1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33-38702 of Quanex Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated April 26, 1994, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of Quanex Corporation Employee Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1993. /s/ Deloitte & Touche - - - - - ------------------------------ DELOITTE & TOUCHE Houston, Texas June 27, 1994