Exhibit 23.1



            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the (i) Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-29287) and related  Prospectus  pertaining to
the 1989  Long-Term  Performance  Incentive Plan of NL  Industries,  Inc.,  (ii)
Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (File No.  33-25913) and related  Prospectus
pertaining  to  the  NL  Industries,   Inc.   Retirement   Savings  Plan,  (iii)
Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-65817) and related  Prospectus
pertaining to the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan of NL Industries,  Inc. and (iv)
Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-48145) and related  Prospectus
pertaining  to  the  1992  Non-Employee   Directors  Stock  Option  Plan  of  NL
Industries,  Inc.,  of our  report  dated  February  23,  2004  relating  to the
consolidated   financial  statements  of  CompX  International  Inc.,  which  is
incorporated  by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K
of NL Industries, Inc dated September 24, 2004.




                                                     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Dallas, Texas
October 26, 2004