EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our reports included in this Form 11-K into the previously filed Snap-on Incorporated Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-57898) for the Snap-on Incorporated 401(k) Savings Plan, Snap-on Incorporated 401(k) Personal Savings Plan for Collective Bargained Groups and Snap-on Incorporated 401(k) Savings Plan for Subsidiaries. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Chicago, Illinois June 6, 2002