Exhibit 15








April 16, 2001


Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.


We are aware of the  incorporation  by reference in the  Registration  Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-17912 dated November 4, 1987) of Lawson  Products,  Inc. of our
report dated April 16, 2001  relating to the  unaudited  condensed  consolidated
interim financial statements of Lawson Products,  Inc. which are included in its
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the  Securities Act of 1933 our report is not part of
the  registration  statement  prepared or  certified by  accountants  within the
meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.




                                                       /s/    ERNST & YOUNG LLP