1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Brady Corporation: We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-38857, 333-38859 and 333-44505 of Brady Corporation (formerly W. H. Brady Co.) on Forms S-8 of our reports dated September 23, 1999, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brady Corporation for the year ended July 31, 1999. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 25, 1999