<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The 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>                          JAN-03-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-29-1997
<CASH>                                          76,400
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  453,300
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    329,200
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               899,200
<PP&E>                                       1,206,300
<DEPRECIATION>                                 644,700
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,633,500
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          387,000
<BONDS>                                        298,900
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       230,900
<OTHER-SE>                                     561,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,633,500
<SALES>                                        646,600
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               646,600
<CGS>                                          431,400
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  431,400
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,300
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 58,700
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             36,700
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    36,700
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .41
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0