FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                Exhibit (20)(iii)

July 18, 1997

STANLEY ANNOUNCES   PRODUCTION  AND  WORKFORCE  CHANGES  IN 
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT

New Britain, Connecticut (NYSE:   SWK ) ...  In reference to
today's earlier company-wide announcement of programs for growth,
The Stanley Works provided information concerning its central
Connecticut employment levels.  In an April, 1997 announcement,
the company indicated it would transfer certain production to
Richmond, Virginia impacting 150 manufacturing positions in
Central Connecticut.  Stanley's Central Connecticut employment
stood at about 2,100 before that announcement. Today the company
announced it will eliminate an additional 110 manufacturing
positions and add approximately 120 salaried positions, over the
next twelve months.

The company announced further transfers of Stanley Hardware
packaging operations from New Britain and intentions to outsource
several products.  Additionally, the company announced the
formation of a hardware manufacturing joint venture with
Zhongshan Xiaolan Industrial Company ( Xiaolan ) of Zhongshan
City, Guangdong, China.  Stanley Hardware has been purchasing
product from this company for the past year and will now have a
majority ownership interest in it.  Current plans are to transfer
production of some its residential hinge line to Xiaolan over the
next year.  Xiaolan has three factories which manufacture this
type of product and was selected for its capabilities in the
areas of quality, reliability and low-cost.

Finally, the company will centralize many of its administrative
functions, such as finance and customer service, and will invest
in additional engineering and marketing positions.  These actions
are expected to add approximately 120 salaried positions in
Central Connecticut.

Commenting on these initiatives, John M. Trani, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer stated:  "To grow, we must be
competitive.  That starts by becoming the low-cost producer.  In
the case of our Central Connecticut operations, this necessitates
product transfers to lower-cost locations and resulting workforce
reductions.  For our administration, it means the consolidation
of efforts into Central Connecticut.  This is a painful process,
and we are extremely sensitive to the needs of our people. 
Notification periods, severance packages and benefits will all be
provided to the fullest extent possible.  Benefits have been
increased substantially from prior policies."

The Stanley Works is a worldwide producer of tools, hardware and
specialty hardware for consumer, home improvement, industrial and
professional use.
  
Contact:   Anthony J. Herrling
           Stanley Corporate Communications
           Tel.:  (800) 300-4679   

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