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 May 22, 1998
appearing in the Annual Report of Form 11-K of the Quanex Corporation Hourly
Bargaining Unit Employees Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1997.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
- -------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
June 29, 1998