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 May 17, 1995, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of Quanex Corporation Employee Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1994. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP - ------------------------------ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Houston, Texas June 29, 1994