our order, they went above and beyond offering door to door service. I highly recommend this well stocked and responsible hardware store.
