1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated October 6, 1998 included in Summa Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP ------------------------ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Los Angeles, California December 14, 1998