1



                                                                    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 March 28, 1997
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 11-K of the Quanex Corporation Hourly
Bargaining Unit Employees Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1996.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
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DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
June 24, 1997