1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and
"Auditors, Transfer Agent and Registrar" and to the use of our report dated July
25, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
National-Oilwell, Inc. included in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (No. 333-32191) and the related Joint Management Information
Circular and Proxy Statement/Prospectus of National-Oilwell, Inc. and Dreco
Energy Services Ltd.
    
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Houston, Texas
   
August 15, 1997