EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-30137, 33-63086 and 2-93666) of our report dated March 2, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Dallas, Texas March 24, 1998