Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated February 11, 2005, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting on page 25 of the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2004, by reference in the prospectuses constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-43902, 333-24215, 333-61980 and 333-105185) and on Form S-4 (No. 33-32091) of W.W. Grainger, Inc.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 25, 2005