<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from The
Stanley Works and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements
of Earnings and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-30-1996
<CASH>                                          39,300
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  454,900
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    335,200
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               875,200
<PP&E>                                       1,147,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                 620,300
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,628,400
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          348,400
<BONDS>                                        384,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       230,800
<OTHER-SE>                                     512,500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,628,400
<SALES>                                        635,300
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               635,300
<CGS>                                          429,300
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  429,300
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 47,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                    17,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,600
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    29,600
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .33
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<FN>
<F1>The above Financial Data Schedule includes the retroactive effect of the 
two-for-one stock split declared on April 17, 1996.  Prior period Financial
Data Schedules have not been restated.
</FN>