Rainford Hardware

The man behind the counter clearly doesn't want business based on his terrible attitude. I went in and said, "Hi, for key cutting do you use a manual or automated machine?" He faffed around, seemingly somehow offended by my question, and without answering me. I looked at him strangely and asked if I could see the machine. He pointed to it, but with my 5'2" height I couldn't see over the 6' pile of rubbish between myself and the machine anyway. He then demanded that I show him the key because I "come in asking questions and we don't even know if I can do them!" I said, "They are standard keys..." and he agreed, saying that the machine is not fully automated and requires some manual intervention, while still being short with me. I explained that I'd had issues before with keys not working when an old fashioned manual machine was used - hence, my question. His shop is an old private hardware store, so who knew what he would have. I handed him the keys, saying to go ahead because he was the only one open. He told me I wasn't obliged to get my keys cut there, so I asked him if he actually wanted business. He then told me that I came in asking too many questions and then made a comment about it.... so I took my keys from his hand, turned, and told him on my way out that is not how to run a business.

Long story short, rude man who doesn't care enough about his business to treat a potential customer with any respect or courtesy.

Update: just got the keys cut at an actual locksmith's nearby and asked about this hardware store. He asked why I was asking and I said the man hadn't been very nice. He told me a lot of people say that. I told him what happened and he confirmed that the machine used there is the one I did NOT want - (i.e. it is not even close to "modern") and that a lot of people have come to him after their keys haven't worked. Even the guy himself has come to ask why keys haven't worked only to be told by the actual locksmith that he'd used the wrong key, so it wouldn't even fit in the door! For keys, it's worth trying to catch the actual locksmith near the latchmere pub between call outs!

Very rude and complained about a job being too big. Sorry for trying to give a struggling business some work, never again. I tried compromising and coming to an arrangement, which he said I was being 'Too difficult'. Goodbye.

To say the lease, this shop surprised me immensely, it's a shop that has a little bit of everything and I think it was the owner was very warm and attentive. Will definitely be going back if need be.

Everyone’s right how this man is still in business I do not know, wemade out as though his job was very hard, it said open on the door and and from 9 I went at 10.30 only for him to be rude and practically not serve me because he said he wasn’t open, even though the sign sign said so. Rude rude rude person

An excellent shop with all kinds of small ironmongery crammed into it. Friendly owner with a lively personality.

We use this shop all the time, mostly stocks everything. Never experienced any rudeness only ever been helpful and can have a giggle. Possibly some people expect a Fortnum & Mason approach 🤔 .

Don’t be put of by the overcrowded looks. Owner is very helpful and you’re guaranteed to find anything you may need here, and at very fair prices.

Chaotic but charming, proprietor can be a bit of a grump and you might stab your self on something unwittingly.