Translation guide
The English word "hardware" covers physical tools, equipment, and computer components. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean household tools, computer parts, or military equipment.
General term for metal fittings, tools, and hardware items. Commonly used in the context of a hardware store.
I bought nails at the hardware store.
Loanword from English, used for both computer hardware and sometimes for tools, but less common for household hardware than 金物.
This store deals in hardware.
Physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals.
Weapons, equipment, and machinery used by armed forces.
While ハードウェア can be understood, 金物 is the natural term for nails, screws, and metal fittings. Using ハードウェア in a hardware store context may sound like you're talking about computers.
The computer won't work because of a hardware failure.
Modernization of military hardware is progressing.