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                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-46824 of Quanex Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated May 3, 1996
appearing in the Annual Report of Form 11-K of the Quanex Corporation Hourly
Bargaining Unit Employee Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1995.


   /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
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       Deloitte & Touche LLP


Houston, Texas
June 24, 1996