Exhibit 23.1





                           Consent of Independent Auditors

          We consent to the incorporation  by reference in the Registration
          Statement  (Form  S-8) pertaining  to  The  Stanley Works  401(k)
          Savings Plan of our  report dated January 31, 1994,  with respect
          to  the consolidated  financial statements  and schedules  of The
          Stanley  Works and our reports dated March 18, 1994, with respect
          to the financial statements and schedules of the Savings Plan for
          Salaried  Employees of The Stanley Works and the Savings Plan for
          Hourly  Paid  Employees  of  The Stanley  Works  incorporated  by
          reference  or included as exhibits in the Annual Report (Form 10-
          K) of  The Stanley  Works for the  fiscal year  ended January  1,
          1994.



                                                  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

          Hartford, Connecticut
          September 23, 1994